Iowa Football: The 10 Most Important People in the Program

Happy Holidays! The presents are unwrapped, the roast beast has been devoured and we settle collectively into our recliners with our pants unzipped and our eyelids drooping. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes prepare for another Insight Bowl appearance.

In so many ways, this program is at a crossroad.

Longtime defensive coordinator Norm Parker will make his last appearance as part of the staff against Oklahoma. Key pieces of the team, such as WR Marvin McNutt, will be suiting up for the last time in a Hawkeye uniform. Still others, like RB Marcus Coker have a somewhat uncertain future in light of recent events.

The future of this team and program are very much in limbo, and I'm not just talking about their Insight Bowl appearance against the Sooners.

Who are the most important people in Iowa's transition to a post-Norm, post-McNutt, suspended-Coker era?

Phil Parker, New Defensive Coordinator?

Phil Parker is a key cog in Iowa's future.

First off, his unit will be a key component in any Iowa victory over Oklahoma in Tempe, Arizona in a few days. Oklahoma has the fourth best passing offense in the nation, averaging over 365 yards per game.

The Sooners have a statistically better run game than Iowa has, but their bread and butter is the pass attack. Parker's defensive secondary will have to put a lid on that pass attack to avoid turning the game into a shootout.

Looking farther into the future however, Parker has been widely considered by everyone from the Gazette and ESPN to Bleacher Report's own David Fidler, as the most likely candidate to replace Norm Parker as defensive coordinator.

If this is the direction Iowa's coaching staff will take (and I believe it is), then the younger Parker (and no relation to Norm) is a very big piece of Iowa's future puzzle. This team, as much or more than anyone in the nation, relies heavily on the performance of its defense to buy opportunities and time for its offense.

Both the short and long-term futures of the program rely very heavily on Phil Parker.

De'Andre Johnson, RB

Woes at running back are nothing new to Iowa. They've had issues that stretch back roughly a decade and have spawned the spurn of an angry football deity.

The sting appears to continue as the star Hawkeye back Marcus Coker misses the Insight Bowl after being suspended for violating the "Student-Athlete Code of Conduct"—whatever exactly that means in this case.

What's more, the most likely candidate to take over Coker's duties for the bowl game—Mika'il McCall—is also out on suspension.

Redshirt freshman De'Andre Johnson is the next guy in and he's got big shoes to fill.

Coker carried the ball for 1,384 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. McCall only carried the ball 11 times—missing a good portion of the season with a broken ankle—but averaged nearly six yards per carry and looked perfectly capable of fulfilling Iowa's rushing needs.

Iowa relies very heavily on the run game. Even though their pass attack has been much improved this year with Marvin McNutt running away with one team record after another, the run has been a staple of Kirk Ferentz's offensive philosophy. Everything else hinges around the ability to move the football on the ground.

Johnson will not only have to pick up the slack created by Coker and McCall's disciplinary actions, but will have to carry the Hawkeye offense on his young and inexperienced shoulders.

Still farther into the future, Iowa has struggled to find a backup to Coker anyway. As talented as the sophomore is, he's been tasked with carrying the ground fortunes practically alone.

Any true football fan can tell you, the more big hits a player takes, the fewer he has left in him. This is especially true for running backs, who typically touch the football more often than any one receiver and take more punishment accordingly.

In a nutshell, Iowa can't continue to rely solely on Coker to be the only ground force they have. McCall could be the guy to spell Coker, but he has to prove he can stay healthy first and we only got a short glimpse of what he's capable of doing.

Further still, last year at this time we thought Adam Robinson was only going to miss this one game with a suspension. At about this same date we learned that he'd been arrested for riding in a vehicle where marijuana was present and was thereafter ejected from the team.

Not to jinx this year's situation with Coker, but we don't really know the whole story behind the suspension or how deep the disciplinary actions may go. If it's a one-game deal, then we can put this all behind us by the first of the year.

If not, then Johnson should figure to be a much bigger part of Iowa's offense going forward.

