Video Sessions — July 4 takes on a higher meaning

Video No. 1 - Iowa outside linebacker Travis Perry's dad, Russ

, is a member of the National Guard. He was deployed to Afghanistan on July 4. Travis already has plans to ship over many, many DVDs. If Iowa goes to a bowl, his dad has a chance to be back for that. This is a strong, strong family.

Video No. 2 - Junior center Austin Blythe talks about breaking into the lineup as a redshirt freshman, something he did two years ago and something guard Sean Welsh will do this season. Also, Blythe tackles the metaphysical question: Are there too many watch lists? Even when they're on them, players don't really care, as you might expect. The team activities are plentiful (not really a lot to do, though) in the summer. Just Wednesday morning, Blythe went fishing with offensive tackles Brandon Scherff and Andrew Donnal. They all go bowling. QB Jake Rudock said he beat RB Jordan Canzeri

, who can work the ball from side to side, on sheer strength. He said I could write that.

Video No. 3 - Junior DE Drew Ott's

goal this year is to make it to third down. Last season and the movement this spring for Iowa's defense has been to have first- and second-down DEs and then have a third-down rush package. Obviously, Ott wants in on that. Also, he now has a motorcycle for trips home to Nebraska. He also has access to a TV this summer, but won't in the fall. He didn't mind that his position coach called him a pickup truck.

l Comments: (319) 398-8256; marc.morehouse@sourcemedia.net