Video Sessions No. 4 -- Ferentz interview

No one Iowa will say this, but that heat Saturday kind of came out of nowhere and sort of, in my opinion, sapped some energy from practice. Just last week, QB Jake Rudock said it was way too cold. Saturday was a bit of a jump. I think I heard 84, and running around on a turf field under the sun, it probably felt like all of that.

So, yes, Kirk Ferentz didn't like some of the stuff he saw and did question the intensity in some situations. Again, it's way early. Let's not sound the alarms.

Critical question No. 4

-- How is Iowa going to use all those running backs?

In short, I don't think they know and I don't think they'll know that question until camp is over in August.

Let's do a quick flyover and try to map beyond spring (spring game by the way is April 26, 2 p.m. at Kinnick):

Mark Weisman --

I still think he's the No. 1 RB on first and second downs. Right now, he's not doing much. Weisman has one speed and that's hard. Ferentz and RB coach Chris White have said Weisman was over-used early last fall. What's the balance? What's the right number? Why is he Iowa's No. 1 RB, IMO at least? He's rushed for almost 1,800 yards the last two seasons. One thing to keep in mind is late last season, when Jordan Canzeri re-booted, Weisman was used effectively in short yardage.

Jordan Canzeri --

White said he's the most instinctual back Iowa has. He also said Canzeri is 190 pounds. Is that a good fit with Iowa's zone scheme, which, many times, will ask a back to negotiate an imperfect play, meaning run through partially blocked defenders, arm tackles, 'wash”? Canzeri proved his style can work. The caveat is that his success is a small sample size, but it was his first real opportunity since the 2011 Insight Bowl. Perhaps, when Iowa coaches talk about metering Weisman, they mean more carries for Canzeri.

Damon Bullock --

He's not a wide receiver. White put an end to that business. He's a running back with a feel for the passing game. Maybe the way he sees the running game takes a step forward. Yes, he's probably Iowa's third-down specialist, but coaches will continue to mine him for potential in the rush game.

LeShun Daniels --

When he runs north/south, his 230-pound frame is imposing. During the scrimmage, especially on a couple of goal-line chances, he stopped moving his feet and lost power. He could get the call up to first and second down behind Weisman, but those details need attention. White said working Daniels' quickness and flexibility were offseason chores.

Barkley Hill --

He's seen more time this spring and will be two years off a torn ACL in summer of 2012. He's got good size and he's still working. There are a lot of bodies ahead of him and behind.

Akrum Wadley --

He's a smaller, quicker, faster back. Ferentz wanted a good look at him this spring, but a wrist injury has slowed him down. It's hard to see him getting a lot of carries this fall.

Jonathan Parker --

He's still growing his body, up to around 180 now. He's also a smaller, quicker, faster back. He's in the Wadley category.

Markel Smith --

He's an incoming freshman. He was a four-star recruit as rated by Rivals.com. Lots of potential here, but also lots of experienced bodies ahead of him. He's good with redhirting, BTW.

C.J. Hilliard --

Could be a running back. Could be a safety. Good athlete, and we'll see where he ends up after August camp.

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