Sash, others get 'the early NFL question' as season ends

All Tyler Sash would give was a smile.

The question was about playing at Nebraska in next season's finale. The questioner slipped in a “if you're still here” and all Sash, a fourth-year junior safety for the Hawkeyes, would give was a quick smile.

That's pretty much how he left it.

This is the time of year the conundrum of success rears its awkward head for Kirk Ferentz and the football program he's built at the University of Iowa.

Last season, offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga and cornerback Amari Spievey bolted to the NFL a year early. This season, Ferentz has a new crop of players who might have an NFL decision to make at the end of the season.

Ferentz didn't pull punches in regards to the advice he'd give.

“I wouldn't have advised it necessarily last year, and I don't think I did,” he said. “I think it's fair to say I'd say the same thing this year. I think any juniors we have are better served to stay in.”

Junior wide receiver Marvin McNutt, a 6-4, 215-pounder with a 42-inch vertical and a 4.5-second 40, already has said he plans to return next season. McNutt had seven catches for 92 yards and a touchdown last week against Ohio State. He now leads the team in catches (48) and receiving yards (752). He also has seven touchdown receptions this year.

After the game McNutt said, “yeah” when asked if he was returning next year.

Sash, who has 14 career interceptions, just smiled. He's a fourth-year junior and does turn 23 in May, so age could be a factor.

Other candidates could include junior cornerback Shaun Prater and third-year sophomore offensive tackle Riley Reiff. Prater is tied with teammate Brett Greenwood for the Big Ten lead in interceptions with four. Reiff, a 6-6, 290-pounder, will make some all-Big Ten lists.

“You never know what players are thinking,” Ferentz said ”And I know the media will ask. They already have. And I realize that's part of the game that has to be played. It's a distraction ... There are no right answers. That's a player's decision.”