Iowa running back Jeff Brinson (left), stiff arms a defender
With 15 returning starters from the 9-4 team that capped off the season by routing South Carolina in the Outback Bowl, the 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes will feature ample ability and experience. A veritable spread of returning talent at key positions should bode well for the next edition of Iowa football, yet many new faces will be relied upon to pave the potholes hollowed by graduation.
Key losses at defensive tackle, running back and wide receiver will enable a litany of younger players to assume larger roles this season, which naturally allows for a new slate of fan favorites, players who inexorably inspire questions of “Who the hell is number (fill in the blank)?” early in the year.
This week we will count down the five players all Iowa fans will love by season’s end. While they might not achieve instant national fame or garner consideration for coveted accolades this year, they stand to become household names across Big Ten country.
1. Jeff Brinson, Running Back, Redshirt Freshman
A heralded recruit coming out of Florida, Brinson’s chance of seeing the field in 2008 was derailed by an offseason leg injury. Fellow freshman Jewel Hampton seized the backup role to eventual Doak Walker winner Shonn Greene, playing admirably and thus never relinquishing the role.
In rushing for 463 yards and seven touchdowns, Hampton solidified his status as the team’s starting running back entering the 2009 season. But expect Brinson to constantly press him for carries. Earning all-state honors in the talent-rich state of Florida, Brinson amassed startling career numbers in high school, carrying the ball 567 times for 4,925 yards and 67 touchdowns.
In much the same way Fred Russell and Jermelle Lewis split carries during Iowa’s monumental 11-2 season in 2002, Hampton and Brinson will divide the workload in 2009. Expect Hampton to get typical featured-back carries, while Brinson should see 10-15 touches a game. At 5-11, 220 pounds and growing larger each day, Brinson is a bigger back who could exhibit glimpses of the bruising style of play made popular by Greene last year.
If all goes according to plan, and if Iowa’s vaunted offensive line is as good as advertised, Iowa fans might want to fashion their own “Slash and Dash” style name for this year’s backfield tandem. They could be that good.
Comments
I've heard really good things about Brinson, both his natural abilities and his character. From what I understand Iowa really lucked out by getting this kid. Look forward to watching him.
Brinson will get his chance to shine if the rumors about a Hampton knee injury prove true.
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