Ken O'Keefe, Offensive Coordinator

I've been harsh on Iowa's offensive coordinator, Ken O'Keefe. It's not because I dislike the man, but because I disagree with his deeper football philosophy and find it too vanilla for Iowa's recent needs.

O'Keefe runs a very straight-forward offense. His units don't do anything particularly fancy, they don't buy into recent fads and they're relatively easy to stop if you have a technically sound defense. The whole shebang is predicated on a powerful offensive line and quality running backs.

As already noted, Iowa has long had problems with running backs. The offensive lines have had their share of injuries, but have largely done well. Neither aspect of the game has been particularly dominating though.

I would personally prefer the program part ways with O'Keefe and find someone with a more aggressive play set and visible killer instinct. That's not going to happen however, as head coach Kirk Ferentz has shown no penchant for parting ways with any members of his staff voluntarily.

With that in mind, O'Keefe's importance to the team cannot be underestimated.

With Norm Parker leaving and the status of the defense somewhat in question, the production of the offense becomes more important than ever. Iowa's fortunes may ride more on how explosive its offense can be rather than on how stiff its defense is.

As it is, Iowa ranks 53rd in the nation in scoring offense. They're sixth in the Big Ten in the same category.

O'Keefe has got to find a way to improve Iowa's offensive production. If not, and the defense doesn't return to the lofty heights created by Norm Parker, the entire team could be doomed to a future of mediocrity.

Chris Doyle, Strength and Conditioning

Nearly a year ago, Chris Doyle and his program went through a lot of scrutiny after 13 Iowa players were hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis. Hidden among the scathing criticisms of Doyle's rigorous workout were testimonials from former Iowa players—including Patt Angerer and Matt Bowen—who had gone through the same workout and defended their former trainer.

It can probably be argued whether or not Doyle used the workout effectively and accurately. What cannot be argued is how important Doyle has been and continues to be to this program.

Iowa doesn't always play the most technically sound football despite the importance of doing so in a Kirk Ferentz-coached system. The offense isn't always ultra-productive (read, rarely). The defense isn't always a brick wall.

However, Iowa is rarely out-conditioned.

We've seen players become exhausted by the end of the fourth quarter. Usually however, it's because they've been on the field for an inordinate number of plays or are forced into playing a tempo they're not accustomed to, late in the year. You will rarely see an Iowa team get out-hustled.

That's Doyle.

Former LB Pat Angerer (now with the Indianapolis Colts) credits Doyle with taking "an undersized kid that wasn't ready to play college football and turned him into the 63rd pick in the 2010 NFL draft."

That's Doyle too. He takes the undersized boys that Iowa tends to recruit and turns them into fully prepared men that stand a good a chance as anyone at getting into the NFL.

We may talk about Parker's defense or O'Keefe's offense or Ferentz's philosophy, but we rarely mention Doyle unless there appears to be a problem.

That's not right. What Norm has been able to do is a direct result of what Doyle has been able to do, and Iowa's strong offensive lines can be directly linked back to Doyle's work in the weight room.

Kevonte Martin-Manley, WR

WR Marvin McNutt Jr. has one more shot to add to his impressive totals this season. Then, he will likely be off to the NFL.

With Coker out, there's little doubt that McNutt will be a large target to get the offense moving. Unfortunately, Oklahoma knows that as well and will undoubtedly key heavily on the senior receiver.

Keenan Davis has been McNutt's wingman as the No. 2 receiver. However, Oklahoma knows that as well.

Kevonte Martin-Manley can be the equalizer. As a third option at receiver, he is the one that could be the toughest to account for and is arguably as good as Davis, despite being a freshman.

Move beyond this bowl game though, and Martin-Manley's real importance becomes obvious. Iowa doesn't exactly have a well of receiver depth to draw from. Take McNutt out of the equation and the depth becomes puddle-shallow.

As Iowa's run game continues to struggle with injuries and disciplinary measures, the pass game becomes even more integral to the overall offensive production. Without McNutt next year, defenses would have only Davis to key on in order to shut down Iowa's pass game.

