Ferentz on Donnal

Lots of speculation on signing day if Ohio State would take a run at Donnal. At the time, the Buckeyes lost out on a pair of highly recruited offensive tackles, including Seantrel Henderson who might still end up there if/when he signs his letter of intent.

There was no offer that I know of to Donnal. But, after talking to him about this very subject, I don't believe he would've taken it. Yes, the 6-7, 285-pounder grew up an OSU fan, but he really clicked with the Hawkeyes, committing last summer and never wavering even after two all-star game invites.

Iowa's O-line pipeline to the NFL is in full stream. This seems like a smart move.

Links -- Here's a take on Donnal's skills from the website for the USA Junior National team against the world all-stars. This was Donnal's second all-star game. . . . Here's a sharp video on Donnal's selection to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. . . . Here's the story I wrote during signing period week.

Bio -- From UI sports info: High school honors - - Participated in Army All-American Bowl and selected to team USA vs. World All-Stars in conjunction with Super Bowl . . . named first team all-Ohio Division I offensive lineman by the Associated Press . . . first team all-district and all-Northern Lakes League offensive tackle . . . District Lineman of the Year . . . named to all-Toledo Blade team and Ohio High Magazine first team offensive line . . . 2009 Buckeye Bluechip honoree by Touchdown Club of Columbus . . . was also first team all-conference as a junior, second team all-District and special mention all-state . . . earned second team all-conference honors as a sophomore . . . Career - - earned three varsity letters as offensive and defensive lineman . . . team captain as senior while helping team post 7-3 overall record . . . also lettered three years as basketball center and in track while competing in the shot put and discus.

Personal - - Born 3/3/92 . . . open major . . . named to all-Northern Lakes League Academic Team . . . parents are Susie and Ron Donnal . . . high school coach was Craig Smith.

Ferentz on -- The O-line took a hit when Bryan Bulaga announced for the NFL. It doesn't sound as though Ferentz is looking for help from the 2010 recruiting class.

"We'll see. With Bulaga really being the exception, Brian came in and played a lot as a freshman. But that's so uncommon. For us, if we're counting on that, then we're really screwed up. And if it happens, that's a good thing. But I think realistically, we're hopeful they can come in get their feet on the ground. If they can contribute a little bit, great. But I think more importantly a year from spring, hopefully they'll be right in the thick of things. And they're two guys we're real excited about, too. I think they've got great potential. So that's the good news, but I hate for any incoming player to feel like, boy, they've got to come in and save our football team. Hopefully we'll get some guys to make contributions. I think that will be the case.

"But it's kind of like summer school. I just don't think you put that kind of pressure on a first-year guy and if it happens, beautiful. But if it doesn't, too, you know we're just trying to get their feet on the ground get them going in the right direction."

Projection is fun -- Donnal said he was happy with his performance at the U.S. Army Bowl, but he also sounded realistic about taking a redshirt year and concentrating on building strength.

If he impresses in camp, he might have a shot, but Iowa shouldn't need him this season. He projects as a pure tackle type and that should be Riley Reiff and Woody Orne/Markus Zusevics/Nolan MacMillan (who had surgery on a groin muscle sometime late last season).