Quickie Ferentz

Kirk Ferentz might be playing coy, but Monday he shot down a pair of rumors.

Incoming freshman A.J. Derby, who Iowa recruited to play quarterback, remains a QB and defensive coordinator Norm Parker hasn't announced a retirement.

Those were the hot-and-heavy rumors that were worth talking about when Ferentz addressed reporters at Big Ten media days.

Other quick notes:

Running back Jewel Hampton (public intox) and defensive end Broderick Binns (OWI) will be suspended for the Eastern Illinois game.

Parker will coach from the pressbox this season. He was there in 2004 and returned there last season after having a toe amputated during the offseason.

Ferentz said, as far as he knows, academics are fine.

Add freshmen Nolan MacMillan and Conor Boffeli to the list of linemen in contention for jobs.

Iowa begins fall practice next Friday morning. Twenty nine practices between Aug. 6 and the opener, Sept. 4.