WHO'S YOUR HAWKEYE SLEEPER?

We are hours away from the football season opener for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes.  Bad enough you have to open at a neutral site at Soldier Field in Chicago, but it looks like it might be a soggy one at that.  Today's opponent, the Northern Illinois Huskies will be a big test for the young Hawkeyes.  Hopefully, and I say that with great emphasis, hopefully, not too tough.

So who is your sleeper on this year's squad? (and don't say senior defensive back Collin Sleeper, that's too easy)  Who will be that individual that rises to the occasion and makes a name for himself?  Plays above what might have been expected ...or simply plays better when the lights come on and action begins.

I've got two that I'd like to place before you.  One on offense and one from the defense.

Number one is tight end Ray Hamilton.  Here are a few words about the 6 foot 5 inch, 248 pound true sophomore from Strongville, Ohio.

When offensive graduate assistant and tight ends coach, David Raih was asked if he recalled  a single moment when Ray Hamilton stood out as a potential contributor on the Hawkeye football team, he took his time finding an answer.  With the type of attitude Hamilton brings to practice every day, it was difficult to pick out one single moment.

"Ray is an eager guy, a great player, and he shows up to work every day and chops wood", said Raih.  "It's not one single thing that stands out about him, rather it's his consistency and the way he works every single day.".

Hamilton is listed as  the number two or co-number two tight end on the Iowa roster.  He came to the Hawks with a big aspirations after watching former Iowa star Tony Moeaki excel at the position.  And he comes from the same high school as Hawk basketball standout,  Aaron White.  But more importantly, I have a feeling new offensive coordinator Greg Davis will use Hamilton when the focus is on starter C.J. Fiedorowicz.

My other selection is safety Nico Law.  Another true sophomore, Law, a 6 foot 1 inch, 195 pounder from Clinton, Maryland  has been outspoken since the minute he signed his letter of intent to play for Iowa.  It appears he relishes the attention.....and he hits like a ton of bricks.  Maybe it's the #21 on his jersey that I like. It looks like a football number destined to see the field alot.  And given the fact that Law was one of 10 true freshmen to see action in 2011, he is in a perfect spot to show his abilities.  Oh yeah, and I shouldn't forget the three letters on the back, LAW.   As a young stud in the Hawkeye secondary, that name sounds pretty fitting.      

So, who's your pick to step up and be a shining star?.  Kickoff time is fast approaching.....

Thanks for reading,

John