Iowa's Jack Koerner: 'I'm Going to Be Okay' After Injury in Watercraft Accident
Jun 14, 2020
Iowa defensive back Jack Koerner gets set for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa free safety Jack Koerner, who was injured in a boating accident on Friday night, confirmed Sunday that he was "going to be okay" and was in the process of recovering.
Koerner tweeted the update:
I want to thank everyone who has reached out, shown support and relayed prayers. I'm going to be okay and look forward to making as fast a recovery as possible. Please everyone continue to say prayers and show support to my good friend Cole🙏❤️@cole_coffin
According to Andrew Havranek of KY3.com, Koerner and another man, 21-year-old Cole Coffin, crashed into the side of a boat while riding a Sea-Doo on the Lake of the Ozarks. Both men suffered serious injuries in the crash and were transported to a local hospital. Iowa said in a press release that Koerner's injuries were not life threatening.
The three passengers on the boat were not injured.
According to Iowa's statement, Koerner "was at the Lake of the Ozarks with his father, Gary, for a father-son weekend along with other West Des Moines families."
Koerner was a walk-on in 2017 and became the team'sstarting free safetyin 2019, registering 81 tackles, an interception, five passes defended, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. That earned him a scholarship heading into the 2020 spring semester.
Iowa Safety Jack Koerner Hospitalized After Injury in Watercraft Accident
Jun 13, 2020
Iowa defensive back Jack Koerner during an NCAA football game against Iowa State on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 in Ames, Iowa. (AP Photo/Justin Hayworth)
Iowa safety Jack Koerner was hospitalized after suffering injuries in a boating accident on Friday night.
Per an official statement from Iowa (h/t Yahoo Sports' Cassandra Negley), Koerner suffered "non-life threatening injuries" in a "watercraft accident at Lake of the Ozarks on Friday, June 12 at approximately 6:30 p.m."
According to Andrew Havranek ofKY3, Koerner was on a Seadoo jet ski with another person when it crashed into a boat.
Havranek added that Koerner was listed as being in serious condition, but the extent of his injuries isn't known at this point.
Koerner is entering his junior season with the Hawkeyes. The Iowa native was a walk-on in 2017 and redshirted his freshman year and played primarily on special teams in 2018.
As a starting safety in 2019, Koerner finished second on the team with 81 total tackles and third with five pass breakups. Head coach Kirk Ferentz announced in November that Koerner had been awarded a scholarship.
Iowa's Kirk Ferentz Addresses Allegations of Racist Comments Made by Chris Doyle
Jun 12, 2020
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 26-20. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz addressed the media Friday for the first time since allegations of racism were made against strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle.
In his opening statement, Ferentz said it felt "like I let those players down by not creating that environment where they did feel comfortable."
"I feel like I let those players down by not creating that environment where they did feel comfortable."
Speaking to reporters, Ferentz noted the coaching staff "must be more inclusive and more aware" about what is going on. He also said the "coaching style by some was at times demeaning and created unnecessary anxiety and frustration" among players on the team.
Many former Hawkeyes players, including James Daniels, Diauntae Morrow and Jaleel Johnson, spoke out on Twitter against Doyle and other members of the coaching staff for enabling his alleged behavior:
Played there 2007-2008 season..... Doyle made a comment about sending back to the GHETTO. I called him out on it in front of the entire team. I was suspended, KF told me I was out of line and needed to apologize for standing up for myself.
Morrow spoke with ESPN's Adam Rittenberg to expand on his history with Doyle: "We never felt welcome, most of us, anyway, whether they would openly say it or not openly say it. We would congregate after practice and just talk about how we felt the program was being ran, and how we felt alienated."
Ferentz addressed his "blind spot" as head coach: "I'm sure every person has a blind spot, every leader as a blind spot. The former players were very forthcoming, they were very direct in pointing out things that gave me a new awareness."
In an attempt to give players a forum to express themselves, Ferentz noted he pushed back the start time for practices earlier this week for open discussions.
“It was raw, it was powerful and productive," he said. "Everything was on the table. It got heated and emotional at times, which I think is good.”
Ferentz announced June 6 that Doyle has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an independent investigation into the allegations made against him.
Doyle, 51, has been with the Hawkeyes as strength and conditioning coach since Ferentz's first season with the program in 1999.
