Iowa Rose Bowl 2 deeps

Everything looks as it should with Iowa's two deeps for the Rose Bowl matchup with Stanford.

- At weakside linebacker Aaron Mends and Jack Hockaday are an either/or.

- Running back is Jordan Canzeri and an 'or” with junior LeShun Daniels. Canzeri, of course, is recovering from a sprained ankle suffered in the Big Ten title game. From everything I've heard, Canzeri should be good to go. This sprain isn't as bad as the last one that cost him three games. (Canzeri did have two carries for 12 yards against Michigan State. Don't extrapolate what might've been. You'll only make yourself sad.)

- Redshirt freshman Miguel Recinos is listed as the No. 2 kicker. He has been all season. I don't know what Mick Ellis' status is. I assume he's still around. The scholarship kicker redshirted this year. This might be a decent spring story line.

- I'm going to assume junior Cole Croston has won the right tackle job. Sophomore Ike Boettger has been healthy for a few weeks and Croston has hung onto the job. I'm also going to assume he's your starter next year on an offensive line that will have great competition for playing time. (The OL is why I'm picking the Hawkeyes in the West. Right now. Mark me down.)

- True freshman Adrian Falconer remains on the two deep. He earned his way there late in the season. He's only been targeted once or twice (the Northwestern game), but a year with the first group should accelerate his growth and put him in a ready mode for his sophomore year next season.

- DE Nate Meier is on the depth chart. He needed this time off. He really fought through injuries to play in the B1G title game. The groin was the biggest deal for that game. He also has shoulder and neck things going on. In my mind, he's Football Dracula. He's not going down without anything silver plunged into his chest.

- OLB Ben Niemann is good to go. He played in the B1G title game after going through concussion protocol after a hit at Nebraska. He must be fine.

- Who's punter next year, you guys.

Below is a PDF for the entire Iowa bowl media guide. Peruse and enjoy.

l Comments: (319) 398-8256; marc.morehouse@thegazette.com