Top 50 Iowa Hawkeyes of the Kirk Ferentz Era: 5-1

5.  DE-Adrian Clayborn:  2007-2010

(thegazette.com)

In my opinion, Clayborn was the best Ferentz Era Defensive Lineman for the Hawkeyes.  There have been a lot of very good defensive linemen over the years but none were as dominating and productive as Clayborn.  The St. Louis native joined Iowa as a four star recruit and he proved he was no bust.  If it was not for a bit of a disappointing senior season, Clayborn probably would have been ranked higher.  

Despite being a 4 star recruit, Clayborn redshirted as a true freshman due to Iowa having veteran defensive linemen.  As a redshirt freshman, Clayborn along with fellow freshman Christian Ballard, was second team the whole year. However, Clayborn brought productivity and excitement off the bench.  He ended up finishing with 2.5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.  As a sophomore, Clayborn became a starter and started making a name for himself.  He ended up with 8 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.  His junior year was one of the best years by any Hawkeye, on offense or defense.  Part of an imposing defensive line which included Ballard, Karl Klug, and Broderick Binns, Clayborn ended the season with 11.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.  He also had a key punt block and interception for a touch down against Penn State.  He finished the season as First Team All Big Ten and Honorable Mention All-American in 2009.  He was also named Defensive Player of the Year by College Football Academy Awards.  He also was named the MVP of the 2010 Orange Bowl, after recording 9 tackles and 2 sacks.  Many people thought he would go pro as a junior as he was projected as a top 10 draft pick.  However, Clayborn stayed for his senior year.  Now, some people consider his senior year a disappointment.  It was nowhere as productive as his junior year, as he just finished with 3.5 sacks.  However, he did face more double teaming from fullbacks and tight ends.  He also battled an injury thanks to a chop block by Wisconsin.  Iowa also had lot of injuries and inexperience at linebacker that year which I am sure was part of it.  Despite a decrease in stats, he still was First Team All-American and All Big Ten.  

Clayborn finished his career with 192 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks.  After his graduation, Clayborn was a first round draft pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  He had a very nice rookie season with 7.5 sacks.  Despite some feeling disappointed by his senior year, there is no doubt few Iowa players have had better careers than Clayborn.

4.  WR-Marvin McNutt:  2008-2011

(hawkcentral.com)

I have noticed that many players in my list started their careers at a different position.  McNutt, a native of St. Louis, started his Hawkeye career as a quarterback.  After his redshirt freshman year, the 6'4 McNutt moved to WR which seemed to work out for everyone except for Big Ten defenses.  He ended his career as statistically speaking, the best Wide Receiver in Iowa Hawkeye history and maybe the best overall?  

After redshirting in 2007, McNutt was the team's third string quarterback.  He played in a couple of games and completed one pass.   However, going into his sophomre year he moved to wide receiver and I remember the coaches talking about and raving about him.  He became a key player right away and even started 5 games.  He finished the year with 34 receptions for 674 yards.  He also scored a team high 8 receiving touch downs.  Two of his touchdowns including the thrilling last minute TD catch against Michigan State and a 92 yard TD against Indiana.  He actually got some notice nationally already as Pro Football Weekly named him Honorable Mention All-American.  As a junior, McNutt became a full time starter and led the team in receptions(53) and yards(861).  He also once again scored 8 touch downs, which was second on the team.  He ended up earning 2nd team All Big Ten honors.  Even though McNutt had better stats, senior DJK was awarded First Team All Big Ten.  As a senior, without DJK lining up on the other side  and Rick Stanzi throwing to him, McNutt had his best season.  He ended up catching 82 passes for 1,315 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.  The 82 receptions ties the school record and the 1,315 yards broke the school record.  McNutt also led the Big Ten in receiving yards per game(101.2).   He was named Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year, First Team All Big Ten, and Third Team All-American by Phil Steele.   

That was quite a career for a kid that came in as a quarterback.  McNutt became the school's all time leader in receiving yards(2,861) and receiving touchdowns(28).  Iowa has had few, if any, wide receivers with his size and skills.  He was never the fastest wide receiver in the country, but few were better or more productive during his sophomore, junior, and senior years.  McNutt, by all accounts, was also a great leader off the field and was a great representative of Hawkeye Nation.  McNutt is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles as he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2012 draft.     

3.  LB-Chad Greenway:  2002-2005

(espn.go.com)

(inforum.com)

Since this is my blog, I had to show a picture of Greenway as a Hawkeye and a Viking.  Greenway is probably the best ex-Hawkeye to play for the Purple since Paul Krause.  Sometimes it is easy to forget were Greenway started.   The pride of Mt. Vernon, South Dakota, Greenway was not heavily recruited after playing 9 man football.  Greenway overcame injuries early in his career to become the best WILL at Iowa in my memory and another Iowa Hawkeye to become a NFL First Round Pick. 

After redshirting in 2001, Greenway hurt his knee at the beginning of the 2002 season.  He did come back and ended up playing as a backup.  He ended up finishing the season with 15 tackles.  As a sophomore, Greenway moved into the starting lineup along with fellow sophomore Abdul Hodge and neither one ever looked back.  As a sophomore, Greenway totaled 132 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.  He was named Second Team All Big Ten as a sophomore.  As a junior, Greenway recorded 113 tackles with 8 tackles for loss.  He also recorded 3 sacks and 3 interceptions.  Greenway was named First Team All Big Ten, First Team All-American by Pro Football Weekly, and 2nd Team All-American by CNNSI.com.  Another thing that made Greenway so special was he was also a key player on special teams.  He was named the Special Teams Player of the Year.  Greenway had another great year for his senior year, recording a career high 156 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.  He ranked 1st in the Big Ten with 14.0 tackles per game.  He was once again First Team All Big Ten and Second Team All-American.  

