A lot of running is nothing new for Iowa defensive back Prater

Shaun Prater's job on the Iowa football team is basically running.

As a cornerback, there's running every play, whether it's a pass play or not. He's also on punt coverage and punt defense. He was on kick coverage for a while. He lobbying coaches for a spot on kick return. Iowa will have an opening there next season when Derrell Johnson-Koulianos graduates, so why not?

“I'm the type of player where the more I'm helping the team, the more better I play,” the junior said. “In high school (Omaha Central), I did everything. I was kick return, kick cover, punt return, punt D and I was the holder. I did everything.”

Prater is one of a handful of starters the Hawkeyes have left on special teams this season. It is a lot of running.

Stanzi: No fear

Yes, Ricky Stanzi remembers the hit and everything that went with it. He has a screw in his right ankle to remind him.

The Iowa quarterback had his regular season ended last year against Northwestern, taking a sack from Wildcats defensive end Corey Wootton and fumbling in the end zone in what eventually turned out to be a 17-10 NU victory and Iowa's first loss of 2009.

The injury happened when Stanzi turned his back and executed a rollout. It's a play Iowa runs a handful of times just about every game. It's a the play-action bootleg has been a staple for the Hawkeyes. It'll be something you will see today.

Stanzi isn't flinching on this.

“If you change the way you play the game mentally after an injury, it's just not something you're supposed to do,” Stanzi said.