#3 on our list of great Hawkeyes since 1990 is Bob Sanders, who debuted in the black and gold in 2001 as a freshman. During the first half of the season, Sanders made his impact on special teams before finally getting the starting nod against Wisconsin and recording 12 tackles. In 2002 and 2003, Sanders led 10+ win Iowa teams with his violent hits and ability to stuff the run. As a junior, Bob Sanders was named First-Team All-Big Ten and a Fourth-Team All-American.
Sanders was hampered early in his senior season by a foot injury. He returned to score his first career touchdown against Illinois on a fumble return. In his final home game against Minnesota, Sanders recorded 16 tackles and forced three fumbles as he was named the Big Ten defensive player of the week. Again Sanders earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors and was Second-Team All-America.
The Colts selected Bob in the 2nd round of the NFL draft and Iowa fans across the coutry knew what a steal he would prove to be. Already in his young career Sanders has been to multiple Pro Bowls and was named the 2007 NFL Defensive MVP.
The argument can be made that the day the Iowa football program turned around was the day Bob Sanders stepped foot in Iowa City.
No comments:
Post a Comment