Chad Greenway finished his career with 416 tackles.  That is good for fifth all time.  He recorded 10 tackles or more in a game 25 times.  Greenway was as fast as a linebacker as the Hawkeyes have had.  His speed helped in protecting the outside run.  As I mentioned, Greenway was a first round pick for the Minnesota Vikings in 2006.  Unfortunately, he tore his ACL on the opening kickoff of the first preseason game and missed his first season.  Greenway came back and has had a very nice career ever since for the Purple.  Last year he made his first Pro Bowl and signed a nice new contract.  He is now considered a veteran leader for the Vikings.  

2.  OT-Robert Gallery:  2000-2003

(bleacherreport.com)

I think most Iowa fans agree that one of biggest keys of the Hawkeye turnaround in the early 2000's was the development of their offensive line.   So many Iowa offensive linemen have been named All Big Ten, All American, or made the NFL that sometimes we take it for granted..  However the group of Gallery, Eric Steinbach, Bruce Nelson(both in my top 20), David Porter, Andy Lightfoot, and sub Ben Sobieski, is considered the best unit.  Of that unit, Robert Gallery was the best.  His older and younger brother both played for the Hawkeyes as punters, but Gallery was known for crushing defenders and protecting the quarterback's blind side.  

Gallery was recruited as a tight end, and after redshirting in 1999, he actually started out as a tight end.  As a redshirt freshman, Gallery started at tight end, and had 3 receptions for 52 yards.  However, lucky for Hawkeye players and fans(but not for opponents, Iowa moved him to the right tackle before the Big Ten season started.  Gallery ended up starting the last 6 games and was part of a line that helped Ladell Betts to run over 1,000 yards. As a sophmore, Gallery moved to left tackle and he was part of a line that again helped Betts achieve 1,000 yards rushing.  With Gallery and company in the OL, Iowa scored 32.6 points and 393.5 yards per game.  As a junior, Iowa made the Orange Bowl.  They finished 8-0 in the Big Ten and 11-2 overall.  Their quarterback was player of the year and runner up for the Heisman Trophy.  I am guessing Banks will admit he owes a lot of that to the offensive line.  Steinbach and company were all seniors, while Gallery was a junior.  Gallery ended up being named first team All-American.  After that year, some thought Gallery would end up going pro.  However, he came back and had a phenomenal senior year. Despite losing some key players, Iowa once again had a very nice year.  Gallery was a big part of that.  He was named First Team All Big Ten, First Team All American, Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, and Outland Trophy Winner.  

Gallery, known for his long hair, was massive at 6'7/320 lbs.  He was also a very nice athlete despite being so big.  He was known for dominating players in the interior or plowing down defensive backs 20 some yards down the field.  Iowa has had so many good offensive linemen under Ferentz, but none were as dominant as Gallery.  Gallery was also a smart kid as he was a three time Academic All Big Ten.  After graduating from Iowa, Gallery was the number two overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2004 draft.  He may of never been the dominant player in the pros as he was in college, but he had a very solid career.  Gallery just announced his retirement last week.  

1.  S-Bob Sanders:  2000-2003

(thegazette.com)

(hawkeyesports.com)

It is fitting that the number one player on the list was once a lightly recruited kid out of high school, since this program has had so much success with walk-ons and little known recruits.  Demond Sanders, a 5'8 safety from Erie, Pennsylvania, had few offers when Iowa offered him.  When he came to Iowa, he went by Bob, and became an Iowa legend.  It seems like every year there is some new hot shot safety that fans are calling, The Next Bob Sanders, but there is only one Bob Sanders.  Iowa has had some good safeties since and some have gone on to the NFL, but none are close to Bob Sanders.  His hard hitting, toughness, and play making helped make Iowa's Defense the "Bullies of the Big Ten".  

Nicknamed "The Hitman", Bob Sanders never redshirted and started out as key contributor on special teams and key backup.  However, Sanders would end up starting the last 4 games at strong safety. I remember when Sanders and another true freshman by the name of Benny Sapp moved into the starting lineup, Iowa just had a different attitude.  Sapp only lasted a little longer, but for Sanders, it was beginning of a great career at Iowa.  Sanders ended up with 52 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack as a freshman.  He also had  2 forced fumbles and was named Honorable Mention All Big Ten.  As a sophomore Sanders was a full time starter.  He finished the season with 122 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 4 interceptions.  He ended up earning First Team All Big Ten Honors as a sophomore.  As a junior and senior, Bob Sanders ended up being First Team All Big Ten both years.  Sanders is just the 9th player from Iowa to be First Team All Big Ten for three years.  As a senior, he was also named 2nd team All-American.  Sanders finished his career with 348 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 13 forced fumbles.    

While Sanders's stats are impressive, stats were never the main thing to support Sanders being number one on the list.  As mentioned earlier, Sanders was the heart and soul of the "Bullies of the Big Ten".  Opposing players had to always worry where "The Hitman" was lurking as he was as big of a hitter as I have seen at Iowa.  He was also a nice athlete and quicker than given credit for.  Many forget what an excellent special teams player Sanders was as well for Iowa.  In my opinion, no player represented or personified what it means to be an Iowa Hawkeye more than Bob Sanders.  At 5'8, Sanders was "pound for pound" the toughest Hawkeye ever.  

In the 2004 NFL Draft, Sanders was selected in the 2nd round by the Indianapolis Colts.  Not surprisingly, Sanders had a very nice career in the NFL.  Legendary coach Tony Dungy nicknamed him "The Eraser" due to him correcting mistakes of teammates.  In 2007, Sanders was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and he also won a Super Bowl for the Colts.  He was known as the leader of the Colts Defense.  He is also a two time Pro Bowler.             

