Tuesday, Kirk Ferentz said as many as 12 true freshmen had a chance to see the field this season. These are the 12 best candidates: Bryan Bulaga, Jordan Bernstine, Christian Ballard, Jacody Coleman, Cedric Everson, Cody Hundertmark, Diauntae Morrow, Dezman Moses, Tyler Neilsen, Jevon Pugh, Allen Reisner and Colin Sandeman.
We've seen true freshman hang on the depth chart in a No. 2 role, never play a down and keep their redshirt. Matt Kroul did this. Seth Olsen also.
Let's do this quick and dirty (that's the essence of a blog, no?):
Bryan Bulaga -- His status is tied to the progress and health of the O-line. If someone drops off, he could be the first one in. If someone gets hurt, same. Right now, he's depth.
Jordan Bernstine -- He's playing. Special teams, for sure. If he takes that and runs with it, he could challenge for a nickel/dime role. He could already have one of those, too.
Christian Ballard -- I see him as depth, unless he's seeing time at tackle, with Karl Klug out for 4 to 6. Maybe, Adrian Clayborn is inside and Ballard is the depth on the outside?
Jacody Coleman -- I really don't know about this one. He must've claimed a special teams spot, a la Abdul Hodge. He could also have carved himself a role on the D-line.
Cedric Everson -- Start his clock, because he's probably a three-year starter. The only caveat is if he's less than 170 pounds. Then, he might sit a year.
Cody Hundertmark -- The kid looks like a Jared DeVries starter kit. I think he's depth now. Twenty more pounds, I think he's a fixture.
Diauntae Morrow -- Special teamer with room to move up the charts. Watch Devan Moylan's health. Watch performance at safety.
Dezman Moses -- Special teams. Linebacker is settled. LB depth is settled, too.
Tyler Neilsen -- See above.
Jevon Pugh -- He's playing. He's probably the No. 3 RB. I'm thinking he's at least even with Paki O'Meara and ahead of Dana Brown and Jayme Murphy.
Allen Reisner -- Special teams, but he also could be the No. 3 TE.
Colin Sandeman -- He's playing. Ferentz was all positive vibes when Sandeman's name came up this week. It sounds as if he could play a lot and in a lot of different roles.
Twelve is a lot of true frosh, five more than Iowa has ever used under Ferentz. The truth is it says the roster lacked depth and needed a talent infusion. It says coaches were too cautious with redshirts last season and will err on the side of "play" this year. Selfishly, the number is too high. These are 12 players I can't talk to until next April, if Ferentz sticks to his "no interviews for true freshmen" policy. Oh well, you'll still be interested in April. I know I will be.