Returning The Jewel: Jewel Hampton Returns To the Iowa Hawkeyes

This Saturday the Iowa Hawkeyes play in the always exciting Cy-Hawk Trophy game with bitter rival Iowa State. There will be special meaning as it is not known the future of this rivalry with the changes in the conferences. But, as for the game many believe that it will be a quick and easy Iowa victory.

But, educated Hawkeye fans know better, as the Cyclones served as spoilers to a possible National Championship season in 2002. But, with this trophy game also comes the return of redshirt sophomore running back Jewel Hampton.

Before his season ending knee injury last season, Hampton was the clear-cut starter going into the season coming off of his ultra impressive freshmen campaign behind Doak Walker Award winner Shonn Greene.

Hampton and Greene combined for 94 percent of the carries in the 2008 season, and as a freshmen Hampton was a special talent. He scored seven touchdowns in the backfield, and had a brilliant three touchdown performance against the Indiana Hoosiers in his home state of Indiana.

He was also a key contributor on special teams, specifically as a kick returner where his speed and shifting of gears was something to behold.

But, some of that was forgotten last season as Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher more than over- achieved in Hampton's absence in what many consider one of the best Hawkeye seasons in the school's history.

But, this Iowa team has lofty expectations to live up to this season. Some pundits and experts have the team winning the Big Ten, others such as myself and ESPN personality Skip Bayless have them as a front-runner for the National Championship.

Regardless they will need Hampton to return to his freshmen form for this to happen.

Last week the Hawkeyes won easily against an over-matched Eastern Illinois team as Adam Robinson strolled to the end zone three times.

The lose of Brandon Wegher who left the team for personal reasons was a blow, but many feel the sting is lessened by Hampton's return.

Jewel is going to need to get it going right away as the Cyclones cannot be taken lightly, and a well-balanced attack is necessary to win.

The true test early in the season is going to be the game in the desert against Arizona.

The Wildcats led by former Hawkeye player and coach Mike Stoops feature a stout defense that is one of the tougher in the Pac-10, and the Hawkeyes will need the best of Robinson and Hampton that night.

Ultimately, Saturday's interstate game will be a thrill for all players whether they are Iowa natives or not, but it will be extra special for returning players Jordan Bernstine and Jewel Hampton.

Also, Broderick Binns who was a stalwart of the defensive line last season returns to his unit which ranks among the countries best.

I was near the tunnel (dugout) in Miami as the Hawkeyes were celebrating their Orange Bowl victory, and amid the band playing and confetti flying everywhere I noticed Jewel Hampton walking off the field early as his teammates celebrated.

No one is more hungry to break out onto the Big Ten scene more than him.