Former Northeast star Jeff Brinson primed for bigger role at Iowa

After sitting out last season, former Northeast standout Jeff Brinson has rocketed up the depth chart at Iowa, so much that he could be the Hawkeyes' starting running back for their season opener against Northern Iowa on Sept. 5.

Brinson headed into this season as the No. 2 back behind Jules Hampton. But Hampton sustained a knee injury in non-contact drills two weeks ago. Hampton will not surgery, but will most likely miss time recovering before the season opener.

“I know I’m definitely going to get a chance to see some playing time,” Brinson said.

Two years ago, Brinson set a county record with three 300-yard games and finished his senior season at Northeast with 1.985 yards and 24 touchdowns.

He signed with Iowa, but redshirted after Shonn Greene and Hampton emerged as the primary ball carriers.

Greene became the go-to guy and won the Doak Walker award as the nation’s best running back before forgoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

That moved Brinson and Hampton into more prominent roles this offseason. Hampton, though, sat the spring game because of a sore hamstring, allowing Brinson more playing time.

And Brinson should continue to get reps once practice starts in August.

“It was tough to sit out last season. Brinson said. “But I worked hard this past year to get on the field. I’m excited. I can’t wait for this season to start.”

-- BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[NEHI PLAYER]

man thats good for him i saw him workin out while northeast was workin out he is fast and big he will run over people like nothing