By Nick Robertson
After what some would call a controversial and disappointing end to the 2010-2011 football season, many believed that the Hawkeyes would feel it most in their recruiting.
There were whispers of lost recruits and shortcomings because of the tensions in the locker room and program in general, which was topped of with several drug charges to top players and an exercising debacle that has yet to be sorted out. However, by the looks of the recruits that will be joining the Hawks in the spring, one might think we had won another Orange Bowl. During the national signing day press conference on Wednesday Kirk Ferentz seemed pleased and excited about the players who have committed to the University of Iowa.
A year ago when Marcus Coker signed his letter of intent to Iowa, little did we know about how much of a weapon he will be off the field. Two recruits from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland (former high school of Marcus Coker) is home to two commits, defensive lineman Darian Cooper and defensive back Jordan Lomax, as well as defensive back, Niko Law from Bishop McNamara High School, who is a close friend with both players. All three players were three or four star recruits. Kirk hinted at a possible pipeline from that area to the University of Iowa.
Ferentz talks about the challenges of recruiting on the east coast and the work done by linebackers coach Darrell Wilson in landing those players
[audio:http://krui.fm/assets/sports//Kirk-Recruiting%20east%20coast.MP3]Other notable commits were Ray Hamilton out of Strongsville, Ohio. Hamilton is a 6-3 235-pound tight end that will be a useful blocking and catching weapon.
Rodney Coe from Glen Carbon, Illinois, a 6-3 238-pound running back that has both speed and power.
Most notably Jake Rudock a 6-3 quarterback from Weston, Florida. He was named the 2010 Old Spice Player of the Year by, USA Today, as well as leading his team to a Florida State High School Championship in his senior year. “In many ways (Rudock) is a lot like Marcus Coker in what he brings to the table in ability and talent,” said Ferentz. The 2011 recruiting class brings the Hawkeye Football team a lot to look forward to in the future, but as we all know (as learned this year) potential is only good if you live up to it.
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