Iowa LB Dillon Doyle, Son of Strength Coach Chris Doyle, Enters Transfer Portal
Jun 9, 2020
Wisconsin fullback Alec Ingold, right, makes a catch as Iowa linebacker Dillon Doyle, left, trails behind during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Iowa City. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Iowa linebacker Dillon Doyle announced his decision to enter the transfer portal Tuesday:
The 51-year-old, who is the highest-paid strength coach in the country, denied the accusations.
"I am confident that a complete review of the body of work over 21 years will speak for itself and I am trusting the process to respect the rights and experiences of all parties involved," he said in a statement, per Rittenberg.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz provided a statement regarding the issue in a video Saturday:
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) June 6, 2020
Dillon Doyle had an opportunity to earn significant playing time in 2020 at linebacker after seeing action in all 13 games in 2019.
The former 247Sports 3-star recruit had 23 tackles as a redshirt freshman last season, adding one forced fumble. He was also named an Academic All-Big Ten player.
Jack Campbell could move up in the depth chart at linebacker with Doyle set to leave.
Iowa Strength Coach Chris Doyle Denies Making Racist Comments
Jun 7, 2020
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 10: Strength and Conditioning coach Chris Doyle of the Iowa Hawkeyes before the match-up against the Iowa State Cyclones on September 10, 2016 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle issued a statement after he was placed on administrative leave amid allegations he made racist remarks toward players.
"I have been asked to remain silent, but that is impossible for me to do," Doyle wrote Sunday. "There have been statements made about my behavior that are not true. I do not claim to be perfect. I have made mistakes, learned lessons and like every American citizen, can do better. At no time have I ever crossed the line of unethical behavior or bias based on upon race. I do not make racist comments and I don't tolerate people who do."
On Friday, Chicago Bears offensive lineman James Daniels alluded to "too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program," which led to former players recounting some of their experiences:
There are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program. Black players have been treated unfairly for far too long.
I remember whenever walking into the facility it would be difficult for black players to walk around the facility and be themselves. As if the way you grew up was the wrong way or wasn’t acceptable & that you would be judge by that and it would impact playing time.
Iowa uploaded a video from head coach Kirk Ferentz, who said he saw the various posts on social media and that Doyle would be placed on leave pending an independent review:
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) June 6, 2020
Ferentz addressed the situation again Sunday.
"I want to thank former players who have had the courage to speak out about their experiences in our program," he said, per ESPN's Adam Rittenberg. "I'm very very sorry about any hardships they endured."
The Athletic's Nicole Auerbach shared more of Ferentz's comments: "Clearly there's not enough candid conversation or the players haven't felt safe enough to visit and give me feedback."
Doyle has served as the Hawkeyes' head strength and conditioning coach since 1999.
Iowa Asst. Chris Doyle Put on Leave After Ex-Players Said He Made Racist Remarks
Jun 6, 2020
Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle walks on the field before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Northern Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Iowa football head coach Kirk Ferentz told reporters Saturday that strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle has been placed on administrative leave, per Scott Dochterman of The Athletic.
Dochterman reported that numerous players have spoken out in recent days against the highest-paid strength coach in college football for racist remarks. An independent review will be conducted to investigate the allegations.
Dochterman wrote Saturday that "several players" have said Doyle mistreated them, with ex-linebacker Reggie Spearman saying, "I personally believe Doyle and Kirk from my own experiences aren't inclusive and understanding of young black athletes."
James Daniels, a starting offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears who played at Iowa from 2015 to 2017, tweeted: "There are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program. Black players have been treated unfairly for far too long."
Former Iowa cornerback Emmanuel Rugamba provided one example in response to Daniels:
"I was lifting in the weight room and one of the lifts we had to do was open and close your hands in a bowl of rice, while walking to the bowl of rice one of my black teammates and close friends just left the rice station and was at the bench rack.
"After benching there was some rice left back on the bar. Coach Doyle then says, 'wtf is this sh*t clean it up.' The player walks over to clean it up and walks away from Doyle. Doyle then says, 'why you walking wit all that swagger I'll put you back on the streets.' The kid comes from a happy home with both parents.
"A separate incident happened before one of our team lifts. He asked the same player where he was the night before the player says, 'my girl house.' Coach Doyle then pulls his pants halfway down to sag off his but turns his hat backwards puts one hand in his pants and starts to strut while mocking the player saying 'I was at my giiirrrlllss house.'"