Martin-Manley is the future of the Iowa receiving corps. Davis has only one year remaining after the bowl game is played and then he too will be off to greener pastures (hopefully).

K-Mart is the next next-generation McNutt, if he's strong enough to step into the role.

C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE

Dallas Clark. Tony Moeaki. Scott Chandler. Those are just three of five former Iowa tight ends that now grace NFL rosters in one form or another.

Those names also represent three former cogs in the Iowa offensive machine in their day.

Even before Kirk Ferentz took over the reigns in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes used tight ends heavily as extra receivers. Ferentz hasn't changed that aspect of Iowa football, to the benefit of players and team alike.

With players like Keenan Davis and Kevonte Martin-Manley set to take leadership roles on the receiving corps, Iowa needs only to have a strong tight end step up for their pass game to be truly dangerous.

C.J. Fiedorowicz can be that guy. He needs to be that guy.

This year's group of tight ends has been relatively underwhelming. Unlike last season when Allen Reisner was third on the team in reception yards per game, or the year before that when Tony Moeaki was wreaking havoc on opposing defenses, this year's group was barely an accessory to the pass game.

Going forward, Iowa needs Fiedorowicz (or Zach Derby) to become that extra receiver that can throw defenses off their coverage. More than that, he (they) need to be strong blockers that can help solidify the line one play, then pop out into the secondary on the next, keeping defenses guessing as to what they'll be doing.

If the Hawkeye offense is going to sing Iowa-style, it needs tight ends that can do both and do them well.

As a sophomore, Fiedorowicz is the future of the position at Iowa. He is the new standard, whatever that is. How he plays will dictate which directions Iowa's offense can take.

Gary Barta, Athletic Director

Typically, when we think of important people to a program, we focus on players and coaches. They're the ones in front of the TV screens and whose names we toss about repeatedly in regards to performance.

However, when you're talking about the importance of the football program now and in the future, you have to mention Athletic Director Gary Barta.

While Kirk Ferentz and his staff have always pushed for their players to be true student-athletes, Barta has fostered an atmosphere at the University of Iowa that makes that possible. Under his tenure, Iowa has enjoyed graduation rates and scholastic achievements that virtually rival any school in the country.

Perhaps most importantly, Barta has stood steadfastly behind Kirk Ferentz in their joint endeavor to maintain a clean program at Iowa. While no institution has truly been without hiccups or issues, Iowa has continued to maintain a strong track record of NCAA compliance and have stood fast to a "no tolerance" policy in regards to rules violations.

Barta runs a tight ship and we often forget that he has as much to do with the honor of the program as anyone standing on the sidelines.

Moreover, Barta has been willing to spend money to help facilitate Iowa's success, both on the field and in the classroom. Iowa has seen major renovations to both Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and is building a new indoor practice facility for the football team.

Barta has done, and continues to do much to ensure that Iowa's teams stay competitive on the field and in the classroom.

James Vandenberg, QB

He's the field general. He's the leader. Every offensive play begins with him. His timing can dictate success or failure. His focus can move the ball forward or turn it over.

Perhaps more rides on his shoulders than just about any other position on the field.

Vandenberg had the fortune to sit behind Ricky Stanzi and learn the good and the bad from one of Iowa's most beloved former quarterbacks. At the same time, Vandenberg had the misfortune of having to sit behind Ricky Stanzi and wait his turn to lead the team.

It's difficult to say how much growth the junior from Keokuk, Iowa might have showcased had he been in a situation where he could have started sooner. He might even now be sitting amongst Iowa's all-time greats at quarterback.

Then again, it's difficult to say just how much he learned by watching and working with Stanzi who is now a backup quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Either way, Vandenberg is the key to the Hawkeye offense. His ability to read what Oklahoma throws at him and accurately time precision throws to his receivers could mean the difference between a Hawkeye upset or a Sooner rout in the Insight Bowl.

It's really about that simple. Iowa's run game could be in shambles. Their defense will be facing one of the more prolific offenses they've had to go against all year.

