Kirk Ferentz gets emotional when talking about decision to play in bowl game for Jack Campbell, Riley Moss
Kirk Ferentz is old school. He’s a carry-your-lunch pail and work the 9-5 shift with no complaints kind of coach. One should expect that from a man who’s been running the show in Iowa City since 1999.
Players, however, might have other opinions when it comes to bowl season. Why play in a game that won’t bring you closer to a national title when the NFL draft is calling, and preparation could begin as soon as the regular season ends? In recent years, seniors and draft-eligible players have opted out of bowl season to save their bodies from damage before the next level.
That’s not the case at Iowa. Both senior linebacker Jack Campell and cornerback Riley Moss wanted to finish what they started with the Hawkeyes despite having high draft grades come April. To Ferentz, that’s what he envisioned for the program when they signed on to play at Iowa years ago.
Kirk Ferentz asked about Jack Campbell and Riley Moss choosing to play in an era of opt-outs. After saying he doesn’t judge anyone for their decision to opt out or not, he chokes up and has to pause for a few seconds.
Says it means a lot to him and the program.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) December 30, 2022
Campbell, who registered a team-high 115 tackles this past fall, is projected to be a Day 2 selection. Moss, a former All-American and lockdown defensive back, could be potentially a 3rd or 4th round pick.
Both will represent the Hawkeyes one more time against Kentucky in Nashville. Kickoff from Nissan Stadium is set for noon ET on Saturday. The game will be nationally televised on ABC.