VIDEO: Kaczenski says no DEs to DTs (barring disaster)

D-line coach Rick Kaczenski's interview started with a question on what the D-line looks for before the snap and their general assignments.

Head coch Kirk Ferentz mentioned during his big audience on media day that the D-line might take a committee approach. Kaczenski admits that there probably will be a few more bodies going into the mix on the inside (at 1:33). I also asked what a fifth-year senior body means on the D-line (2:48).

Kaczenski was asked if Iowa will probably lean more on its veteran D-ends, Adrian Clayborn and Christian Ballard (3:42). It's a great question. They have the experience and they have the bulk, weighing in as Iowa's heaviest D-linemen at 282 and 285, respectively.

I asked about DT Karl Klug (4:38), who weighs in at 260-ish. Basically, Klug has to rely on superior technique if he wants to thrive in the pile. (In a story that will appear later, I asked Klug about his Big Ten player of the week honor last season. He laughed.) There's little margin for error for Klug.

I asked about talented sophomore end Broderick Binns (5:35). Kaczenski called him a smart football player and, after reviewing film from last season, said he was surprised by the amount of big plays he made in big games.

Finally, it dawned on me to ask the question that was hot in March: Are there any plans to move Ballard or Clayborn to tackle (6:35)?

"Barring injury or anything serious happening, I don't see us doing that," he said. "I think collectively inside, we should have enough."

Hawkeye thought of the day -- With the official word on CB Jordan Bernstine, who's had his broken ankle operated on, being out for the year, let's examine the possibilities at that left cornerback spot:

Shaun Prater (so.) -- As you all know, Prater's 2009 started with a thud. He was the guy who, after being arrested for an OWI, told police that his bartender “must have put alcohol in his Coca-Cola.” Then, his twin brother, Shane, flamed out academically and transferred to Iowa Western and basically saying goodbye to Iowa.

Prater's football is fine. In fact, better than fine. He played and played well as a true freshman last season, making a TD saver against Purdue or Penn State (can't remember, it was a gray day at Kinnick, that I know). He was on the field for the final player against Purdue, a potential game-winning TD pass that floated out of the end zone.

Prater, a 5-11, 175-pounder, had 11 tackles last season with two pass breakups. He had an INT return for a TD called back at Indiana. Prater's playing time went up as last season progressed. He won a spot in dime coverage.

He faces a two-game suspension that's non-negotiable, even in the face of Bernstine's injury. He won't be on the field for UNI and ISU.

Willie Lowe (so.) -- He made two tackles as a true frosh last season. His playing time with the defense diminshed as the season went on, but he did play some special teams.

Before camp, I did hear some noise on Lowe making strides. He'll get to show that off on a regular basis now. A consideration might be his size. He's 5-10, 170.

Greg Castillo (fr.) -- The 5-11, 180-pounder made a decent splash in spring ball, interception a John Wienke pass and returning it 50 yards for a TD. He's also a member of Iowa's leadership committee. While Prater and Lowe played last season, Castillo took a redshirt. He's in this as much as anyone and could surprise.

Chris Rowell (sr.) -- The 6-0, 195-pound senior has six tackles in his career, all last season and all coming on special teams. He was a consistent special teamer last season but has never worked his way into the defensive lineup. Realistically, he'd have to show something he has yet to show to earn this spot.

Micah Hyde (true fr.) -- I'm not sure how refined his CB skills are, but Hyde was heavily recruited by defensive backs coach Phil Parker. He played defensive back at Fostoria (Ohio) High School with 165 career tackles and eight interceptions. He's a rangy 6-1, 175. Iowa brought him in as a cornerback. Maybe he gets the call.

The Quad, the New York Times' college football blog, checks in with the Hawkeyes today, ranking Iowa No. 19 in the nation. 

Big Ten thought of the day -- Rivals.com's Tom Dienhart asks the musical question, "When will the Big Ten become an elite conference again?" There's no music to it, but it just feels like this dance is never going to end. The answer is simple, win bowl games. That's the only way this is going to stop. Pure and simple.

The Gazette's Scott Dochterman writes on his blog about the Big Ten bowl situation. The lynchpin will be the Capital One, in Orlando, Fla. Scott believes by the end of the month the Big Ten bowl picture for 2010 will be in focus.

Here's Scott's predictions for how the Big Ten bowls will shake out: 1) BCS (Rose), 2) Cap One, 3) Outback, 4) Holiday/Gator, 6) Insight and 7) Motor City (which really is just sort of a Big Ten tie-in).

National thought of the day -- I listened to ESPN's Colin Cowherd this morning (I like him, but I can see why a lot of people don't) and he stopped just short, like inches, of comparing USC freshman Matt Barkley to Michael Jordan. He mentioned them in the same sentence. So, the true freshman comes with some hype and now he's the possible No. 1.

Arizona won't lack for motivation when the Wildcats visit Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 19. Coach Mike Stoops, a former Hawkeye, is a bit miffed that his 'Cats have been pegged for an eighth-place finish in the Pac-10.

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