The contingency -- Quarterback

[This is "The Contingency," one last summer interlude before the media day run in two weeks -- Big Ten and Iowa -- and then the season. The focus here will be on who's in if X goes down. Or, at least, my opinion of who might be in if X goes down. This idea was sent by e-mailer Rich. Thanks!]

Quarterback

The Man: Senior Ricky Stanzi

The Contingency: James Vandenberg

OK, this one was easy.

Vandenberg posted a 1-1 record after Stanzi suffered a high-ankle sprain on a naked bootleg against Northwestern. He made his first career start at Ohio State and completed 20 of 33 for 233 yards with two TDs and three interceptions.

He was a long for the ride when Iowa's defense put a headlock on Minnesota in a 12-0 grunt in the season finale. He completed 11 of 24 for 117 yards and an interception. He also was sacked four times. Iowa converted one of 13 third downs against the Gophers.

Vandenberg showed he's ready against Ohio State. Yes, he was lucky there weren't more picks (intercepted TD return called back and the Tony Moeaki juggle), but forget about that. With a lot of help from Derrell Johnson-Koulianos' kick return, a redshirt freshman QB helped Iowa got to OT vs. the Buckeyes.

Vandenberg showed a rocket arm and poise, two terrific places to start at QB. He season numbers weren't great -- 42 of 87 for 470 yards, two TDs and five interceptions with an 89.75 efficiency -- but consider the circumstances. What Vandenberg learned on the field was invaluable and will make him, and the position, that much stronger going forward.

He's clearly the heir apparent for when Stanzi graduates. In fact, Iowa quarterback might be as healthy as it's ever been in coach Kirk Ferentz's 12 seasons.

Vandenberg and John Wienke will be redshirt sophomores. Freshman A.J. Derby will likely redshirt this season. Iowa has a commitment from Jake Rudock (St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale).

Iowa has scholarship depth and a logical chain of progression. Does everyone stay a QB? Let's not go there. This is where Iowa QB is at this moment in time.