10 rookies -- TE C.J. Fiedorowicz

No. 8 -- TE C.J. Fiedorowicz

We did TE Brad Herman at No. 9 yesterday, so let's stay on the tight end track with incoming freshman C.J. Fiedorowicz.

Fiedorowicz might be the premier recruit from the 2010 class. He certainly might be the one who's first tapped on the shoulder and asked to get in the game.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz was asked about the possibility numerous times during spring practice.

I asked during Ferentz's final spring media gathering (which is the biggest media shove-fest of the year except for maybe kids day in August).

Fiedorowicz wants to play. Yes, you need to throw out the caveat of performance in fall camp. It's up to him.

Here's an excerpt from a post before signing day:

He has firmly set his mind on playing for the Hawkeyes next season. Every indication from the Iowa coaching staff says that's the plan, perhaps as a No. 3 tight end, a set the Hawkeyes use a handful of times each game.

“They've basically said if he doesn't trip over his own feet the first day he shows up, he should  be in the mix,” Creviston said. “Iowa uses a lot of three tight end sets, so I know they are looking for him to see some playing time if he can handle his business on his end when he shows up.”

What Fiedorowicz lacks for experience on the blocking side of tight end, he might be able to make up for in raw material. With guidance from his father, Gary, a long-time weightroom workout warrior, Fiedorowicz has impressive numbers - 350-pound bench press, 500 squat and 325 power clean.

“He does a great job in the weightroom,” Creviston said. “He doesn't just show up and, hey, I'm C.J., I'm a superstar and do nothing. He's the hardest working kid in there because I think he sees the light at the end of the tunnel. He's a good example to show kids.”

And make no mistake, Fiedorowicz wants to play next season. After senior Allen Reisner (27 career receptions), it's pretty wide open. Fiedorowicz knows he's going to need to take blocking head on.

“Yeah, that's what everyone usually says (about the blocking),” Fiedorowicz said. “I'm sure I can learn it. I'm not really worried about it.

“I want to play right away and make a big impact. Hopefully, maybe 30 catches.”

Situation

I'm not sure you can compare freshman Fiedorowicz to freshman Scott Chandler.

Fiedorowicz is a weightroom warrior who'll come in at 250, at least. Chandler was a pure wide reciever when he came out of Carroll (Southlake, Texas) High School. Before Chandler put up top three TE numbers in Iowa history, he was a 210-pound high school receiver.

But as you can see from above, blocking is a question mark. But, as offensive coordinator Ken O'Keefe mentioned this spring, Iowa could adjust to Fiedorowicz's strengths and give him a sliver of the playbook.

Outlook

He's playing, in my opinion.

Here's Ferentz's final words on the subject this spring:

“He (Fiedorowicz) has to play his way into one (a role involving playing time),” Ferentz said. “I thought Brad Herman had a good spring, he's clearly made some strides. He's clearly our No. 2 guy. After that, it's a little bit of a coin toss.

“If C.J. can get into that race, great. We're not counting on him, but that would be a nice supplement, certainly, if it could happen.”

Fiedorowicz has some bodies to climb over on the depth chart. Redshirt freshman Dakota Getz has made strides. Coaches like Jonathan Gimm's toughness and blocking.

What could win out for Fiedorowicz in the end, pure physical ability.

He's 6-7, 250 and can run. Not a lot of those out there.