Sites I used to research the top 50:

www.hawkeyesports.com

www.hawkeyelocator.worldpress.com

www.totalfootballstats.com

www.bleacherreport.com  

          

Top 50 Iowa Hawkeyes of the Kirk Ferentz Era: 10-6

10.  WR-Derrell Johnson-Koulianos:  2007-2010

(buzzbox.com)

On or off the field, with DJK, things were never dull.  It is pretty well-known that he drove Coach Ferentz "crazy", and you never knew if he was going to start or be benched again for some undisclosed reason.  However, nobody will doubt how productive he was for Iowa and is one of the three best wide receivers in Iowa history.  Teamed with Marvin McNutt, he was part of the best starting WR duo at Iowa, in my opinion.   When I started this countdown, I never guessed he would have made the top 10.     

The Ohio native redshirted in 2006 and then started as a backup but eventually started and ended up leading the team with 38 receptions and 482 yards.  He also scored 2 TD's.  As a sophomore, DJK started most games and again led the team with 44 receptions and 639 yards. As a junior, DJK started 7 out of 12 games.  He once again led the team with 45 receptions and 750 yards, which made him the third Iowa Hawkeye to lead team in receiving three years in a row.  He earned 2nd team All Big Ten in 2009.  As a senior, DJK caught a career high 46 receptions.  He also scored a career high 10 touchdowns.  He also led the Big Ten in kickoff returns.  He was named first team All Big Ten by both media and coaches.  However, he once again had troubles as well.  He was sometimes benched and he missed what should have been his final game, the Insight Bowl, due to an arrest.  DJK also ended his career with 1,575 kick returning yards.  

When DJK left he was the team's all time leader in receptions(173) and receiving yards(2,616).  His 17 touchdowns were 4th all time.  The next year McNutt would break his yards record but his receptions record still stands.  DJK is one of only two in my top 20(the other Brad Banks), not to make it in the NFL.  

9.  DT-Mitch King:  2005-2008

(nationalchamps.net)

Marvin McNutt/DJK, Abdul Hodge/Chad Greenway, Tyler Sash/Brett Greenwood, and Mitch King/Matt Kroul.  Those are some of the best duos or pairs in Iowa history.  Kroul and King seemed to be starting at DT at Iowa for a decade.  They both had the same initials, both were lightly recruited LB's from Iowa who moved to the DL, and both started basically 4 years at Iowa.  While Kroul was a very good player, King was the better of the two.  Although undersized, his motor never stopped and he became one of the better Iowa Hawkeyes ever.  Legendary Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker had said this to say about King, "He's as good of a college football player since I've been here on defense."  

After redshirting in 2004, King started out a reserve as a freshman, but ended up starting the last 8 games.   He ended up with 11 tackles for lost and 2 sacks.  He was first team Freshmen All American and Honorable Mention All Big Ten.  As a sophomore, King finished with 7 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.  As a junior, King had 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.  He was named First Team All Big Ten.    As a senior King again started all his games and finished with 15.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks.  He was First Team All Big Ten, Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, and First Team All-American by ESPN.com.  SI, Walter Camp, and AP listed him as 2nd Team All-American.  King finished his career with 55 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, and 228 tackles. 

King was always a fan favorite and there is no doubt that he was a Hawkeye from birth.  After college, King was undrafted but ended up playing for the Titans, Colts, Rams, and Saints.  

8.  QB-Ricky Stanzi:  2007-2010

(ogdraft.com)

The Ohio native is one of the most popular players to play for the back and gold.  Stanzi was a winner and a leader.  His Love America or Leave it speech made him even more popular to the loyal Hawkeye fans and he was Iowa's version of Captain America.  Stanzi was not perfect and often made things much more difficult than they should have be, but nobody would doubt he was as clutch as any QB in Iowa history.  He did not put up the stats of a Drew Tate or a two way threat like Banks, but he is my highest ranked quarterback in Kirk Ferentz's Era.

The 6-4 Mentor, OH native was not very highly recruited when he came out of high school.  Heck, he was not even the most highly recruited QB from Ohio to join the Hawkeyes in the class of 2006.  That honor went to Arvell Nelson, remember him?  After redshirting in 2006, Stanzi and Nelson were both listed as co-backups behind Jake Christensen.  He played one game and went 0-4.  However, as a sophmore, Stanzi replaced Christensen during the beginning of the year and started 11 out of 13 games.  He revived the offense and led the team to a 9-4 finish, ending with a 31-10 Outback Bowl victory vs. South Carolina.  2009 was a big season for Iowa and Stanzi was a big part of it.  He led Iowa to a 9-0 start.  Most games were close and Iowa often came from behind, but Stanzi had ice in his veins during the second half.  However, against Norwestern, Stanzi was knocked out and Iowa went on to lose at Northwestern and at Ohio State behind freshman James Vanderberg.  Iowa won a sloppy game against Minnesota to finish 10-2.  Iowa ended up earning their second BCS and Orange Bowl birth under Ferentz.  Stanzi came back and completed 17-29 passes and threw for 231 yards and two TD's to lead Iowa to a 24-14 victory over Georgia Tech and an 11th victory.  It was never easy for Stanzi as he threw 15 interceptions during 2009, but when he got hurt Iowa learned of his importance.  He ended up earning honorable mention Big Ten and All-American honors despite missing two and half games.  As a senior Stanzi stayed healthy and started 13 of 13 games.  Iowa finished a disappointing 8-5 that season ending with a Insight Bowl victory against Missouri, however Stanzi had his best season statistically speaking.  He passed for 3,004 yards and threw for 25 TD's.  One of the most impressive stats was he only threw 6 interceptions.  

