Kirk Ferentz on Jewel Hampton: “We’re Optimistically Hopeful.”

The Cedar Rapids Gazette’s Marc Morehouse has some quotes in his blog from Kirk Ferentz regarding Jewel Hampton’s knee situation.

Ferentz said that the staff would know more when fall camp began August 8th, but that they are currently optimistic regarding Hampton’s chances to play in Iowa’s opener against Northern Iowa.

The true sophomore was injured in drills on July 3rd and people speculated that his injury was a season ending ACL tear. Iowa fans will remember the 2004 season in which Hawkeye running backs Albert Young, Marcus Schnoor, and Jermelle Lewis went down with ACL injuries.

Since July 3rd, the Hampton knee saga has taken several turns, all of which have been positive. With Ferentz’s latest quotes on the situation, I’m thinking it will be, if it isn’t already, a non-issue.

Last season Hampton averaged nearly 5 yards per carry while rushing for 463 yards and 7 touchdowns as Shonn Greene’s backup. He is presumed to be the number one running back for the Hawkeyes going into the 2009 season.

Hampton runs the ball against South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl (photo courtesy of Anthony Djuren anthonydjphoto@mac.com)