Stanzi keys on vampire tales

No, Ricky Stanzi doesn't listen to Hannah Montana, like the ESPN College GameDay sign at Penn State claimed. He's got some Pink Floyd and some alt-rock on the iTunes.

He is big into Marvel Comics, with Spiderman at the forefront.

“My room is decorated with all sorts of stuff you would not expect to see in a college football player's room,” Stanzi said.

Comic books, Harry Potter and Twilight stuff.

“Twilight”? The vampire-driven book and movies series that has 12-year-old girls swooning?

“You see?” he laughed. “I'm surprised I'm even telling you guys this. I've got all these microphones in front of me and I'm telling you what's in my room. I guess that's my personality, like a big kid, I guess.”

He's not into sci-fi, but is into superheroes and comic books and Harry Potter (since grade school). He started reading the “Twilight” series this summer.

Apparently, there are vampires and werewolves in “Twilight.” Cooler to be a werewolf or a vampire?

“Vampire,” Stanzi said. “There are better things if you're a vampire.

“You live forever. You're never cold, you're never hot. You're the perfect temperature. Everything athletic comes easily. You've got to read the books to understand. Believe me, you want to be on the vampire side of this. Believe me. If you read it, you'd understand it. Vampires are the winners.”

Norm update

Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker, 68, coached from the press box for the first time since 2004 last Saturday because of an ongoing struggle with a foot infection. Parker spent some time in the hospital before the game and went back to the hospital last Saturday night.

“We're gaining progress and making ground,” Ferentz said.

Ferentz said Parker wouldn't be on the practice field this week and would likely spend the rest of the season coaching from the press box.

“We're keeping him off his feet. We're keeping him in the box,” Ferentz said. “I don't know if it will be the whole season or not, but we've been pushing the envelope. And, we just need to get him through this season right now, that's the most important thing.”

ARob A-OK?

There are rumors that running back Adam Robinson will be back for next week's Ohio State game. He suffered a high-ankle sprain against Michigan State two weeks ago and sat out Indiana. He leads the Hawkeyes with 629 yards. Ferentz didn't shed any light on it this week.

“He's doing well,” said Ferentz, who was then asked if there's a chance Robinson could be back before the end of the season. “There's a chance for anything.”