One of Stanzi's biggest stats was his 26-9 career record as a starter.  His 26 wins is second too Chuck Long.  He had at least on passing touchdown in 21 straight games, which is a school record.  He was the only Iowa QB to have 3 straight bowl wins.  In 2011 he was a fifth round draft pick for the Kansas City Chiefs where he is now their backup QB.  Stanzi will always be remembered as one of the most beloved Hawkeyes at all time.  He was not always pretty, but I remember him as a winner and that is why he made the top 10.  

7.  LB-Abdul Hodge:  2002-2005

(hawkeyereport.com)

Another favorite of mine.  Born in the Virgin Islands and growing up in Florida, Hodge dominated the Big Ten for three years.  He was often overshadowed by fellow linebacker Chad Greenway, but Hodge was very good and a fan favorite in his own right.  

In 2002 as a redshirt freshman, Hodge was second team middle linebacker behind Fred Barr.  He was a key contributor on special teams and also totaled 38 tackles and 1 sack.  After Barr's graduation, Hodge took over as a the starter and was the team's starting MLB for the next three years.  He finished with 141 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks.  As a sophomore he was a first team All Big Ten.  As a junior, Hodge once again started every game for Iowa and again earned All Big Ten honors.  He finished with 116 tackles.  In the memorable Capital One Bowl game against LSU, Hodge broke the bowl game record with 16 tackles.  As a senior, Hodge was just Abdul Hodge again:  starting every game, finishing with 158 tackles(2nd best ever for Iowa), and 11 tackles for loss.  He once again broke a bowl game record as he recorded 19 tackles in the Outback Bowl against Florida.  This was a Outback Bowl record and an Iowa record for bowl games.  For some reason after being first team All Big Ten for two seasons, Hodge was just second team All Big Ten as a senior.  He also was Honorable Mention All-American.  

Hodge was a tackling machine and a leader at the middle linebacker spot for three years.  Hodge and his long hair was a fan favorite for many Hawkeye fans.  Hodge was a third round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers, but surprisingly did not have a long career in the NFL.  When my Vikings took Chad Greenway in the same draft in the first round, I actually thought Hodge would become a better player.  Still, there is no debating that Abdul Hodge is one of the greatest Iowa Hawkeyes.  

6.  DE-Matt Roth: 2001-2004

 (espn.go.com)

Back when Iowa was still a struggling program, Roth a 4 star linebacker out of Illinois, committed to Iowa.  After starting out as a linebacker as a true freshman; Roth moved to DE and that proved to be a good move for the Hawkeyes.  He was a big part of the defense turnaround in the early 2000's.  

As a true freshman, Roth played in all 12 games as linebacker.  He finished with 19 tackles but played mostly on special teams.  Before the 2002 season, Roth moved to defensive end where he became a key reserve.  Eventually, Roth would move into the starting lineup at the end of the season, including the Orange Bowl against USC.  He also once again contributed in special teams as a sophomore.  Even though he did not start for most of the season, Roth finished with 11 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.  As a junior, Roth started every game and finished with 12 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.  He was named First Team All Big Ten for his efforts during his junior year.  As a senior, Roth finished with 8 sacks and was named First Team All Big Ten once again and also Walter Camp 2nd Team All American as well.  

Roth finished his career with 30 sacks and 167 tackles.  After finishing his career at Iowa, he was a 2nd round pick in the 2005 draft by the Miami Dolphins.  He has had a solid career in the NFL.  Last year he played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.  

  

    

Top 50 Hawkeyes of the Kirk Ferentz Era: 20-11

20.  OT-Reily Reiff-2009-2011

(sikids.com)

The South Dakota native committed to Iowa, then to Nebraska, and then back to Iowa.   Reiff continued the Hawkeye's legacy of having very good LT's.  As a redshirt freshman, Reiff started 11 out of 13 games and made the Big Ten's All Freshman Team.  As a sophomore he started all 13 games at LT and earned 2nd Team All Big Ten honors.  As a junior Reiff also started all 13 games at LT and earned First Team All Big Ten honors.  He also earned First Team All American honors by Pro Football Weekly.  Reiff declared for the NFL after his junior year and became a first round draft pick for the Detroit Lions. 

19.  QB-Brad Banks-2001-2002

(thegazette.com)

Even though I tried to rank the players based on a whole career more than just one year, which is why I do not have Shonn Greene in the top 20, I had to have Banks in the top 20 just due to his and the team's success in 2002.  Banks, a junior college transfer, just played two seasons for Iowa and only started one year.  As a junior, Banks played some along with Nate Chandler, and completed 41 out of 68 passes for 582 yards and throw for 4 TD's.  However in 2002, Banks started and had one of the best individual seasons in Iowa Hawkeye history.  As a senior, Banks threw for 2,573 yards and threw for 26 touchdowns.  He also ran for 423 yards and 5 rushing TD's.  He led the nation with a QB rating of 157.1 rating.  Banks led Hawkeyes to a 8-0 season in the Big Ten, 11-2 record overall, and a trip to the Orange Bowl.  Banks won the Davey O'Brien Award.  He was runner up for the Heisman Trophy to USC's Carson Palmer.  He was AP's College Football player of the year.  He was first team Walter Camp All American.    

18.  LB/DL-Aaron Kampman:  1998-2001

(hawkeyelocator.worldpress.com)

Kampman played as a true freshman and had 6 sacks.  As a sophomore Kampman started all 11 games and finished second on the team with 103 tackles.  During his junior year, Kampman moved to DE and started all 12 games.  He earned All Big Ten Honorable Mention honors.  As a senior, Kampman had a very good year.  He again started all 12 games and earned All Big Ten honors.  He recorded 9 sacks as a senior and ended with 18 for his career.  He also ended his career with 35 starts and 342 tackles.  