Heading even farther into the future, Vandenberg has to become the undisputed leader of the Hawkeye offense. The 2012 season should return a relative wealth of talent all across the field, but there needs to be a strong voice directing that talent.

Marcus Coker, RB

Iowa desperately needs stability at running back.

In 2008, Shonn Greene exploded onto the scene in Iowa City and trampled his way to a Doak Walker Award before bolting for the New York Jets after his junior season. Coming into that year however, few expected Iowa's run game to be so prolific.

In 2009 Jewel Hampton was the heir apparent, showing every sign that he could be as good or better than Greene. He tore an ACL and missed the entire season, forcing freshmen Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher to pick up the slack.

Heading into 2010 it looked as though the Hawkeyes were going to be loaded at the back position with Hampton, Robinson and Wegher all having quality experience and all having shown to be capable of putting up good rushing numbers for the Hawkeyes.

However, Hampton tore another ACL and eventually transferred. Wegher left the team for personal reasons and never came back. Robinson carried the team, but was booted from the program just before the Hawks faced Missouri in the Insight Bowl.

Coker exploded onto the scene with a tremendous 219-yard bowl performance and looked to be the next Greene for Iowa.

He did well in 2011, but his production was largely overshadowed by early-season fumble issues. Now it's being overshadowed again by a suspension that will keep him from the bowl game.

Iowa needs Coker to get his act together and come back next spring strong and ready to be Iowa's feature back again.

There are potential stars waiting behind him. Mika'il McCall looked very good before breaking an ankle early in the 2011 season. De'Andre Johnson has had few carries but has likewise shown bursts of talent that could be developed into something special. Jordan Canzeri is also a raw talent that could potentially be better than any of them.

The thing is, Iowa doesn't need to go back to the well to find its next savior. It doesn't need another Coker-esque breakout that threatens to be a second-year flameout. It doesn't need another Robinson-Wegher situation that builds a measure of momentum and then flits away in a hot Iowa summer wind.

It certainly doesn't need another Hampton that shows all the promise of being an award-winning back, but hits the hardtop before any of that promise can be realized.

It needs a back it can count on. It needs a player that's willing and able to pick himself up, head back into the fire and be the rock around which the rest of the team can build its foundation.

If Coker ultimately goes the way of the others, the Iowa run game will continue in this perpetual hell of uncertainty, searching for the next best thing, hoping that lady luck doesn't decide to turn her cheek on the program.

Pick a Young Lineman

We could talk offensive linemen and dig up a number of names. Or we could switch it to the defensive side and pull up another list of underclassmen to discuss.

In truth, there are too many scenarios that competed for my final vote to list just one. Yet, I promised the "10 Most Important People," not the "10 plus Eight More Important People."

There are plenty of flashy teams out there that use gimmicks, tricks and fancy formations to move the football. There are plenty more that try to use the same kinds of tricks and gimmicks on defense to confuse offenses and force mistakes.

Great teams though, don't need all that.

Great teams play tough, fundamentally sound football that begins at the lines. They may still use aggressive play and a few gimmicks from time to time, but they use those things as a bonus or change of pace. Their success starts with being hard-nosed at the line.

Iowa may not have the pedigree of some of the major programs, but they emulate the best of them in their basic approach to the game. Play strong fundamental football and build off of that.

When you look at Iowa's lines, you'll see a lot of upperclassmen. On the defensive side alone: Thomas Nardo is a senior, Broderick Binns is a senior, Lebron Daniel is a senior, Mike Daniels is a senior, Joe Forgy is a senior and Steve Bigach is a junior.

That's a lot of faces that will be departing this season or next.

The offensive side also sees Markus Zusevics (senior), Adam Gettis (senior), Riley Reiff (junior) and Matt Tobin (junior) departing within the next two seasons. Admittedly, there's more youth there than on the defensive side, but there's still enough turnover to be somewhat wary.

Iowa football is and will continue to be a pro-style system. It will depend on strong line-play to free up other positions to be aggressive.

With that in mind, Iowa's linemen—and especially their young linemen—are among the most important faces for the future of the Iowa program.