Iowa football: Josh Koeppel, Shaun Prater updates

[ 0 ] August 31, 2010 | Ryan Suchomel

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said that they were taking a “wait and see” approach with center Josh Koeppel, who is up and around after being hit by a truck on Monday.

On the Big Ten teleconference Tuesday morning, Ferentz said they weren’t “going to take any crazy chances” on playing Koeppel, who was hit by a pickup truck on his motorcycle on Monday morning.

Koeppel was released with minor injuries, and Ferentz said Koeppel had “some scrapes, bruises, soreness.”

“I saw him walk out of the building; saw him this morning,” Ferentz said. “Everything checked out. I’m happy he’s healthy. We’ll take it day by day.”

Koeppel, a senior is listed as the co-starter at center with sophomore James Ferentz.

Coach Ferentz didn’t commit to who would start Saturday.

“We’re not going to take any crazy chances,” Ferentz said. “From what I’ve heard, he’s probably fortunate it was not more extensive. It’s one thing to play football, it’s another to take on a pickup truck.”

NO WORD ON PRATER: Iowa junior cornerback Shaun Prater, listed on the initial fall depth chart as the left cornerback, was not on the Eastern Illinois depth chart released on Thursday.

Ferentz didn’t indicate what Prater’s status was. “We’ll know more as the week goes on,” Ferentz said.

Prater started 10 games last season, and was expected to provide experience at corner after all-Big Ten cornerback Amari Spievey opted to head to the NFL after his junior season.

“We’re not taking anything for granted at any of those spots,” Ferentz said of the three defensive players who didn’t return and are now in the NFL. “The cornerbacks have worked hard and competed well. I’m optimistic, but its not the most experienced group out there.”