Current Players
Seniors: 1 - O'MearaJuniors: 0
Sophomores: 4 - Wegher, Robinson, Hampton, White
RS Freshmen: 1 - Rogers
Freshmen: 4 - Johnson, Jordan, Coker
The logjam at running back no longer seems to be a problem. Jeff Brinson and Josh Brown both left the program and 5 of the 6 running backs had some kind of injury during spring practice. Robinson had surgery, Wegher sustained a minor shoulder injury, Paki had a knee thing I think, Hampton was "recovering" from his ACL tear from last year, and Rogers got dinged up in the spring game. So, though Iowa fans don't need any reminder of the importance of a deep pool of running back, this spring just reiterated it.
All the backs should be fine by fall though, so barring another string of injuries, Iowa should be set at running back with the trio of Wegher, Hampton, and Robinson through 2012. I believe Marcus Coker has potential to take over the spot in 2013 and 2014, but no guarantees there. Rogers could also see some time, though I think he'll wind up at fullback and taking over when Morse graduates. (Side note on fullbacks - Iowa doesn't usually recruit fullbacks; instead the coaches like to convert a linebacker or tight end or a big running back. So...no post on recruiting fullbacks.) The Hawkeyes just need to build some depth at this position for the future. The good news is that recruits took notice to what Shonn Greene did at Iowa and what he's doing in the NFL. There are some great possibilities in the 2011 class at running back.
2011 Needs: 2
Prospects Offered
Rodney Coe - Edwardsville, IL | Scout: 5*Links: Scout, Rivals
Coe has offers from pretty much everyone, but he has shown a strong interest in Iowa. He is a big back (6'3", 230lb) and fits the Shonn Greene mold. Coe visited Iowa in April.
Jameel Poteat - Harrisburg, PA | Scout: 4*
Links: Scout, Rivals
Poteat has been collecting offers from big schools around the country. He's from Pennsylvania and I think he's interested in staying close with Pitt or maybe some other Big East schools. It sounds like he's keeping his options open though.
Justice Hayes - Grand Blanc, MI | Scout: 4*
Links: Scout, Rivals
Hayes has offers from around the Big Ten (plus Notre Dame). But, Iowa was the first to offer (and Roy Marble is his uncle) and Iowa is still near the top of his list.
Remound Wright - Fort Wayne, IN | Scout: 4*
Links: Scout, Rivals
Iowa is probably the best school to offer Wright thus far. His other offers are from some of the lesser Big Ten schools. Based on the schools he's interest in though, it seems as if he's waiting for a "big" offer from a traditional power school.
Mike Blakely - Bradenton, FL | Scout: 4*
Links: Scout, Rivals
Blakely has offers from around the country but will likely stay close to home. Schools like Auburn, Florida, and Clemson are more probable than Iowa.
Lafayette Pitts - Pittsburgh, PA | Scout: 3*
Links: Scout, Rivals
When your last name is Pitts and you are from Pittsburgh it only seems right that you would go to Pitt, and sure enough the Panthers are one of a few teams who have offered Pitts. I would be shocked if he doesn't stay in his hometown to play football in 2011.
Melvin Gordon - Kenosha, WI | Scout: 3*
Links: Scout, Rivals
Iowa was the second team to offer Gordon and he has had the Hawkeyes high on his list ever since. The message board chatter has other schools offering Gordon to play at receiver or on the defense, but he wants to be a running back, and that's where the Iowa coaches see him.
Torrey Campbell - Naples, FL | NR
Links: Scout, Rivals
Iowa is currently in Campbell's top 4, but it sounds like he has enjoyed his time visiting Iowa's Orange Bowl foes Georgia Tech.
Cam McDaniel - Coppell, TX | NR
Links: Scout, Rivals
Iowa was the first to offer McDaniel. The likes of Stanford, Iowa State, and a few other smaller schools followed suit. McDaniel visited Iowa City about a month ago and liked the Iowa program.
Darrian Miller - Blue Springs, MO | NR
Committed to Kansas.
Joe Bergeron - Mesquite, TX | Scout: 4*
Committed to Texas.
Kenny Williams - Pflugerville, TX | NR
Committed to Texas Tech.