Hlas column: Iowa's Riley Reiff blocks out defenders and preseason hype

IOWA CITY - There is a scene in the movie “Bull Durham” that made sportswriters wince and laugh at the same time.

Grizzled veteran catcher Crash Davis tells young, not-so-bright pitcher Nuke LaLoosh that “cliches are our friends,” then ticks off three to use once Nuke gets to “The Show.”

1) We gotta play ‘em one day at a time.

2) I'm just happy to be here. Hope I can help the ballclub.

3) I just want to give it my best shot, and the good Lord willing, things will work out.

So I asked Iowa offensive left tackle Riley Reiff a few questions Friday at his team's Media Day ...

“I'm just trying to help the team get better in any way I can,” Reiff said, “coming out here and practicing 100 percent. I'm just trying to contribute to this team in a helpful manner.”

And taking it one day at a time.

So far in his Hawkeyes career, Reiff hasn't really embraced sessions with the media. Which makes me think he's as smart as he is capable at his position, and he's been very capable. So much so that he was second-team All-Big Ten by media and coaches last year as a sophomore.

“Riley's always been a little shy and reserved,” Iowa center James Ferentz said.

“He leads by example. He's the type of guy you want leading your line. He brings a lot to the table in just his leadership characteristics, his toughness, just his focus in the film room and the little details he pays attention to.”

Iowa isn't in anyone's preseason Top 25, nor is it anybody's pick to win the Big Ten's Legends Division. But, it isn't wise to discount a Kirk Ferentz-coached Hawkeyes club that has a sturdy offensive line, and this year's could prove to be sturdy and more.

When you have a Reiff at the all-important left tackle spot, you have reason for optimism. Some publications have made him a preseason All-America. He has started 21 straight games. He played every offensive down for the Hawkeyes in Big Ten play last year except against Michigan State, when a big lead allowed for fourth-quarter substitutions.

Iowa offensive line coach Reese Morgan, like anyone in his profession does in August, tries to temper hype for his players. But it's easy to tell Morgan thinks Reiff could be one those special left tackles that have passed through here, like first-round NFL draftees Robert Gallery and Bryan Bulaga.

“It's not fair to him or other players to make comparisons,” Morgan said, “but he's got an opportunity to play well here.

“I think he can be as good as he wants to be, and he will work at it. He's a guy who takes great pride in everything he does, and he's a physical kid. He has an opportunity to be an excellent player.”

Reiff is from Parkston, S.D. When Iowa recruits South Dakota, it recruits South Dakota. The name “Chad Greenway” is all you need to know about that.

Reiff caught nine touchdown passes in high school as a first team all-state tight end, and had 23 sacks and eight interceptions as a defender. His career wrestling record was 121-1.

Morgan mentioned a “wrestling mentality” Friday, but was talking about young Ferentz, who was a state runner-up as a senior at Iowa City High.

Then you have right tackle Markus Zusevics, who like Reiff and Ferentz, started every game in 2010. Zusevics was a four-year letterman at his suburban Chicago high school in volleyball. It takes all kinds. Oh yeah, Zusevics helped Prospect High's football team win a state championship.

“When Riley and Markus Zusevics go together in drills,” Morgan said, “they do everything full-speed.”

Behind closed doors, Reiff may be a cut-up for all we know. But get out a notepad or microphone, and he'll say nothing to stir up opponents or brag on himself. Which probably is another reason his coaches like him.

About his own skills, Reiff said “Everything needs work. Footwork, hand-placement, leverage. You're never on top of your game.

“Hopefully, I'm playing the first game. There's a lot of work to be done and we just started camp. Nobody's set in stone. When that first game comes, whoever earned the spot, they'll be in there.”

Reiff will be in there, and everyone knows it. He'll contribute to his team in a helpful manner, to say the least.