Reiff has 'no clue' on next season

By: Marc Morehouse Nov. 25, 2011 4:53 pm Updated: Nov. 25, 2011 4:53 pm

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff didn't answer the million-dollar question. And the "NFL draft or no NFL draft" really is a million-dollar question.

Iowa's left tackle the last two seasons and a three-year starter deferred on whether or not he'll return for his senior season.

"I haven't put any thought into next year yet," the 6-foot-6, 300-pounder said. "I have no clue what I'm going to do."

Iowa has won some and lost some in the underclassmen leaving early for the NFL game. Adrian Clayborn returned; Tyler Sash left. Dallas Clark left; Robert Gallery returned. Bryan Bulaga and Amari Spievey left; Shaun Prater and Marvin McNutt returned.

Last summer, Reiff told the Gazette he planned to return.

"I don't follow any of that stuff," he said at the time. "I plan on being around here for two years so that doesn't really even matter. They must not watch film if that's the case."

On the other hand, Reiff has been projected as a first rounder on several draft-related websites. He turns 23 next week, so if he returned, he'd be going into the NFL as a 24-year-old. Age was a factor in running back Shonn Greene's decision to make the jump after the 2008 season.

"I haven't really thought about that at all yet," Reiff said Friday. "When the time is right, I'll sit down and think about it. Right now, I'm just worried about the bowl and bowl prep."

Pending Reiff's decision, Iowa could be looking for two new offensive tackles in 2012. Right tackle Markus Zusevics is a senior.

Iowa's James Vandenberg (16) drops back to pass behind blocks by teammates James Ferentz (53) and Riley Reiff (77) during the first half of their Big Ten Conference NCAA college football game against Nebraska Friday, Nov. 25, 2011 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. (Brian Ray/ SourceMedia Group News)