THE HAWKEYE DEPTH CHART

RUNNING BACKS

1. Mark Weisman, sr., 6-0, 240; OR Jordan Canzeri, jr., 5-9, 192; 2. Damon Bullock, sr., 6-0, 205 OR LeShun Daniels, so., 6-0, 230

FULLBACKS

1. Adam Cox, jr., 5-11, 230; 2. Macon Plewa, jr., 6-2, 236

THE REST

Akrum Wadley, r-fr., 5-11, 180; Jonathan Parker, r-fr., 5-8, 180; Andrew Wellick, r-fr., 5-10, 210; C.J. Hilliard, fr., 5-10, 185

THE GUYS

In at least the last couple of offseasons, Iowa strength coach Chris Doyle has held the 'Hawkeye Challenge.” It's a points chart that includes everything from community service to weightroom to times in short-area agility drills to making weight (yes, Doyle and staff want players at a target weight for optimum performance).

Last year, running back Mark Weisman wore the crown. This year, it was running back Jordan Canzeri.

'It's everything,” Weisman said. 'It's a fun way to make the offseason a little bit better. It's starts, who can squat the most. Hang test. Row test, rowing as many times as you can. Just a bunch of strength tests.”

Canzeri edged out tight end Henry Krieger-Kittle and fullback Adam Cox. Weisman finished seventh.

So, what did Canzeri win?

'Nothing,” Weisman said with a laugh. 'You win pride, that's about it. It's definitely fun. That means you're winning a lot of the competitions we're doing and that's good. We're always competing out there. We love competing.”

THE OTHER GUYS

After Canzeri took advantage of his opportunity late last season, senior Damon Bullock was the odd man out. In the seasons final five games, Bullock carried six, 10, four, three and three times, while Canzeri went five, 20, 12, six and seven (including a performance at Nebraska that, with a kick return and pass reception, was 13 yards per eight touches).

Bullock has been slotted as Iowa's third-down back, but has petitioned running backs coach Chris White for a fresh look as a full-service back.

Sophomore LeShun Daniels comes into 2014 without much resume. When Weisman went through a spat of injuries, Daniels got a chance to be Iowa's 'heavy back.” He finished with 142 yards on 32 carries and saw double-digit carries in a game just once. Keep in mind, however, that he was only a true freshman.

'We have to find out about LeShun. LeShun has got to make a move, and he did in the spring,” White said. 'Same thing with Damon. He wants first- and second-down reps. He is our third-down back. He's got to prove that in this preseason. He did that in the spring. He's made some adjustments to his running style, and that's pleased me.”

THE NEW GUYS

Akrum Wadley and Jonathan Parker are a pair of redshirt freshman speedsters who probably aren't ready to make a move this season. One, they're looking up at four backs who are clearly in the plans. And two, they both clock in at 180 pounds.

Can their athleticism, burst, speed overcome lack of size? Sure, but they're in a developmental tier and probably won't need to be counted on this year (probably).

'The two young kids, they've got to make a move,” White said. 'These guys are exciting players, but they're not a finished product as far as weightroom strength and knowing what it takes to play in a Big Ten game. But those kids are dynamic football players that hopefully you'll be able to see this year.”

- Marc Morehouse