Iowa adds quarterbacks | football

Iowa’s spring quarterback prospects will get an early start.

New transfer Hank Brown and incoming freshman Jimmy Sullivan will be able to practice with the Hawkeyes this week as they prepare for the Dec. 30 Music City Bowl against Missouri.

Of course, neither will be able to play in the game — Brown is transferring from Auburn and Sullivan will begin classes at Iowa in the spring semester — but they will be able to be on the team.

“This is new for us, yes,” Ferentz said Friday. “At least we get to see these guys and get them out. (Offensive coordinator) Tim (Lester) is going to completely mess them up by Monday.”

Iowa will have two quarterbacks available for the bowl. Brendan Sullivan was listed at No. 1 on the depth chart, with Jackson Stratton at No. 2.

Ferentz said Sullivan is still struggling after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of the final two games of the regular season.

“It was a good time for him to get some work,” Ferentz said. “Tim even had like a little quarterback school where we didn’t work for a few days, just trained the guys mentally, went out on the field, went through a few things, had them throw the ball, stationary things, things like that, Things like that. That’s not possible in the spring because of all the stupid rules we have.”

Ferentz said Lester watched Brown intently as they pursued him as soon as he entered the transfer portal.

“I think the things Tim is looking for, he found in Hank,” Ferentz said. “The other key component is what it will be like when we meet the prospect and their family and how we believe they will fit into the program. Conversely, it must be a mutual deal. Felt really good about it. We are thrilled.”

BELICHICKS RENTAL: Ferentz worked for Bill Belichick with the Cleveland Browns in the NFL, so he was asked what advice he would give to Belichick, who was hired as North Carolina’s new head coach.

“Turn around and run like hell,” Ferentz joked.

Ferentz said Belichick didn’t need his advice.

“He’s extremely successful for a lot of reasons,” Ferentz said. “He can take anything that comes his way and he will find a way to deal with it. He doesn’t need much coaching or help from me.

“He knows the drill, the routine. He knows football better than anyone. He also knows people. So he doesn’t need my advice. He’ll do really well. I know he will have really good people around him. He’ll be ready to roll. Just make sure they’re not on our schedule. That would be a task there.”

Ferentz wasn’t surprised that Belichick was back as coach.

“I think he experienced it live and in person firsthand,” Ferentz said. “He also knows the college game because he scouts around, often talks to college coaches about prospects and so on.

“To me it means he loves coaching. I think that’s pretty obvious.”

VANDER ZEE’S RETURN: Freshman wide receiver Reece Vander Zee was not on Iowa’s depth chart, but Ferentz said he would be available for the game.

Vander Zee was injured in the game against Northwestern on October 26 and did not play in the final four games of the regular season. He had 14 catches for 176 yards and three touchdowns this season.

“He’s fine,” Ferentz said. “Practice well. As he was leaving the field last night, he actually asked him how he was feeling. He feels great. He’ll be in the rotation.”