17.  OL-Bryan Bulaga: 2007-2009  

(packerchatters.com)

Another star LT for Iowa.  Bulaga played as a true freshman and started the final 5 games at LG for the Iowa Hawkeyes.  Sporting News listed him as Freshmen All Big Ten.  As a sophomore, Bulaga started all 13 games at LT and was named 2nd team All Big Ten.  He came back as a junior and missed the first three games due to a thyroid injury, but came back and started the last ten games.  He ended up having a very good season and won Big Ten Offensive Linemen of the Year, First Team All American by Sporting News.  He was also named first team All Big Ten by coaches and media. Bulaga was a 1st round draft pick for the Green Bay Packers in 2010 where he has been a solid contributor since.

16.   C-Bruce Nelson:  1999-2002

(thegazette.com)

How can you not have respect for this former walk-on from Emmetsburg.  Nelson started 48 consecutive games at center.  He was the heart of that great offensive line of 2002 along with Robert Gallery, Eric Steinbach, Andy Lightfoot, David Porter, and reserve Ben Sobieski.  As a senior he was first team All American and first team All Big Ten.  Nelson was second round draft pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2003 but unfortunately injuries shortened his career to 2 seasons.  Iowa has had some very good centers during Ferentz's tenure (Brian Ferentz, James Ferentz, Mike Elgin, Rob Bruggerman, Rafael Eubanks, etc.) but there is no doubt Nelson is the best.  

15.  LB-Pat Angerer:  2006-2009

(sportsthenandnow.com)

Angerer, a Bettendorf native, was highly recruited out of Iowa and part of the highly ranked 2005 recruiting class.  After redshirting in 2005, Angerer played sparingly as a freshman and a sophmore(battled injuries that year).  It almost looked like he might have been another "bust" from that class to go along with guys like Kelvin Bailey, Ryan Bain, Tyler Blum, Jake Christensen, Dan Doering, and Alex Kanellis.  Some never or barely played for Iowa before transferring and some stuck with Iowa but never reached their supposed potential.  However, after contemplating giving up, Angerer ended up having outstanding final two seasons for Iowa at MLB.  As a junior he started out as second team MLB but started against Iowa State and stayed the starter over the next two seasons.  As a junior, he ended with 107 tackles, 6.5 tackles for lost, 1 sack, and 5 interceptions.  He ended up being on the second team All Big Ten by the coaches.  As a senior, he also had another outstanding year.  He ended up with 145 tackles(5th best all time in school history) and 5 tackles for lost.  He was listed as first team All American by college writers, Phil Steele, and the Sporting News.  He was one of the 5 finalists for Bronko Nagurski award. He was listed as First Team All Big Ten by both coaches and media.  After his career ended for Iowa, he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2nd round of the 2010 draft.  

14.  K-Nate Kaeding:  2000-2003

(thegazette.com)

This was tough for me.  Some may want him higher and some might want him lower.  For me, this is about as high as I could list a kicker.  Still, you can not doubt or forget what a weapon Kaeding was for Iowa.  When Kaeding ended his career for Iowa, he became Iowa's all time leader in career points(373), field goals(67), PAT's made(167), and PAT attempts(169).  As a sophmore, Kaeding was listed as honorable mention Big Ten.  He was first team All Big Ten for both his junior and senior seasons.  In 2002, Kaeding also won the Lou Groza Award for the nation's best kicker. A couple more impressive stats I found were that  he was 19-23 from 40-49 yards and 5-6 for 50 yards plus for his career.  During his career Kaeding also made 22 consecutive field goals from 2001 through 2002.  He also made 60 consecutive PAT's as well, which is also a school record.  Only 159 of his 295 career kickoffs were returned.  

13.  DL-Colin Cole:  1999-2002

(marcmwm.wordpress.com)

One of my all time favorite Hawks.  Part of Kirk Ferentz's first recruiting class; the Florida native was a big part of the team's turnaround.  At 300 pounds Cole brought size, strength(very good wrestler in high school), and agility as he played DE and DT. As a true freshman Cole played in 9 games, missing two due to injuries.  As a reserve he finished with 7 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.  Cole was also a key sub as a sophomore and started the last game of the year against Minnesota.  He finished his sophmore year with 7 tackles for lost and 5 sacks.  As a junior, Cole finally was a full-time starter.  He recorded 15 tackles for loss and 6 sacks.  He earned All Big Ten Honorable Mention.  As a senior, started all 13 games for the Orange Bowl team.  He finished with 85 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 9 sacks.  CNNSI.com and Sporting News listed him as second team All-American and he was also unanimous All Big Ten First Team.   He finished his career with 25 starts, 213 tackles, and 23 sacks.   Cole went undrafted but signed as a rookie free agent by the Vikings.  Cole has had a nice long career in the NFL, mostly with the Green Bay Packers.  

12.  OG-Eric Steinbach:  1999-2002        

(bleacherreport.com)

Steinbach, recruited as a TE, is the best guard during the Kirk Ferentz era, in my opinion.  As a freshman, Steinbach started 4 games at right guard and was part of the young line that would eventually become a key part to the team's turnaround.  However, Steinbach had a set back during his sophomore year, as he missed most of the season due to injury.  He played in 5 games and started 3, including the final 2.  As a junior, Steinbach became a star.  Besides missing three games, Steinbach was listed as first team All Big Ten.  As a senior, Steinbach stayed healthy and had a huge year as part of the great offensive line that helped Brad Banks become runner up for the Heisman and winner of the Davey O'Brien trophy.  As a senior, Steinbach earned First Team All Big Ten, Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, and Walter Camp, AP, Sporting News, and Coaches First Team All-American.  In 2003, the Illinois native was a second round draft pick by the Cincinnati Bengals.  He has had a nice career for the Bengals and Browns.  He currently is a member of the Miami Dolphins.  

