It was a melancholy press conference today in Iowa City, as Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz confirmed that sophomore running back Jewel Hampton will undergo knee surgery and miss the entire 2009 season.
Dreadful rumors about Hampton potentially missing the upcoming season have been circulating through Hawkeye Nation since he injured the knee in non-contact drills back in July, but because the coaching staff has been protecting information regarding his status with Dick Cheney efficiency, the situation has been shrouded in mystery until now.
Hampton, who rushed for 463 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman, was the favorite to fill the void left by the departed All-American, Shonn Greene, but the starting job is now officially up for grabs, with anywhere between three and five capable candidates fighting for the job like Jennifer Aniston going after a bouquette at her girlfriend's wedding.
Potential replacements:
Paki O'Meara - A capable blocker and trusted receiver, O'Meara gets a bad rap for the simple fact he is a former walk-on. That's it. Breaking some big runs early in the season and starring in a few highlight reels will have Iowa fans believing he is the next walk-on-turned-star of the Ferentz era.
Adam Robinson - A former Des Moines Lincoln High School star who came to Iowa as a greyshirt with little hype compared to teammate Jordan Bernstine, Robinson's explosive running style has fueled his rise up the depth charts.
Jeff Brinson - The indubitable favorite of Iowa fans to win the job, Brinson is a punishing runner who will earn the starting job by staying on the field (has been slowed by an ankle injury) and improving his pass blocking.
Brandon Wegher - A heralded recruit out of Sioux City Heelan, this true freshman has been compared to former Hawkeye great Tim Dwight, and is already getting rave reviews for his performance on the field and in the weight room.
Brad Rogers - Recruited by Ohio State to play fullback, this 230-pound bruiser has the body of Shonn Greene, and could see serious playing time as a true frosh if the aforementioned candidates prove unimpressive.
Comments
Sad news but Iowa will still be alright. They have a great line and Stanzi should be the Manzi this year.
Go Hawks!!!
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....
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