Iowa Hawkeyes Look to Defensive Ends to Lead the Front Four

Strategic Insights -

As the Iowa Hawkeyes enter the upcoming season, they will be looking to their defensive ends, juniors Adrian Clayborn and Christian Ballard, to lead the charge on the front four. The departure of all-Americans Mitch King and Matt Kroul has left a leadership vacuum, but Ferentz is confident in the abilities of his new leaders. "The way I'm looking at it right now, we've got Ballard, we've got Clayborn out there that have played well," said Ferentz. "They're also excellent leaders. We've seen them grow and emerge over the last 12 months."

Key Takeaways:

  • Junior defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and Christian Ballard are expected to lead the Iowa Hawkeyes' front four this season.
  • Clayborn and Ballard have made significant strides in 2008, with Clayborn collecting 50 stops and Ballard making 40 tackles.
  • The duo is following the example of departed all-Americans Mitch King and Matt Kroul, who had to grow and develop after their predecessors left.
  • Iowa defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski notes that maturity and reps will be key to the duo's success.
  • Clayborn and Ballard are confident in their abilities and have discussed taking on leadership roles, with Clayborn saying "We just decided to take it over."
  • The Hawkeyes have depth at defensive end, with sophomores Broderick Binns and LeBron Daniels returning, but Kaczenski does not see a need to move Clayborn and Ballard inside yet.

Statistics:

  • Adrian Clayborn collected 50 stops in 2008, up from 20 two seasons ago.
  • Christian Ballard made 40 tackles in 2008, up from 15 his freshman season.
  • Clayborn ranked second on the Hawkeye defense with eight tackles for loss.
  • Scored 20 two seasons ago
  • Ballard a 6-foot-5, 285-pounder, started all 13 games in 2008.

Sources:

  • "Byline: Jim Sullivan Aug. 18--IOWA CITY --"
  • http://www.wcfcourier.com (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services