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Young Hawkeyes Use Bowl Practice to Prep for 2014

Sports

December 24th, 2013 by Jim Field

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa’s preparation for the Outback Bowl against LSU is as much about the team’s youngsters as it is about the Tigers.

The Hawkeyes should be one of the most experienced teams in the Big Ten next season. But they’ll still need three new starting linebackers, a couple of defensive backs and a few starting offensive linemen among other needs.

For the Hawkeyes, finding replacements for those who helped key a resurgent 8-4 season has already begun.

Offensive coordinator Greg Davis mentioned running back LeShun Daniels and wide receiver Derrick Willies among Iowa’s most impressive young players. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker had similar praise for defensive backs Sean Draper and Maurice Fleming.