VIDEO: QB Vandenberg off the scout team and into the mix

Up front, the beginning and end of this video is pretty much unlistenable. Too windy. But I hope you're able to gauge the manner of redshirt freshman QB James Vandenberg, who comes from a heavy football background with his grandfather, Jim, coaching Keokuk High School for 17 years and his father, Toby, earning a football scholarship as a QB at Division II Missouri Western.

Here, in between gusts of wind, James Vandenberg talks about the backup QB becoming a big deal between him and fellow redshirt freshman John Wienke. At Keokuk High, James led a super-charged shotgun offense, but he was always ready to go under center, knowing that's how the University of Iowa did things. It was something that impressed coach Kirk Ferentz, when Vandenberg seamlessly went under center and took snaps during the 2007 Shrine Bowl.

Finally, he was asked if he's ready for this, "this" being the call of duty. He played scout team last year. This year, it all matters.

Hawkeye thought of the day -- I'm not sure Marvin McNutt's days as a QB are entirely over. I talked briefly with Kirk Ferentz about this in Chicago. He didn't get too deeply into this scenario because it's extreme, but a Ricky Stanzi injury would leave Iowa with two redshirts at QB. McNutt is a third-year sophomore with, even after his move to wideout, more experience and practice time than Vandenberg and Wienke. Could happen.

From photographer day on Monday -- the day Iowa football practice is opened for a 15-minute photo shoot -- DE Adrian Clayborn and WR Colin Sandeman weren't in pads.

Big Ten thought of the day -- I don't know how many of you use the social networking device "Twitter." Of course, we know Kirk Ferentz's feelings about "tweeting." I use it and sometimes find it invaluable. The Big Ten Network's Dave Revsine is a Twitterer and today he posted this:

"Rolling through Indiana on our way to OSU to kick off tour. Bus is sweet. Anxious to see OL at OSU and to see how Pryor is throwing."

Last season, was the BTN football crew's (Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith included) first romp through Big Ten country. I watched them all. It took awhile to get through Indiana, but they are usually packed with storylines and just further whet the football belly rumble we are all feeling this time of year.

This season, the BTN tour starts in Columbus at Ohio State on Aug. 11. Hawkeyes, you are the kaboose this year, finishing up the tour on Aug. 25.

National thought of the day -- There are "violations of team rules" and then there are "VIOLATIONS OF TEAM RULES." Apparently, this one was too big to sweep under the rug.

Here's a Vandenberg highlight video from high school. The sound is better here!