Norm in Des Moines

A friend of mine attended the Polk County I Club gathering this week in Des Moines with featured speaker, Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker. He forwarded the following tidbits (no, this wasn't pulled off a messageboard, I actually do have friends, OK, friend):

The D-linemen are currently weighing in at:

Christian Ballard 311

Adrian Clayborn 294

Karl Klug 274

Broderick Binns 265

Iowa was this close to getting Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, who's from Michigan, Norm's old recruiting grounds. Dad convinced him to Alabama. Same for Seantrel Henderson, who liked Iowa.

According to Norm, TE Brad Herman and C James Ferentz were practice-field standouts last season.

The cornerback battle is tight between Jordan Bernstine and Micah Hyde. I'm sure this is based off Orange Bowl practices. Right now, it's strength and conditioning four times a week beginning at 6:30 a.m.

He also said some stuff about gameplanning. As you know, he's not a charts and graphs guy. His gameplan fits in his back pocket and it rarely comes out.

Thanks to my friend for passing along.