Marcus Coker: Yet another Iowa Hawkeye running back with no Senior Day here

Iowa's football program can't compare with Penn State and Ohio State for recent off-field controversy, fortunately. But the Hawkeyes sure do keep a steady stream of it flowing, don't they?

Another year, another running back departs the program early. Now it's Marcus Coker, who merely was second-team All-Big Ten as a sophomore.

Coker asked for and has been granted a release from his scholarship, according to Iowa. That was less than a month after he was suspended for the Insight Bowl for violating the school's student-athlete code of conduct for unspecified behavior.

Coker rushed for 1,384 yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore last season. Think about that. That's 115 rushing yards and over a touchdown per game. Gone.

Here's what Coker wrote on Facebook last Friday:

Everything happens for a reason..cant tell people i did something when i didnt. So hints y i never answered those questions. Anyway thanks everyone for the support especially hawknation and fam. Go hawks..hawk for life

And here's what he posted on Facebook Tuesday night:

It was a good 2 years iowa..best 2 I could of asked for. Thanks again for the support. I really wish I could tell u guys wats goin on cuz its really ridiculous to b punished for somethin I didn't do. Id like to think the coaches and athletic staff for everything. Hawk for life.

A recap:

Jan. 3, 2012-- Mika'il McCall confirmed he was leaving the Iowa football program.

Jan. 3, 2011-- "Running back Adam Robinson has been dismissed from The University of Iowa Football team," Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said, indicating he will have no further comment.

Dec. 13, 2010 -- "Jewel Hampton has decided to leave the team and plans to transfer to another school to complete his degree and finish his career. We wish him the best of success in the future," said Ferentz in a press release.

Aug. 26, 2010-- " Brandon Wegher has not returned to the team and has not indicated any intentions of doing so in the immediate future," Ferentz said.

Feb. 18, 2010 -- Jeff Brinson has decided to leave the University of Iowa football team, the school announced Thursday. The school said he plans to transfer "close to home." (He did, to Central Florida)

Before the Insight Bowl, Ferentz was asked by Iowa radio play-by-play announcer Gary Dolphin if Ferentz expected Coker and McCall to return. The coach's reply: “I do. They're both separate situations and separate circumstances. Hope things work out positively in both cases.”

Hawkeye running backs. Unbelievable.

Check out

this link to see details of Iowa's running back woes over the years.