Last week it was announced that Kirk Ferentz had his contract extended an additional year. Normally I wouldn’t think much about this, but I have to wonder why considering the past two years. The Hawks have had two disappointing seasons in a row. Last year the number of arrests doubled the number of wins. So why does Barta feel the need to extend his contract now? The NFL isn’t knocking on the door anymore, two bad seasons and Bobby Petrino solved that problem. Anyone have any guesses or theories?

Today is National Letter of Intent signing day for college football and the Hawkeyes are expected to sign 26 new players. According to the ratings, the Hawks have a lot of 3 star recruits, but no 4 or 5 star recruits for the first time since 2001. The Hawkeye recruiting class is ranked 51st in the nation and 8th in the Big Ten with only Purdue, Northwestern and Indiana lower.

The Daily Iowan has a good recap of the recruits. Looking at the geography of the recruits, it shows the usual pattern for the Hawkeyes. Texas, Florida, Ohio and Michigan are represented, as well as South Dakota and Montana.

Some will be discouraged by the lack of 4 or 5 star recruits, but this is a solid class and it looks like the coaches focused on character, so there won’t be a repeat of last year’s rap sheet. The coaches focused on filling needs like running back where Young and Sims are both leaving. The 2008 class has a couple of recruits who will see significant playing time as freshmen. Keep your eye on Jeff Brinson at RB and Riley Reiff at DE.