Rivals on the 2005 Recruiting Class

Rivals just put up a story about Iowa's heralded 2005 recruiting class. The 2005 class came in at 11th best in the nation by Rivals. Several of which played in the US Army All American game. This was when Iowa just upset LSU (defending national champions) in the Cap1 Bowl (my family was there) with the last second TD pass from Tate to Holloway after Iowa led the whole game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuhR-i1shcI I just had to get some video of that in there... I still remember sitting on that goal line thinking we just gave the Cap1 away to LSU playing Prevent Defense while having my 2yr old son on my shoulders. Anyhow back to the topic, Dan Doering was the only Five Star ranked prospect Iowa had that year. Dan has fought through illness that dropped a lot of weight and multitude of injuries the past 4yrs. Last year it seemed Dan would see a lot of PT until he hurt his wrist. He didn't see much of the field until the end of the year. Another OLineman that year was Dace Richardson who played amazingly for his first couple years to go down with knee injuries. Most thought (even Coach Ferentz) Dace was done but he never gave up! After his last knee surgery, Dace felt like he did his freshman year and said he is going to make it back on the field. This Spring he showed he still can play and just needs to knock the rust off the wheels. Coaches stated his foot speed is back which is what he lacked when he went in for his first knee surgery. We are all pulling for Dace and Dan to have a great Senior year! Then there is Tony Moeaki at TE. He has just been amazing when he has been healthy. He is one of the best blocking TEs in the country. Plus he has showed streaks of being an outstanding receiver. He had a monsterous game against Syracuse in 2007 where he had 8 rec for 112yds and 3TDs just to turnaround with a season ending injury at Wisconsin. We all hope Tony can stay healthy this entire season and get a chance in the NFL. He is definitely good enough to play at the next level but he has to stay healthy. Then there is Kuempel coming off of shoulder surgery and Eubanks with sporadic knee problems along with Kanellis and Jackson who had to give up football due to injuries. This 2005 class might have been the best class in Coach Ferentz tenure but it has also been the most injury plagued. Here is to a great finish for the 2005 class and stay healthy!!!!