What Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz said during his National Signing Day press conference
Iowa is turning the page on the 2020 season, one that ended on a brilliant tear but that ended with a canceled bowl game due to COVID-19 issues with their opponent.
On Wednesday, the Hawkeyes put their finishing touches on the 2021 recruiting class for National Signing Day with what should be a top-25 class. As things currently stand, Iowa’s class for this cycle ranks No. 23 nationally with seven four-star recruits.
In the afternoon, head coach Kirk Ferentz addressed the turning of the page from 2020 into the 2021 offseason and the outlook for the work ahead. He indicated that Iowa is planning to elevate Raimond Braithwaite to permanently head the strength and conditioning staff for the Hawkeyes.
Braithwaite took over in the interim after Chris Doyle was removed from the program:
Kirk Ferentz intends to elevate Raimond Braithwaite to permanent head strength & conditioning coach. He was in that role on an interim basis since the removal of Chris Doyle from the Iowa program.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) February 3, 2021
KF: "Raimond (Braithwaite) has done a great job as our strength coach last year. We are looking forward to Ray's leadership going forward." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) February 3, 2021
Ferentz also discussed the quarterback position, and it sure sounds like Spencer Petras will be the starting quarterback on the depth chart entering the offseason. He did say there will be a competition for the spot, but it will be up to someone else to take the job away from Petras.
Here is a snapshot of everything Ferentz said on National Signing Day:
Kirk Ferentz thinks UNI grad transfer Xavior Williams will start out at cornerback, but has position flexibility. Obviously Matt Hankins returning, too, so the Hawkeyes are flush at DB entering 2021.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) February 3, 2021
Kirk Ferentz says he will "enthusiastically" be getting a COVID-19 vaccine, although he's still "on the clock" from his previous diagnosis. Also said he gave wife Mary the virus. "The gift that keeps on giving," he jokes. (They are fine.)
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) February 3, 2021
Kirk Ferentz very complimentary of backup QB Alex Padilla. Says he has taken advantage of the opportunities he's been given and has taken a nice jump over the past year.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) February 3, 2021
It sounds like Iowa’s Spencer Petras clearly will enter the off-season as the starting QB but “we’ll let everybody compete,” per Kirk Ferentz.
Ferentz spent significant time praising Petras handling challenges during the pandemic.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) February 3, 2021
KF: "The year 2020 was unusual and unpredictable. I was proud of how our players and staff adapted last season." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) February 3, 2021
KF: "Our players were resilient last year. They answered whatever challenge was presented in a positive way. No one could have envisioned what last season what bring. You can't have a successful team without good leadership and chemistry, and our seniors led the way." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) February 3, 2021
KF: "It's good to have our players back in the building training again. This is a new team and a new season with new challenges. We look forward to the work ahead." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) February 3, 2021
KF: "Tristan Wirfs has helped Tampa reach the Super Bowl. He has a good mentality. Tristan has a lot pride in what he does. He still has tremendous potential." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) February 3, 2021
KF: "Matt (Hankins) took his time in making his decision. He came to the conclusion that another year of college football would be good for him. He's enthused about it." #Hawkeyes
— HawkeyeFBNotes (@HawkeyeFBNotes) February 3, 2021
Kirk Ferentz says that recruiting will be in a 'quiet period' starting April 15th.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) February 3, 2021
His message to the quarterbacks: Go and take it from Spencer if you want it.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) February 3, 2021
Iowa plans to start spring football mid-to-late March and wrap up practice in late April. No specifics quite yet on dates.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) February 3, 2021
