'The best me I can be'

IOWA CITY -- Kirk Ferentz said this week his biggest fear with sophomore linebacker James Morris is the feeling he has to live up to legacy.

Morris, a 6-2, 227-pounder from Solon, is in his second year as a starter. He was thrust into action last season as a true freshman after injuries took a major bite out of the linebacker position.

He's had a lot come at him, and fast, and he won't be 20-years-old until November.

"He just needs to play football," the Iowa coach said. "He's almost overly conscientious. He works extremely hard and tries to be perfect. That's what good players tend to do.

"He's done a nice job. Just needs to relax and just play football, be our middle linebacker, play football and do a good job. I think he'll do that."

Morris said doesn't feel that, but he knows what his coach means.

"I don't feel any pressure trying to live up to proverbial 'ghosts of the past,'" Morris said. "I'm just trying to be the best me I can be, I guess."