What Kirk Ferentz said following Iowa's final spring practice of 2022
Iowa didn’t hold a traditional spring game this year but still closed the book on its 15-practice schedule on Saturday afternoon at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes held an open practice for fans, giving them their first glimpse of the 2022 squad.
Following the final spring practice, head coach Kirk Ferentz met with reporters to reflect on the spring season in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes dealt with an unusual amount of injuries this year, especially at the wide receiver position. Ferentz said that limited what the team was able to do at points offensively.
The one positive, if you’re looking for a silver lining, is that injuries created opportunities for younger, less experienced players to get more reps throughout the spring schedule.
Ferentz also discussed about Iowa’s leadership this spring, the ongoing quarterback battle, some position changes and plenty more. Here’s what he had to say on Saturday:
Kirk Ferentz says Iowa has been dealing with a lot of injuries throughout spring ball.
Says the one positive is that it creates opportunities for younger, less experienced players on the roster. #Hawkeyes
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Ferentz: An “inordinate” amount of injuries lingering from 2021 and this spring. TE Luke Lachey had a dislocated finger that required surgery.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) April 23, 2022
Kirk Ferentz anticipates that CB Jermari Harris will be suspended for the season-opener after his OWI arrest last weekend. Ferentz added that he is “not happy” but glad Harris didn’t hurt himself or someone else. #Hawkeyes
— Robert Read (@Robert_Read34) April 23, 2022
Ferentz: "We've seen progress, individual growth. … That's what we talked about with the guys, what can we get from individual growth? We'll worry about the cohesion at a later date." #Hawkeyes
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Ferentz says Iowa is "ahead of the curve" in terms of leadership this spring #Hawkeyes
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Ferentz on the QBs: "I think all 3 made a lot of progress. … All 3 are growing. All 3, different discussions."
Says Padilla has battled some injury things.
Says Joe Labas is a little bit behind the Petras & Padilla from a learning perspective but "He's doing a good job."
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Kirk Ferentz on true freshmen defensive backs Xavier Nwankpa and TJ Hall. pic.twitter.com/b4NEkQFcX8
— Pat Harty (@PatHarty) April 23, 2022
Kirk Ferentz singles out walk-on TE Johnny Pascuzzi for performing well in spring practice.
Glad to hear that as I went to high school with Johnny’s dad.
— Pat Harty (@PatHarty) April 23, 2022
Ferentz says "Overall, yeah" when asked if Spencer Petras is the leader of the QB room right now.
Says staff will continue to keep a close eye on it. #Hawkeyes
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Ferentz on Spencer Petras being the current leader in the QB competition:
“Overall, yeah. But we’re going to keep an open mind.”#Hawkeyes
— Jett Beachum (@JetthroTV) April 23, 2022
Ferentz says Iowa's kickers need to improve with consistency heading into fall. #Hawkeyes
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Ferentz on O-Line: "We got a couple guys injured. I think we've made ground there … we're still young but we're more experienced than we were a year ago.
"Having said all that, we still have a lot of work to do." #Hawkeyes
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Kirk Ferentz says Iowa's tempo has been pretty good offensively in spring. Some days better than others. Execution still needs work. #Hawkeyes
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Ferentz on Lukas Van Ness: "Yeah, he has a chance to be really good, I think."
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
Ferentz on Tyler Linderbaum & NFL Draft: "His resume is on film. And then you meet the guy — one guy actually said (Linderbaum) could probably coach their offensive line. He's that detailed."
"He'll be a guy who plays 10-12 years." #Hawkeyes
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) April 23, 2022
