Spring practice analysis

Quarterbacks

James Vandenberg is the guy. He threw just eight passes in 2010, but he has two starts (including de facto 2009 Big Ten title game at Ohio State) and the coaches' respect.

Running backs

Marcus Coker and then ... well, that's an open audition. Iowa again will lean on freshmen to fill in the depth chart and be the offensive MVP in the bowl game against the No. 12 team in the country. Focus will be on how the freshman RBs do in fall camp next season, specifically Rodney Coe and Mika'il McCall. And that's OK, it's a big story. At fullback, the news is that Brad Rogers is out and still being monitored because of a cardiac concern.

Wide receivers

This is Keenan Davis' time. He wasn't asked to do a lot behind Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Marvin McNutt. Johnson-Koulianos is gone. McNutt needs a complementary wide receiver. This is Keenan Davis' time.

Offensive line

As expected, Adam Gettis and Nolan MacMillan were listed as first-team guards going into spring practice. Lots of bodies, lots of competition. The top two challengers are Conor Boffeli and Brandon Scherff. Look on Coach Kirk Ferentz's face during an early news conference when asked about Scherff kind of gave that away.

Defensive line

It's the team hot spot. Lots of proving to do. A few totally new faces with giant responsibilities (especially with the way Iowa plays its defense). This isn't an “all is lost” suggestion, but how much do you really know about some of the names in the hopper here?

Linebackers

Newness here, too, outside of sophomore James Morris and senior Tyler Nielsen. Ferentz sounded as though he was interested in seeing some more out of the weakside position during a news conference.

Defensive backs

Interesting prospect came up with Ferentz's mention of junior Micah Hyde getting a look at safety this spring. If that sticks, it probably doesn't change things as much as you think. Iowa will still be breaking in two new defensive backs in the fall. The hard part with this is what do coaches need to see? What are Hyde's thoughts on this? Is he totally invested in being a safety after one season as a corner under his belt? Ferentz did say best combination, so keep that in mind. That probably overrides all.

Special teams

Iowa has a kicker, probably. Mike Meyer still faces competition, but he seems to be the guy. Iowa has an opening at punter. Eric Guthrie was No. 1 going into spring practice. Expect this battle to run right up to the opener against Tennessee Tech on Sept. 3. Maybe the most interesting thing is the fact that 21 of the 55 spots used in the Insight Bowl were filled by departing seniors.