Another alleged incident took place roughly a decade ago, per Iowa walk-on Terrance Pryor, who tweeted Doyle told him: "Maybe you should take up Rowing you know? Oh wait, Black people don't like boats in water, do they??"
Doyle has been with the Iowa program since 1999, when Ferentz took over the Hawkeyes.
Per Dochterman, Doyle has been "admonished" by the university before after he made players go through a 100-squat workout in Jan. 2011, leading to 13 players landing in the hospital with rhabdomyolysis. Per Dochterman, Ferentz awarded Doyle with the "Assistant Coach of the Year" award at an I-Club event that spring.
Former Players Criticize Iowa Football's Racial Disparities, Cultural Issues
Jun 6, 2020
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 1: Offensive lineman James Daniels #78 of the Iowa Hawkeyes before the match-up against the Northwestern Wildcats on October 1, 2016 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears guard James Daniels, who played college football at Iowa from 2015 through 2017, said Friday there are "too many racial disparities" within the Hawkeyes' football program.
There are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program. Black players have been treated unfairly for far too long.
Daniels' comments come amid nationwide protests in support of racial equality after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis Police custody May 25 and sparked other former Hawkeyes to support his stance.
"I remember whenever walking into the facility it would be difficult for black players to walk around the facility and be themselves," Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker wrote. "As if the way you grew up was the wrong way or wasn't acceptable and that you would be judged by that and it would impact playing time."
Former Iowa cornerback Marcel Joly thanked Daniels for raising the topic and provided his own experience.
"I remember when I used to wear my tank tops in the facility, I used to get called in the coach's office because I had too much tattoos and it wasn't the 'Iowa culture' or the 'Iowa Way," he wrote.
Other alumni, including linebacker Terrance Pryor and Faith Ekakitie, raised concerns about Hawkeyes strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle:
Doyle has since been placed on administrative leave and faces a review, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz announced, per Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register.
Another player, who wished to remain anonymous, told Tyler Devine of HawkFanatic.com the racial culture at Iowa played a "big part" in his decision to transfer.
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) June 6, 2020
Ferentz has led the program since December 1998.
Iowa OL Tristan Wirfs Declares for 2020 NFL Draft
Jan 14, 2020
Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs (74) warms ups before a game against Northwestern an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2020 NFL draft, he announced Tuesday on Instagram.
"These past 3 years have been the ride of a lifetime, getting to compete with my brothers and represent the state of Iowa is something I will hold with me forever," he wrote in his statement. "With that being said, after a lot of discussion with my mom and family, I have decided to forgo my senior season and declare for the 2020 NFL draft."
In his most recent big board, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranked Wirfs as the No. 17 player overall and No. 3 offensive tackle behind Alabama's Jedrick Wills Jr. and Georgia's Andrew Thomas.
Since Kirk Ferentz took over as head coach in 1998, the Hawkeyes have succeeded in getting their offensive tackles on the radar of NFL scouts and executives. Brandon Scherff, Riley Reiff, Bryan Bulaga and Robert Gallery were all first-round picks, and Andrew Donnal, Kyle Calloway, Marshal Yanda, Pete McMahon and Ben Sobieski were selected in later rounds.
Those who follow Iowa football were well aware of Wirfs' pedigree entering the 2019 season. The Athletic's Bruce Feldman helped his profile grow a little more when he listed Wirfs at No. 1 in his annual ranking of the biggest physical "Freaks" in college football:
"The 6-5, 320-pound Wirfs smashed Brandon Scherff's (Freaks Class of 2014) school record in the power clean by pumping out four reps at 450 pounds. And keep in mind Wirfs only turned 20 in January. As colleague Scott Dochterman pointed out in this excellent piece on Wirfs' Herculean effort, Scherff was entering his fifth year in the Iowa program. Two seasons ago, in 2017, Wirfs became the first true freshman to start at tackle in Kirk Ferentz's Iowa tenure.
"The former state champion wrestler also vertical jumped 35 inches this offseason, which would be the second-highest jump by an O-lineman at the NFL Scouting Combine in the past seven years. On top of that, earlier this week, Wirfs set a personal record in the broad jump, going 9-5 feet."
Those numbers listed by Feldman provide enough evidence of why Wirfs is widely considered one of the best tackles in the 2020 draft class.
