Pre Spring Presser

Kirk Ferentz today addressed the media for the first time since signing day. Here is a rundown of what he had to say:

Tyler Sash, Brent Greenwood, Kyle Haganman, Steve Bigach, and Adam Robinson will not be participating in spring practice due to injuries. None of those injuries are expected to effect fall camp.

Paul Chaney will be limited, Jewell Hampton will have no contact, and Bernstein will be participating

Offensive Line:
Could be as many as 8-9 guys fighting for the starting 5
Julian Vandevelde and Riley Reiff have a leg up
Hundertmark has moved to the OL
Nolan MacMillan back after a sports hernia late last season
Dominic Alvis will be slowed by a groin injury
Guys mentioned be Ferentz: Nolan MacMillan, Adam Gettis, Dominic Alvis, Markus Zusevics, and Cody Hundertmark
Per Marc Morehouse's picture tweet the two deep looked like this:
Reiff /Haganman
Vandevelde/Drew Clark
Koeppel/Ferentz
Gettis/Hundertmark
Zusevics/MacMillan

RB:
Likes the position they are in with three guys with experience. Probably won't find out much in the spring with Robinson not going and little contact for Hampton

TE:
Little concerned about the backup but feels good about Reisner as the starter.

WR:
Top heavy group with three seniors on the squad.
Thinks McNutt could have an Adrian Clayborn like coming out season
Likes Sandeman, he just needs to stay healthy
Likened the experience that Keenan Davis got last fall to that of AJ Edds his true freshman year, looks for a big step forward from Keenan

DL:
Couldn't stop singing the praises of Clayborn
Said he say were the guys up for the DL of the year award last year were all seniors, likes Adrian's chances
His contacts stated the Clayborn would have been a first rounder this season in the draft
Last spring when there were some injuries Clayborn and Ballard both jumped inside without being asked, said that speaks for their character
Klug and Clayborn are the leaders of the defense, said Klug wasn't far behind Clayborn as far as impact goes
Clayborn will have some punishment for his recent guilty plea, but not miss any game time
Mentioned Clayborn having a possible "Suh" like season

LB:
Mentioned Tyler Nielsen, Bruce Davis, Troy Johnson, and Jeff Tarpanian as battling for the two open spots
Saw good things from all four last season at times
Tarpanian made every kickoff tackle last year in the Orange Bowl, Ferentz thought it has "clicked" for him

DB:
Prater probable as on starter
Bernstein, Lowe, Castillo, and Hyde going after the other spot

K:
Thinks they can get better, likes the fact that they have two guys with experience.

Doesn't expect much from freshman class, thinks a couple might play special teams.

Said that he informs the team that their margin of error is very slim, three wins last year could have easily been losses. Need to remain focused and rest on the accolades of last season.