11.  TE-Dallas Clark: 1999-2002

(sportsthenandnow.com)

I have to admit, this surprised me.  When I originally came up with my list, Clark was listed number 2.  All I think about is his 2002 year which was the greatest year I have seen by any tight end for Iowa.  There is no doubt, that in a program that develops a lot of NFL tight ends, Clark is the best under Ferentz.  However, Clark really only had two productive seasons for Iowa at tight end.  I kind of put him in the same category as Brad Banks and Shonn Greene, who each had a great and legendary season, but were not productive for more than one or two years.  He is still one my all time favorite Hawks and had a very nice career in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts; being a favorite target of Peyton Manning.   He is now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  

The pride of Livermore, IA was a walk-on linebacker.  In 1998 Clark redshirted and missed most of 1999 due to injuries. Finally in 2000, Clark found playing time and contributed as a special teams player(won coaches appreciation award for special teams) and backup linebacker.  However, in 2001 he moved to tight end, which worked well for Clark, Iowa, and his bank account.  He started 10 games and played in all 12.  He caught 38 passes for 539 yards and scored 4 touchdowns.  He earned All Big Ten Honorable Mention honors by both coaches and media.  However, that was overshadowed by his 2002 season.  As a junior, he had 43 receptions for 742 yards.  He once again scored 4 touchdowns.  He was able to spread the field better than any tight end I have ever seen in a Hawkeye uniform.  Who could forget his 95 yard touchdown reception against Purdue?  He ended up being First Team All Big Ten, First Team All-American, and won the John Mackey award for the nation's best tight end.  Due to his injury in 1999, he was elgible for one more year but he declared for the NFL draft and became a first round pick by the Colts.  Clark is also one my all-time favorite Hawks.  Everyone loves the underdog, and what better underdog story is there than Clark who started as a walk-on linebacker from a small town in Iowa and ended up being a All-American Tight End, NFL First Round Draft Pick, Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl winner.  I thought he would be much higher, but the players in the top ten all had very good careers as well for Iowa and were key players/starters for 3 or 4 years.  

Top 50 Hawkeyes of the Kirk Ferentz Era: 30-21

30.  OG-Mike Jones:  2003-2006

(hawkeyesports.com)

Jones was highly recruited and played and started as a true freshman.  He never became the star that some expected but he had a very nice career.  He played and started every offensive line position but center for Iowa.  As a senior scout.com had him as a first team All-American.  He was also voted by coaches as a first team All-Big Ten.      

29.  CB-Amari Spievey:  2006, 2008-2009

(bleacherreport.com)

Even though Spievey only played two seasons for Iowa, he is arguably the best cover CB Iowa has had under Ferentz.  Spievey redshirted as a true freshman and then transferred to Iowa Central Community College due to academics.  In 2008, Spievey came back and started as a sophomore and earned third team All Big Ten honors.  As a Junior he started all 13 games and earned All Big Ten First Team.  He also returned kicks as a junior.  Spievey skipped his senior season and was drafted in the third round by the Detroit Lions.  Spievey has had a solid career in the pros.  

28.  CB-Jovon Johnson:  2002-2005

(iowa.scout.com)

Another Erie, Pennsylvania native that became a key contributor for Iowa.  This diminutive(5-9) CB started his final 3 games as a freshman, including the Orange Bowl, and then started every other game for his career.  Johnson ended his career with 17 interceptions, which was third all time.  He also returned punts for Iowa during his career.  He was honorable mention Freshman All American by Rivals in 2002 and was first team All Big Ten by league media as a senior.  

27.  RB-Shonn Greene:  2005-2006, 2008

(milehighreport.com)

What an amazing junior season Greene had in 2008.  I ranked him this low because he basically just had one good season as a Hawkeye.  Greene had a very nice first game as a freshman against Ball State.  In that game, he rushed for 116 yards on 18 carries.  After that Greene saw limited playing time except for special teams as he as behind two veterans in Albert Young and Damian Sims.  In 2006 Greene was also behind those veterans and also missed games due to injury.  Greene then had to leave Iowa due to grades and rejoined them in 2008 and the rest is history.  Greene rushed for 1,850 yards.  He scored 20 touchdowns.  He rushed for 100 yards in every game.  He was the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Year.  He won the Doak Walker Award.  Greene was MVP of the Outback Bowl and First Team All American.  After his junior year, Greene left for the NFL where he plays for the New York Jets.  

26.  RB-Albert Young:  2004-2007

(nationalchamps.net)

Kids, once upon a time, Iowa graduated running backs.  The New Jersey native was not flashy, but had a very nice career for Iowa.  Because he was a Iowa running back, Young redshirted as a true freshman due to a knee injury and played only two games as a redshirt freshman due to a knee injury.  Young rebounded and had a very nice sophomore year rushing for 1,344 yards with a 5.4 yards per carry average.  He never reached 1,000 yards again but had a very solid three year career and ended up his career third all time in rushing with 3,173 yards.  Young was undrafted, but played a couple of seasons for the Vikings.  

25.  CB-Shaun Prater:  2008-2011

(bleacherreport.com)

The Nebraska native was a four year key player and three year starter for Iowa.  He played as a true freshman in 2008 and was a key reserve.  As a sophomore, Prater became a starter and never looked back.  Prater finished his career with 7 interceptions and 171 tackles.  He also recorded 4 forced fumbles as a senior.  Prater frustrated some fans as a senior, but I think that was more due to the inexperience at safety.  Prater was a two time All Big Ten First Team Member.  Prater is currently a member of the Cincinnati Bengals after being drafted in the fifth round.  

