Kirk Ferentz opens NSD press conference in fitting fashion... talking about punting
Feb. 6 marks National Signing Day.
Awesome! We get to see players commit and sign to schools where they will give it all on the field for the next few years.
We also get to hear coaches talk about these players — and other topics — during their press conferences. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz had his and while he will of course talk about numerous things, it was quite interesting to see what he started talking about.
It wasn’t the offense. It wasn’t the defense.
It was about punting.
The first 10 minutes or so of KF’s signing day press conference has been devoted to punter. #PuntingIsWinning
— Chad Leistikow (@ChadLeistikow) February 6, 2019
"The value of directional punting has changed. Rugby punting's obviously entered into it. But the biggest thing is for them to be able to come through when you need them to come through," Ferentz says. We're on about our sixth punting question already!
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) February 6, 2019
Iowa’s offense was an intriguing one a season ago, and the defense had its ups and downs. Special teams, sometimes, is where games are won and lost — just ask Virginia Tech for a number of years under head coach Frank Beamer.
It was called “Beamer Ball” because he put an extra emphasis on special teams. Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes may not have that type of recognition yet, but if Ferentz keeps caring about punting as much as it seems he is, Iowa may be known for something quite unique sooner rather than later.
In fact, Ferentz is seeing quite a bit of competition at the punter spot for 2019:
Ferentz says it will be a three-man punting competition this spring and summer. (!!!!)
— MarkEmmert (@MarkEmmert) February 6, 2019
Having depth creates greatness. Whoever wins the Iowa punting job for the fall will be a good punter — we at least know that much.