Nashville, Tennessee — Kirk Ferenc usually shows his emotions during bowl games. This is because he always says goodbye to his seniors.
The Iowa coach’s tears were the first question at Friday’s Music City Bowl press conference.
Ferenc was asked about what tight end Sam Laporta and linebacker Jack Campbell played in Saturday’s game against Kentucky instead of starting preparations for the NFL Draft.
Ferenc talked about how LaPorta and Campbell let him know they were planning a comeback this season before last season’s Citrus Bowl.
“That’s how they wire it,” said Ferenc. “If you want to build a good football team, you need players like that. There were a lot of good players…”
Ferenc stopped to hold back tears, sipped water, and continued.
“It’s their fun, their attitude,” Ferenc continued. “The impact it has on the team is really impressive. That’s the beauty of it.”
When asked about Campbell giving Ferenc credit for the impact he had on his career, it again brought tears to my eyes.
“You’re pushing my buttons there. Thank you,” said Ferenc with a smile. “Jack Campbell, if Joe the Clown was coaching him, he’d say the same thing. Jack is just…everything… (former offensive lineman marshal) Yanda is like that. He’s the same guy.” Everything he sees and sees is an opportunity.He is very humble and appreciative…”
more tears.
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“You coach a guy like that… With all due respect to our defensive staff, you coach a guy like that, it’s not difficult, is it?” Ferenc said. “He’s an incredible young man.
“That’s what’s fun about coaching. With all the distractions of college football, with all the crazy things going on, frankly, on the practice field and on the game field with a player like that. It’s fun to be in. That’s what the game is about.”
Emergency QB: Joe Lavas will make his first start for the Hawkeyes in Saturday’s game, with Carson May backing him up. In preparation, LaPorta snapped this week.
“How can he be considered an emergency quarterback?” said offensive coordinator Brian Ferencz. “I think he will probably play because that’s what he does when he has the ball in his hand.”
Brian joked about his father’s feelings when talking about Laporta.
“I’ve coached some players, I’ve coached some good players,” Ferenc said. “I don’t think you guys are going to lose my cool here, but Sam LaPorta is the best football player I’ve ever coached and probably the best.
“He’s an extraordinary competitor and very talented. The way he practices, the way he plays, if my son can grow up, if he can emulate it, what he’s doing. I would be very proud of him if he chose to do so.
Laporta did not appear in the postseason All-Star Game, and Ferenc said one game representative criticized Laporta’s decision.
“Sam felt like he had recorded enough,” said Ferenc. “I happen to agree with him. I think he records a lot for NFL teams to appreciate.
“[The organizer]commented to him that if you don’t play in this game, people will question your competitiveness and your character. For anyone who’s ever been, that’s the last two things you ask.
Quote of the day: “He’s a guy who’s really improved and progressed throughout the season. There’s no doubt he’s a big guy. He’s just walking around and he has a certain demeanor. When he turns his head. Reminds me of “The Terminator” played by Arnold Schwarzenegger. I wouldn’t be shocked if you cut him open and there’s a cyborg underneath. He probably has a little more personality than that. — Brian Ferenc, offensive lineman Jennings Dunker.
