Ad Disclosure
What Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz said during NSD press conference
Published:
Wednesday marked the final major day of the 2022 recruiting cycle. National Signing Day stole the college football spotlight as teams around the country put their finishing touches on their classes.
On Wednesday afternoon, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz met with reporters for the first time since the Citrus Bowl ended on New Year’s Day. The Hawkeyes closed out the 2021 campaign with a 10-4 record, winning a B1G West crown in the process.
Though Wednesday proved to be a relatively quiet day on the recruiting front for Iowa, there was still plenty to discuss. Ferentz talked about the incoming recruiting class, the quarterback battle, his thoughts on NIL and the transfer portal and other topics.
Here’s what Ferentz had to say while meeting with reporters on Wednesday afternoon in Iowa City:
Kirk Ferentz when repeatedly asked about David Porter recommending that he retire or be terminated: That's his opinion. He's entitled to that. I have a different one.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) February 2, 2022
#qctimes Kirk Ferentz: No staff changes, but points out that the NFL hiring season is just beginning.
— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) February 2, 2022
#qctimes Kirk Ferentz on Feb signing of DB Deshaun Lee: "He will be a really good fit." Echoes similar sentiments on two new WR walk-ons, Alex Eichman, Reese Osgood
— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) February 2, 2022
Kirk Ferentz addresses advisory-board situation in opening remarks. Says he won't divulge details of conversations. As the season went on, he thought "it was time to reshape things a little bit. I’m not quite sure what it’s going to look like." Still formulating thoughts.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) February 2, 2022
Kirk Ferentz says that Iowa has had five players go to the transfer portal and wishes them all the best as they pursue their new opportunities.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) February 2, 2022
“Two tough losses there at the end, but the bottom line is we had a really successful season.”
Kirk Ferentz on the 2021 season
— Pat Harty (@PatHarty) February 2, 2022
#qctimes Kirk Ferentz: Iowa continues to recruit, exploring transfer portal options. With the lowest attrition rate in the Big Ten, commitment to those who grow in the program remains a priority.
— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) February 2, 2022
Kirk Ferentz on college football’s future: He’s worried that the chaos will “really ruin and screw up a great game.”
Had talks with competitive coaches on recruiting trail who feel same way and shared info with him.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) February 2, 2022
#qctimes Kirk Ferentz: Turner Pallissard, Matt Fagan, Mike Timm have been awarded scholarships for the spring semester.
— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) February 2, 2022
I asked Kirk Ferentz if the pandemic helped change his timeline on how long he wants to coach. He said that he "feels better mentally & physically than he has in a long time."
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) February 2, 2022
Kirk Ferentz sees a wide-open quarterback competition this spring, says that position has to be better and is excited to see what Joey Labas can bring to the table.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) February 2, 2022
#qctimes Kirk Ferentz: "Everybody can compete. … We have to do better. We have to do better to move the ball and score the points we need to score," says QB as well as other positions are open, stresses a need to make makeable plays.
— Steve Batterson (@sbatt79) February 2, 2022
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB