When it comes time for Hawkeye Football Media Day, Little Village always puts our Hawks to the test with a barrage of really tough questions, like “What’s on your iPod?” and “Where is your favorite place to eat in Iowa City?”
Through intrepid, hard-nosed reporting, we uncovered the team’s interesting array of personal tastes, from the inexplicably popular Rascal Flats to the always adored Panchero’s. Let’s peek inside the hearts and minds of the 2012 Iowa Hawkeyes and learn a little about their lives beyond the playing field
Junior Kicker – #96
Bypassed Nate Kaeding for most consecutive PATs in Iowa history on Sept. 22.
On his iPod: A lot of oldies. Bruce Springsteen, Phil Collins, REO Speedwagon
Favorite restaurant in IC: Short’s
Micah Hyde – #18
Senior Cornerback
33 tackles on the year as of Oct. 1
On his iPod: Rick Ross, a little Drake, Big Sean. Being in Iowa, I like country music a lot. They [my teammates] gave me some tunes to listen to and I really enjoyed it. It’s laid back and it’s chill.
Favorite Restaurant in IC: I’m a big Jimmy
Johns fan. I mean it’s quick—it’s freaky fast. Wait, did I just promote them?
What will he miss most about playing in Kinnick? The fans. The fans here are so loyal, they’re crazy. They’re so much for the Hawks and I’m going to miss it.
James Ferentz – #53
Senior Center
The meat in an All-Iowa Offensive Line sandwich. Over 30 career starts as a Hawk.
On your iPod: The Black Keys: They just put out an album and it’s definitely one of my favorites.
What’s it like having to do everything your big brother (Offensive Line Coach Brian Ferentz) tells you? It’s not a lot different. Not a lot has changed since I was younger. Now he’s just got an official title.
What will you miss most about playing in Kinnick? Coming out of the tunnel before games. It’s a really cool feeling—there’s nothing else like it. It’s a thrill I’m sure I’ll be chasing the rest of my life.
Anthony Hitchens – #31
Junior Linebacker
Posted double-digit tackles in the Hawks’ first four outings.
On his iPod: I’ve got a mixture of everything: rap, Drake & Lil Wayne. Then I also listen to Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flats.
Favorite restaurant in IC: The only place I eat in Iowa City is Panchero’s, but in Coralville, if that counts, I like Applebee’s.
Keenan Davis – #6
Senior Wide Receiver
35th Hawkeye wide receiver to catch for over 1,000 yards
On his iPod: J. Cole, Raphael Saadiq—I’ve got some blues on there. I’m trying to get more country, considering that I am here.
Most anticipated game of the season: Every game. We have to compete in every game.
Favorite thing about playing in Kinnick: The swarm. Coming out—nothing can replace that feeling. It never changes. I’ve done it a lot of times, and the same feeling comes back every time.
Kevonte Martin-Manley – #11
Senior Wide Receiver
Caught Iowa’s first touchdown pass of the 2012 season vs. Central Michigan
Favorite place to eat in Iowa City: Pita Pit. I eat it, like, every single day. It’s a bad habit.
Favorite thing about playing in Kinnick: What I love most about playing in Kinnick
is the consistency that the fans show. Every single game they show up and they’re electric. They’re ready to go, just like we are—and that’s the most fun.
James Vandenberg – #16
Senior Quarterback
Two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, second quarterback from the state of Iowa coached under Kirk Ferentz
On his iPod: Of Monsters & Men
Favorite place to eat in IC: I’m going to give a shout-out to my little sister here and say Hu-Hot. She makes me go there every time she’s in town.
Jake Rudock – #15
Back-Up Quarterback &
likely 2013 starter
Led his St. Thomas Aquinas High School team to the 2010 Florida Class 7A state championship.
On his iPod: I just downloaded the song “Home” by Phillip Phillips.
Favorite place to eat in IC: Takanami. I’m really into sushi.
Head Coach since 1999
Recently broke the 100-game mark* at the University of Iowa. 3-time Big Ten Coach of the Year
On his iPod: I’ve got a lot of stuff on my iPod right now. Doesn’t everybody? I mean, everything. Whatever my kids program in there.
What’s your jam right now?: I’m a Bruce Springsteen guy. It is summertime, right?
Favorite place to eat in IC: You know I’m not answering that.
Voice of the Hawkeyes since 1996
Named “Iowa Sportscaster of the Year” by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association in 2000 and 2010
On his iPod: Frank Sinatra
Favorite place to eat in IC: I love the Wig and Pen, that’s where I usually hang out after the game.
Most anticipated game: Michigan. They don’t think we can beat ‘em four times in a row, we’ve only kicked their butt three times in a row. So we’re coming up there, they think they’re going to pound us—we’ll see.
-Stephanie Catlett wins some and loses some.
*EDIT: In the print edition we inaccurately listed this milestone as being Ferentz’ 200th win as a Hawkeye. Sorry for the error! -LV
