Here's a portion of what the Head Hawk told the media after Iowa's open spring practice.
How would you assess the pass game growth from Day 1 to day 15? And is the competition between Hecklinski and Brown pretty much been what we saw today?
KIRK FERENTZ: I mean, we're just going back and forth, and probably that way, I'm guessing, at least through the majority of August, it's really pretty close. And then overall, I think, I think we're gaining ground. There's some things that give you some room for optimism. Reason for optimism, but it's always tough to judge, too, because you got guys in and out right now, and it's been tough to keep receivers out there in the field for the duration of spring ball, but when we get them all out there, I think we'll be a little bit better and see some things that are encouraging, but just, you know, good at the build on that.
When you said you saw things today that maybe look better than the previous 14 practices, what types of things you're thinking of?
Easy one to cherry pick from last Saturday is our kicking game. It was really windy and just miserable out there, and there was nothing. Looked too good. Our punting was bad, and the field goals and all that. But today saw some good things there. So, consistency, you know, when end of the day of this whole football team, consistency is gonna be a big part. I think we're capable of doing some things, but haven't shown much consistency during this period of 15 days.
KJ Parker had a couple big catches today. Just what have you seen from him? And I guess is there any other, receivers that are a little more maybe under the radar, that stood out to you?
It's funny because I just walked in here after talking to Warren Holloway. And Warren, as a young player, always went hard, but didn't always go the right way or do the right things. And then rest of his crew ended being pretty good. So KJ is at that point, he's got a good energy to him. He's got some abilities, certainly, and goes hard and is fearless out there.
DJ Vonnahme had a really good season last year. Time for breakout season. It's kind of seen today how he's become a go to guy on 50-50, balls. How have you seen him earn that trust from the quarterbacks throughout his time?
He just earned a scholarship last 12 months ago, and he's on a really good path right now. And just he's got a great attitude every day, and he works extremely hard in practice. For the most surprising thing to me is his ability to block, willingness and ability to block. He just does some things really there that are very impressive for a guy never played the position. So that's good.