Spring Football Begins Today

The Iowa Football team will step out onto the practice field for the first time since November when it begins spring practice on Wednesday. Kirk Ferentz will address the media as well. HN.com will be there and will have a full report later in the day...

There will be some interesting angles to follow this spring as it relates to the Iowa football team:

Among them are:

Who will emerge as the #1 running back this spring? JUCO RB Nate Guillory has been on campus since January. Freshman Jevon Pugh saw some carries last year and enters his first spring. One of the primary figures that expects to battle for time is Shonn Greene, but he won't rejoin the team until June.

Can Christian Ballard and Adrian Clayborn growing into consistent disruptive forces at defensive end? They had nice auditions late last year and the thoughts of them getting more seasoning this spring, summer and in August, to go along with Mitch King and Matt Kroul on the line, is certainly a tantalizing thought to Hawkeye fans.

Can Austin Signor and Daniel Murray step up and grow into consistent performers in the kicking game? Will they be keeping the tee warm for Trent Mossbrucker, an incoming freshman?

Will Jake Christensen make the improvements he needs at quarterback, and will Marvin McNutt challenge Rick Stanzi for the backup position?

Who will replace Mike Klinkenborg and Mike Humpal at linebacker? Charles Godfrey and Adam Shada at cornerback?

Will the offensive line make they strides necessary to give Iowa's offense a chance at success in 2008?

Not all of these questions will be answered over the next three weeks, but the process has begun.

NOTES: Dace Richardson and Tony Moeaki will not participate in spring drills as they recover from injuries. Richardson suffered a significant knee injury last fall, and Moeaki required wrist surgery this winter to help correct his injuries sustained against Wisconsin. Rob Bruggeman should be full speed ahead, as he tore his ACL last spring. Andy Brodell should be able to compete this spring as well.

Expect full reports from the Kirk Ferentz presser on Wednesday afternoon here at HawkeyeNation.com.