Fresh faces making progress
IOWA CITY – True freshman tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz is such a physical specimen that even famously reserved Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz won’t keep him under wraps.
Ferentz has always preferred upperclassmen over highly touted kids, and the ninth-ranked Hawkeyes are loaded with talented veterans. But the 6-foot-7, 250-pound Fiedorowicz lived up to his billing as one of the nation’s top recruits during fall camp, and Ferentz said Tuesday that Fiedorowicz will play against Eastern Illinois in Saturday’s season opener.
“He came in with pretty good skills,” Ferentz said, “and he’s been able to learn rapidly enough to envision him playing and playing well.”
Fiedorowicz – who was held in check by Sterling last season when Johnsburg played at Roscoe Eades Stadium – is among a number of newcomers who could make significant contributions to the Hawkeyes this season.
True freshman linebackers James Morris and Christian Kirksey were impressive in camp, though neither is listed on the depth chart yet. Freshman Michael Meyer will handle kickoffs and could push for the job on field goals and extra points.
Freshman running back De’Andre Johnson has also looked good in his short time on campus, but the Hawkeyes would prefer to redshirt him since they look set in the backfield with sophomores Adam Robinson and Jewel Hampton.
It looks like Fiedorowicz has a chance to make the best first impression in 2010.
Tight end has always been a crucial position at Iowa under Ferentz, whose system places a high value on effective run and pass blockers who can also catch balls across the middle. Tony Moeaki was one of the Hawkeyes’ top threats last season, but he’s now with the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.
Though the Hawkeyes have a pair of tight ends they like in senior Allen Reisner and junior Brad Herman, Fiedorowicz’s size and athleticism presents matchup issues for linebackers.
Fiedorowicz, who caught 15 touchdown passes at Johnsburg last season and set the school’s career scoring record in basketball, likely will start on special teams and play in three tight-end sets.
“He’s done a nice job making the adjustment, and hopefully we can put him in situations where he’ll be able to handle what’s in front of him and then just start building from there,” Ferentz said.