24.  DL-Jonathan Babineaux:  2000, 2002-2004

(bleacherreport.com)

Some people may forget that Babineaux started out as a fullback.  He actually started three games at full back as a true freshman.  Babineaux missed 2001 due to injury and moved to DL where he would have a nice career for Iowa and eventually the NFL.  The Texas native started as a sophomore, junior, and senior at DL.  Babineaux ended his career with 131 tackles, 19 sacks, and five forced fumbles.  As a senior, Babineaux earned All Big Ten First Team honors.  Babineaux was always a favorite of mine. 

23.  S-Tyler Sash-2008-2010

 (www.hawkeyelocator.wordpress.com)

If Sash stayed for his senior year, he would have been ranked even higher.  Still Sash had a very nice career for Iowa.  Sash, originally committed to Iowa State, but made the right choice and changed his commitment to the Black and Gold.  The Oskaloosa native ended his career with 13 interceptions, 217 tackles, and 392 interception return yards.  After starting out as a backup, Sash eventually started at strong safety as a redshirt freshman against Pittsburgh and ended his career with 37 starts.  As a freshman, Rivals named Sash the Big Ten Top Defensive Freshman and second team Freshman All American.  Sash was All Big Ten First Team as a sophomore and junior.  

22.  RB-Ladell Betts:  1998-2001

(usatoday.com)

The Missouri native was actually was recruited by and played for Hayden Fry, but played the majority of his career with Ferentz.  He was part of Ferentz's first teams, which were not very good.  Although, Betts did not have much help on offense and never played with a strong line, he ended up having a very nice career.  Betts ended his career with 3,682 yards rushing which is 2nd all time.  Betts also recorded 71 career receptions.  He started 43 games for his career.  Betts lead Iowa in rushing in all 4 years he played.  When he played he became just the second Iowa Hawkeye to rush for back to back 1,000 yards.  Betts ended up having a nice NFL career for the Washington Redskins.  

21.  QB-Drew Tate:  2003-2006

(nationalchamps.net)

Some people might have him listed higher but there was nobody in the top 20 I could take out for him.  Drew Tate, did have one of the most interesting careers for Iowa and nobody can ever forget the Tate pass to Warren Holloway in the 2004 Capital One Bowl against LSU.  However, Tate had a little bit of a disappointing senior year and some questioned his leadership skills.  Tate actually played as a true freshman which is rare for Iowa.  He saw limited playing time.  However, as a sophomore he became the starter and had a big year.  He passed for 2,786 yards and threw for 20 touchdowns.  As a sophomore he earned All Big Ten First Team honors and also was the Big Ten's Player of the Year by collegefootballnews.com.  Tate also had a nice junior year throwing for 2,828 yards and 22 touchdowns.  As a senior, Iowa had a disappointing year going 6-7 ending with a Alamo Bowl loss to Texas.  Tate did battle injuries but still ended up throwing for 2623 yards.  Tate ended his career with 8292 yards which is second all time.  Tate is one of the greatest Iowa Hawkeye QB's ever.  However, he never seemed to get better after his terrific sophomore year.  

Top 50 Hawkeyes of the Kirk Ferentz Era: 40-31

40.  S-Brett Greenwood:  2007-2010

(qctimes.com)

Greenwood started for three and a half years.  Not to bad for a walk-on.  When he first started some people questioned why this walk-on was starting.  But, he improved and became an all-around player and more than a ball-hawk.  However, he was a nice ball-hawk as he ended his career with 12 interceptions(seems like he had a lot more).  


39.  LB-AJ Edds:  2006-2009

(hawkeyereport.com)

After playing sparingly as a true freshman; Edds started for the next three years and had a very nice career for Iowa.  Edds was recruited as a tight end but moved to linebacker and never looked back.  Edds was a tough and smart player(three time All Academic Big Ten).  He ended his career with 226 career tackles, 12.5 tackles for lost, and 7 interceptions.  Edds is currently a member of the Indianapolis Colts.  


38.  WR-Ed Hinkel-2002-2005

(bleachereport.com)

Hinkel may not have had the stats of Clinton Solomon but he was a 4 year player and a solid punt returner as well.  He was never flashy but was possibly the most dependable wide receiver Iowa has had.  "Easy" Eddie ended his career with 135 receptions and 15 touchdowns.  Hinkel, one of three Erie, PA natives on this list was recruited as a pretty high safety prospect.  

37.  DE-Howard Hodges:  2000-2003

(nationalchamps.net)

I was always a fan of Hodges.  He was part of the defense that helped turn Iowa around.      After playing as a key reserve as a freshman he missed a lot of his sophomore year due to injuries.  However, he came back as a very good starter for his junior and senior year.  He was first team All Big Ten as a junior and was on the preseason Outland Trophy list as a senior.  The Texas native ended his career with 21 sacks and 26 tackles for lost.  

36.  OL-Seth Olsen:  2005-2008

(qctimes.com)

I have to admit, it is a little harder for me to rank offensive linemen.  However, anyone that starts at OL at Iowa for three seasons is a nice player.  Olsen was a key reserve as a redshirt freshman and then moved into the starting lineup during his sophomore year.  Olsen then was a key starter for the rest of his career.  By his junior year he was Honorable Mention All Big Ten and was first team Big Ten as a senior.  He was also first team All American by Rivals as a senior.  Olsen was a fourth round draft pick by the Denver Broncos.  

35.  LB-Fred Barr:  1999-2002

(thegazette.com)  

Like Howard Hodges, this linebacker from Florida was a key part of the strong defense that led to Iowa's turnaround.  Solid player that started 36 games for his career including 6 as a freshman.  As a senior, Barr was first team All-Big Ten.  He was a tackling machine ending his career with 376 tackles and 24 tackles for loss.    

