The B1G Media Days are starting. But before the barrage of Penn State questions asked to every coach, here are a few things.

Kirk Ferentz is stealing all your players

Mark me down on the surprised list. I wasn't expecting Kirk Ferentz to go after Penn State players. While it doesn't seem like his style to poach kids from other schools, we have seen it before plenty of times on the recruiting trail. Iowa is afraid to get kids committed to other schools (especially if those schools are MAC schools). But more so, there just doesn't seem to be much room on the roster. The NCAA is allowing schools to go over the 85-limit on scholarship players to accommodate PSU transfers for one year only. So, yes, great for this year, but next year is already pretty full. There are 18 seniors on Iowa's roster, but I think only 16 on scholarship (it's hard to say which former walk-ons are now on scholarship). Those 16 slots that will be open next year are already "filled" by the current list of commitments (well maybe they will be a spot opening up...see below). Anyway, if the need is strong enough and the kid really wants to be a Hawkeye there is probably some wiggle room and Iowa can make it work. And that's what it looks like they are trying to do.

Bill O'Brien spoke with ESPN on Mike and Mike yesterday morning. The most interesting bit from the interview from my Black and Gold tinted perspective was a bit around the 5:30 mark that 3 coaches had called him personally to ask about speaking to Penn State players. Kirk Ferentz was one. O'Brien was very appreciative of the fact that KF made that call. O'Brien made it sound like a player or players contacted Ferentz and that Ferentz was going to listen.

Iowa would gladly take any running back or defensive lineman. But which PSU players are actually interested in Iowa? The names that jump out though are RB Akeel Lynch and WR Malik Golden. Both are underclassmen and had Iowa high on their list before picking Penn State.

Trevon Young is stealing something

Just a month ago, Trevon Young was pledging his commitment to Iowa. He seemed like a great in-state get, and from Des Moines no less. Fast forwards to yesterday and Young was arrested by Des Moines police for third-degree burglary. In Iowa that's a Class D Felony which can carry up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine in the range of $750 to $7,500. So yeah. My initial thought is that he's done. Maybe he could go the route of Michael Malloy, who is coming to Iowa as a walk-on this year after getting arrested and having his offer pulled. But that's probably best case scenario for Young.

Some other stuff

  • Former Iowa QB Chuck Long is joining BTN as a studio and game analyst.
  • Iowa has released the 2012 media guide. It only 208 pages...there goes my afternoon.
  • Included in the media guide is a preseason depth chart. There aren't too many surprised on here, but there are a couple of notable things. Ray Hamilton is now listed as an "or" with Zach Derby as second string TE. Transfer FB Mark Weisman shows up for the first time. Walk-on Tommy Gaul is now the back-up center (though I think Boffeli, who's listed at right guard, is the real number 2). And, who knows about the defensive line.