Whether or not the University of Iowa wants to admit it or not, but losing running backs on the football field is becoming a trend. In fact, losing a star running back each year has become a norm in the program.
In 2011, the Iowa football team has now lost two running backs -- first freshman Mika'il McCall and now sophomore Marcus Coker.
According to a press release sent out by the University of Iowa on Tuesday, Coker has withdrawn his application to enroll in classes this semester and has asked and been granted his scholarship release from the football team.
Coker rushed for 1,384 yards this season and scored 15 touchdowns, but was suspended by Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz from the Insight Bowl against Oklahoma for what the university called "disciplinary reasons."
McCall also was suspended for a game this season and later asked to be released from his scholarship.
So, in one full football season, Iowa has now lost its top two tailbacks in 2011 and beyond as both had multiple years of eligibility left.
It is a growing -- and bad trend -- at the Iowa as several running backs in the past three years have not panned out. That list includes Jewel Hampton, Adam Robinson, Brandon Wegher and Jeff Brinson.
The loss of Coker leaves Iowa with a gigantic hole at the running back position. And the only players left from this year's team are redshirt freshman DeAndre Johnson and truew freshmen Jordan Canzeri and Damon Bullock. Sophomore Brad Rogers has experience at running back but would be better suited at fullback.
The Hawkeyes did recently receive a verbal commitment from four-star running back Greg Garmon of Erie, Pennsylvania. Garmon could like Coker as he stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 200 pounds in high school.
Garmon is ranked No. 12 by scout.com and chose Iowa over other big time programs, such as Ohio State, Michigan, Miami, Arkansas, Penn State, Illinois, Florida State and Tennessee.
With the latest news, it is safe to say that Garmon's chances of playing right away next season just improved a lot. And it may be what Hawkeye fans need to lessen the blow of another punch to the stomach.
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