34.  DE-Kenny Iwebema:  2004-2007

(iowa.scout.com)

Iwebema just looked like a star with his 6'4/280 pound frame.  However, although he had a solid career, I often think of untapped potential when I think of him.  Iwebema had a very good sophomore year recording 7 sacks and 10 tackles for lost. He was  named All-Big Ten First team.  However, he never would have a better season as he was injured ridden during his junior year and had an underachieving senior year.  Still he had a very solid career and did play for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL.  

33.  TE-Scott Chandler:  2003-2006

(hawkeyelocator.worldpress.com)

The 6-7 athlete out of Texas had a very solid and somewhat underrated career for Iowa.  It is hard to believe, but he was actually recruited as a wide receiver and played that as a true freshman.  However, he moved to TE as a sophomore and stayed there for the rest of his career.  He started getting more playing time as a sophomore and started for his last two years.  He ended his career with 117 receptions and 1,467 receiving yards.  After moving around a bit in the NFL he has seemed to made a home in Buffalo and is their expected starter this season.  

32.  WR-Kevin Kasper:  1997-2000

(www.kevinkasper.com)

One of the few players on this list that played for Ferentz and Hayden Fry.  By the time Kasper used up his eligibility, the former walk-on was Iowa's career leader in receptions with 157 receptions.  He is now currently third all time.  Kasper had a huge senior year with 82 receptions, 1,010 yards, and 7 touchdowns.

31.  RB-Fred Russell:  2000-2003

(bleacherreport.com)

He was just 5'8, but he played a lot bigger than that.  After being a special teams player as a freshman and a reserve as a sophomore had two huge seasons.  He became just the third Iowa Hawkeye ever to run for over a 1,000 yards in two seasons.  He combined for 2,619 yards as a junior and senior.  He was first team All-Big Ten as a junior and senior and was the MVP of the Outback Bowl as a senior.  

Top 50 Hawkeyes of the Kirk Ferentz Era: 50-41

50.  WR-Khalil Hill-1998-2001

(thegazette.com)

Khalil had a nice career for the Hawks.  He was troubled as he sat out his whole sophomore season.  He was also a very good special teams player as he returned kicks and punts.  He became the first freshman to lead the team in receptions.  Ended with 152 career receptions.  


49.  DT-Karl Klug-2007-2010

(fannation.com)

When he signed out of a tiny Minnesota school some people compared him to Chad Greenway who came from a tiny South Dakota school.  While he never became a Chad Greenway, he ended up being a very good player for Iowa.  Klug was a key reserve as a sophmore and than started two seasons.  He sometimes was underrated lining up next to the likes of Christian Ballard and Adrian Clayborn but he had a very nice career.  Klug also had a nice rookie season for the Titans last year.  


48.  DT-Matt Kroul-2005-2008

(thegazette.com)

Kroul was never a star but was a solid player.  His most impressive stat was that he started all 50 games of his career which was an Iowa record.  Along with Mitch King, Kroul was a very nice DT tackle combination.  Ended career with 238 tackles and was on the team's leadership team every year.  Kroul is now a member of the New York Jets as an offensive lineman.  He will try to make the team this year.  

47.  DB-Charles Godfrey-2004-2007

(hawkeyesports.com)

Godfrey started for his junior and senior years but was a key contributor throughout his career on defense. He was a key special teams player throughout his career as well.  He was the team's top special team player as a sophomore.  As a senior he had 5 interceptions.  He has made a nice career for himself as a Carolina Panther. 

46.  DE-Bryan Mattison-2004-2007

(cstv.com)

Mattison had a very nice career for Iowa.  He was a three year starter for Iowa and was a key reserve as a freshman as well.  Mattison ended his career with 20 sacks.  As a senior he was 2nd team All-Big Ten.  Mattison has played for the Ravens and the St. Louis Rams as an offensive lineman.

45.  OT-Marshal Yanda-2005-2006

(nfldraftexpert.blogspot.com)

Yanda started for both years that he was a Hawk after transferring from a junior college.  He played both guard and tackle for Iowa.  Yanda has had a nice career for the Baltimore Ravens.   Yanda was a Pro Bowler last year for the Ravens.   

44.  TE:  Tony Moeaki-2005-2009

(blackheartgoldpants.com)

Moeaki may be the most talented TE to play for Iowa but he struggled to stay healthy.  Moeaki had a very nice senior year earning first team All-Big Ten honors.  Moeaki caught 30 receptions for 387 yards as a senior.  Moeki had a nice rookie season for Kansas City but missed all of his second year due to injuries.  

43.  DL-Christian Ballard-2007-2010

(thegazette.com)

Three year starter for Iowa.  He played both DE and DT for the Hawkeyes during his career.  Ballard ended up his career with 12.5 sacks.  Ballard was part of a very good defensive line along with the likes of Adrian Clayborn, Broderick Binns, Mike Daniels, and Karl Klug.   Ballard now plays for the Minnesota Vikings.    

42.  WR-Clinton Soloman-2002, 2004-2005

(http://hawkeyelocator.wordpress.com/)

Soloman had a very nice career for Iowa.  He only played 3 years for Iowa as he missed his sophomore year due to academics and played at junior college.  In three years though, he had a very nice career with 118 receptions, 1,864 yards(7th best in school history), and 14 touchdowns.  His best year was his junior year when he caught 58 passes for 905 yards.  

41.  P-Ryan Donahue-2007-2010

(www.hawkcentral.com)

It may seem weird to have a punter but he was a key weapon for Iowa throughout his career.  He had a nice leg but also was good at kicking inside the 20 and avoiding touch backs.  Iowa had some nice defensive teams during his tenure at Iowa and having a punter like Donahue backing up opposing offenses made Iowa even tougher.  Donahue made the roster of the Detroit Lions last year as a rookie free agent.