The junior boasts a ton of raw strength while also possessing the kind of agility that will help him move laterally to handle speedy edge-rushers off the snap.
Iowa's offensive stats don't necessarily paint a flattering picture of the line's performance. The Hawkeyes averaged only 3.9 yards per carry and allowed 23 sacks. According to Football Outsiders, the team was also 74th in standard line yards, 92nd in stuff rate and 39th in sack rate.
Following a 17-12 defeat to Penn State, Wirfs attempted to shoulder the blame even though the Hawkeyes had a 356-294 edge in total yards:
Tristan Wirfs was candid in postgame interviews. Said they’re frustrated, and he can’t pinpoint exactly why the run game has struggled so much the past two weeks. But he does know the O-line needs to get better.
Tristan Wirfs says OL takes blames for losses like this: “A football game starts with us. We start the play pretty much. So if we're going, then everyone else is going." Said he apologized to the defense.
Those comments underscored Wirfs' work ethic and desire to improve, and they probably didn't go unnoticed by NFL personnel.
Wirfs' decision to move on to the NFL comes as little surprise since he'd have little to gain draft-wise from an extra year at Iowa. Having appeared in 35 games, he leaves plenty of tape with which to evaluate his skill set, and he's likely to be a star at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Iowa Star A.J. Epenesa Declares for 2020 NFL Draft, Forgoes Senior Season
Jan 14, 2020
Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa (94) warms up before a game against Northwestern an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Edge-rushers seemingly become more important with each passing year in the NFL, and one of college football's best is headed to the pro ranks.
Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end A.J. Epenesa declared for the 2020 NFL draft Tuesday, making the announcement on his Instagram account (h/t The Draft Network's Jordan Reid):
Epenesa appeared destined for the NFL before he even reached college. He arrived at Iowa as a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 strong-side defensive end in the class of 2017, per 247Sports' composite rankings, with sky-high expectations for a program that isn't always in the running for 5-star players.
He made an immediate impact with 4.5 sacks as a freshman but made an NFL-like leap from his first to second year in the Big Ten.
The Illinois native finished his sophomore season as an All-Big Ten selection with 16.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and a touchdown, cementing his spot on the NFL radar. He remained a force in his final season with 32 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
A.J. Epenesa had one of those have-a-day kind of days in Week 12.
The Big Ten named him Defensive Player of the Week during a November win over previously undefeated Minnesota when he finished with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His combination of power and athleticism was on full display, and it wasn't difficult to envision the 6'6" and 280-pound pass-rusher could wreck opposing game plans at the next level.
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller ranked Epenesa as the No. 10 overall player and No. 2 edge-rusher behind only Ohio State's Chase Young on his latest big board. Miller also deemed Epenesa as having the best power among all edge-rushers.
That power allows the Iowa product to bull-rush his way to the quarterback and break free of blocks to help stuff the rushing attack. He also has solid burst for his size and is a threat to knock the ball loose with every sack.
Epenesa figures to slide into a pass-rush rotation right away and make quarterbacks uncomfortable on passing downs. He should hear his name called in the first round come draft day.
Legendary Iowa Football Coach Hayden Fry Dies at Age 90
Dec 17, 2019
15 Nov 1997: Head coach Hayden Fry of the University of Iowa during the Hawkeyes 15-14 loss to Northwestern at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois.
Former Iowa football coach Hayden Fry died from cancer Tuesday at the age of 90, the school announced.
His family provided a statement:
"We are proud to know that our father's life had a positive influence on so many people, the players, the coaches, and the fans who played for, worked with, and supported his long and successful coaching career. His legend will live forever with the people he touched and inspired, and the programs he led to greater heights."
Fry spent 37 years as a Division 1 head coach, including 20 seasons at Iowa, 11 at SMU and six at North Texas.
The Texas native had 230 wins during his career, which ranks 13th in NCAA history.
He is best known for his time with the Hawkeyes, taking over in 1979 before turning the squad into a Big Ten power. He led Iowa to the Rose Bowl three different times and was named the conference's Coach of the Year after three seasons.
Fry was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
"Hayden Fry is a college football icon and an Iowa legend," current Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "His Hall of Fame career is well known, but personally, he will always be the man who took a chance on me at the start of my coaching career. I was proud to coach with him and honored to succeed him when he retired."
"He has been a great mentor and a true friend," Ferentz added. "I am forever grateful to him."
