Iowa’s Ferentz to reference online videos when speaking with players

RIVERSIDE — When it comes to limiting social media with talented young athletes, Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz might be on to something.

Ferentz continues to bar his players from Twitter, which some people might consider drastic. But when a video leaked of Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil smoking marijuana just minutes before the NFL draft last week, well, Ferentz's opinion might have some validation.

'Visuals are a very powerful thing,' Ferentz said Tuesday before the Washington County I-Club. 'I heard on the radio in the car coming in on Saturday somebody mentioned (former NFL player) Ray Rice and the power of that video and there are probably other players in the league that have done things as bad but are still employed and Ray Rice is not. That's a point I'm actually going to make with them (Wednesday) when I meet with them, (Wednesday) afternoon just the power of the video. Guys don't think about things. You can't take it back. It can do a lot of damage.

'Fortunately for the player (Tunsil) that we're talking about, it's one of the few professions where you can do that and still keep your job. Most jobs won't let you do that.'

Posts on social media have cost potential recruits scholarships at Iowa in the past, Ferentz said.

'I can think of one case where something was posted on a young guy's site and when I saw it I said, 'We're done,'' Ferentz said. 'I can think of two of them in the last five years. We're moving on.'

But the 60-year-old Ferentz shouldn't be considered a bitter old man when it comes to interactions on social media platforms, either. He carries an iPhone and receives photos and videos of grandchildren. But he's still trying to figure out the pluses of a few forums.

'I had one of my daughters try to explain to me Snapchat this weekend,' Ferentz said. 'I'm thoroughly convinced that's the dumbest thing ever. Pictures of our granddaughter that she froze off of Snapchat. My question was, 'Wouldn't it be easier to just exchange pictures?' I've gotten videos on my phone where I can watch them as much as I want of the grandkids.'

Ferentz did talk football and the disappointment he feels for former player Drew Ott, who remains unsigned by an NFL club. Ott had two injuries last fall that required surgery and went undrafted last weekend. Ferentz said he spoke with Ott a couple of times on Tuesday and remains bullish on the defensive end's NFL prospects.

'It's all about him getting healthy right now,' Ferentz said. 'The good news is he's not fighting any size issues or anything like that. It's just a matter of him getting healthy. When he's healthy, he's going to have a great opportunity.

'Maybe the game's passed me by, but I think Drew's one heck of a football player. I'm not saying he's (former Iowa and Green Bay Packers defensive lineman) Aaron Kampman, but he's like Aaron Kampman. Aaron was underappreciated NFL-wise when he came out, and he had a real nice career. I think there are a lot of parallels between the two. They're not exactly alike, but I think Drew is underappreciated by some folks. To me somebody would be wise to sign him. If I was an NFL guy, I would have done it now. Because once they sign you, they own you.

'The good news is he should have options once he does get healthy. I can't imagine that's he's not good enough to play in the National Football League.'

Additionally, Ferentz said wide receiver Andre Harris has left the program and will transfer to another school.

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