Hawkeyes looking for starting running back - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

There were a couple of themes that emerged from the Iowa football media day on Monday. One, head coach Kirk Ferentz says a lot of positions are up for grabs. Two, as usual, the running back spot is a total mystery, with freshman and inexperienced veterans looking for playing time.

Brad Rogers, who was the starting fullback last season, now shares the top spot on the depth chart at running back with Damon Bullock, who gained 20 yards last season. Rogers had 83 yards on 14 carries.

"Pretty much, I'm a versatile guy," said Bullock. "I can catch the ball. You can put me out at receiver and back at running back. I'm going to protect the quarterback as much as I can and run the ball and carry it like my life depended on it."

Last year's leading rusher Marcus Coker, was second in the Big Ten with over 1,300 yards, but he transferred. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is used to dealing with adversity.

"It's really a collection of things and I don't know how much we could have done about any of it," said Ferentz. "What you really focus on is what's in front of you and how you remedy things. The good news is we've got a bunch of guys that are working really hard right now. So far they look good. We've got a long race in front of us but we'll be fine. We've just got a lot of work to do right now."

Two true freshmen, Barkley Hill of Cedar Falls and Greg Garmon of Pennsylvania, share the backup spot.