After a 2006 season filled with nagging injuries and sub-par performance, the message from Iowa senior Albert Young for 2007 was clear.
“I’m ready.”
Last year could only be deemed as forgettable. From 1,334 yards in 2005, his production dropped to 779 yards. After finishing his sophomore season with seven straight 100-yard rushing games, Young had only two games where he reached that mark in ’06.
It was a drop-off that played a significant part in Iowa finishing under .500 for the first time since 2000.
“A key for us is to have him at full speed and health,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “He demonstrated two years ago the type of football player he has and can be for us. We’re very hopeful.”
Ferentz’s hope has turned into success so far this season. Young needs 58 yards on the ground Saturday to eclipse his 779 yards rushing from last season.
NU’s 28-27 victory over the Hawkeyes in 2005 will be remembered best for the Cats’ late-game heroics – two miraculous touchdowns in the final three minutes to catapult NU to bowl-eligible status.
But there was one Iowa Hawkeye whose first-half performance left NU’s postseason aspirations hanging by a thread. Young pummeled the Wildcats’ defense early, rushing for two touchdowns in the first quarter. He finished the game with a career-high 202 yards on 38 carries.
When NU traveled to Iowa last season, Young and the Hawkeyes mustered no revenge, instead receiving a home loss that began a four-game season-ending tailspin. The tailback watched, limited to 72 yards on 18 carries, knowing he was handicapped health-wise.
“My skills were better, my hands were better and my speed was faster,” Young said. “That was what was so frustrating about last year. I knew I was a better player and I just wasn’t doing it.”
Asked about NU, Young had nothing to say beyond a deep breath and a shake of the head. But a fellow senior, linebacker Mike Klinkenborg, and the rest of the Hawkeyes have likely circled the Nov. 3 contest with a red target.
“You’ve gotta give them a lot of credit,” Klinkenborg said. “They’ve had our number the last two years and with they way we played, we can’t take any team for granted.”
While the spotlight left Young in favor of question marks last season, he said his work ethic hasn’t changed. According to his head coach, his ability to fight back is a product of his character.
“He’s very charismatic and brings a lot of leadership qualities to the table,” Ferentz said. “There’s a lot more beyond the yards he puts out there on the field.”
The belief in Young’s character extends to competitors around the conference.
After leading the Big Ten in rushing in 2005, Young lost the crown to Michigan running back Mike Hart last season. At Big Ten Media Day in August, Hart gave Young the highest praise. When asked whom he would vote for as best running back in the conference, besides himself, his answer went quickly to Young.
“He’s underrated but he does everything,” Hart said. “He can run the block, return kicks and he’s a team player. He just does it all and I respect that.”
After going winless down the stretch last season, questions and Iowa’s late-season desire have been synonymous in the eyes of some critics. But for Young, there was no question in his mind of his playmaking abilities for his final college football season.
“It’s not a matter if I feel I’m up there,” he said. “I know I’m up there. It’s a matter of staying healthy and playing at the top of my game.”
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