posted on Tuesday, December 04, 2007 6:14 PM by marc.morehouse

New York City didn't happen . . .

Iowa linebacker Mike Klinkenborg is a finalist for the Draddy Award, an award that goes to a player who shines on the field, as a citizen and in the classroom.

The Draddy announcement is tonight during the National Football Foundation's annual awards banquet at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City.

Klinkenborg will be accompanied and athletics director Gary Barta.

According to the Detroit News, Michigan athletics director will be in New York tonight for the National Football Foundation's annual awards dinner and College Football Hall of Fame inductions.

EDIT ------------ An Iowa official called today and said that Ferentz was out recruiting last night and not in New York. I apologize for the error. ------------------------

BTW, I hope Klink wins. Either way, he'll be presented with an $18,000 just for being one of the 14 finalists. I had the opportunity to visit Mike and his mom, Mary, at their home in Rock Rapids this summer. Mike's grandfather, Everon, was the firecracker of the bunch. Mike had his trials while at Iowa, but he's a strong guy who'll be a helluva teacher and football coach someday.

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Comments

# re: Big night in New York City . . .

Tuesday, December 04, 2007 9:18 PM by Natal
Doesn't Kirk have a son on the Iowa team? That could be a major factor in his decision. Achieving another Big Ten title and Rose Bowl with Iowa would be more of a satisfying challenge I would think. Michigan would want a winner every time no matter what. Does he like pressure?

# re: Big night in New York City . . .

Tuesday, December 04, 2007 9:48 PM by marc.morehouse
Kirk has a son, James, who's verbaled to Iowa. Prep recruits don't sign anything until February, so nothing is binding. Ferentz said he took great pride in coaching his other son, Brian, at Iowa. He'd be a lucky man to be able to do it all over again with another son. And his salary goes a long way in Iowa City.

There's pressure to win at Iowa. The difference is that 6-6 and 19-18 over three seasons doesn't get you fired. At Michigan, it would get your dog shot.

I've written this before. I've always gotten the vibe that his family was No. 1 in his life. But football is his working life. It's deep in his bones. I imagine that he takes 6-6 and a loss to Western Michigan in the home finale much more seriously than anyone outside the program.

# re: Big night in New York City . . .

Wednesday, December 05, 2007 6:59 PM by hawkfan
You could see the strain on Coach's face for most of the year. If the Hawkeyes were a company/stock, I would definitely be a buyer and I couldn't imagine selling and walking away.

# re: Big night in New York City . . .

Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:24 AM by marc.morehouse
That's a good way to put it, Greg. Ferentz has a lot invested here. There's a lot of work to do, but he's invested, more than anyone.