Senior Day at Kinnick
Big Ten title hopes diminished
Why should the Iowa Hawkeyes even show up to play Saturday? According to the so called "experts" Ohio State is the only team that is playing for anything (Big Ten Title hopes) and Iowa has merely been pushed by the wayside.
But this is Iowa.
And Kirk Ferentz doesn't know the word quit.
The Hawks are still playing for a January 1 bowl game (Capital One or Outback), and look to leave fans with a better taste in their mouths than the bitter aftertaste of last weeks disappointing loss to Northwestern. As the senior class will play in-front of Kinnick Stadium one last time. Johnson-Koulianos, Clayborn, Stanzi, Greenwood are all names that will be forever remembered for this class for obvious reasons.
Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (DJK) had large expectations coming in as a freshman and it's safe to say every year he has improved in all facets of the game, and many people will contest that he was in Ferentz's doghouse; which cut into his playing time.
Adrian Clayborn's coming out party to me was in 2008 versus Iowa State with 7 tackles. No he didn't have any big "wow" plays, but he showed heart and was all-over the field. I remember sending a text to my brother during the rainy day saying, "Clayborn is a beast. He's going to be good." Clayborn's performances versus Penn State (twice) and Georgia Tech are memorable and won't be forgotten anytime soon.
Ricky Stanzi is near and dear to Hawkeye hearts everywhere, literally. He has been in so many nail-biting contests that Hawkeyes swear they've "had heart attacks during the 4th quarter." His maturity and leadership get rave reviews from Head Coach Kirk Ferentz. Let's hope he can lead the Hawkeyes to a few more wins this season, mainly 3 (meaning the Hawks win out).
Brent Greenwood might be a name that goes unnoticed but after starting and playing for 4 years he has been pivotal in many games. His interceptions late against Illinois in 2007 and Michigan in 2009 are stand out plays that sealed Ws for the Hawkeyes.
This class is memorable and the Hawkeye faithful should be thankful for the time and memories this class has produced.
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