For at least 19 young men on the Iowa Hawkeye roster, the Outback Bowl on January 1st will be the last time they put on the Black and Gold.  We'll sorely miss those fellas.  I'm confident Kirk Ferentz and his staff are developing great talent to replace them next year, but losing a player is more than just losing a player.  Iowa fans are losing members of their Satruday afternoon families.  We've watched these young men grow.  We've followed their careers.  We've cheered for them and hollered ourselves hoarse, willing them to push the ball just one yard farther.  Now we have to say goodbye.  For some, Saturday afternoons will be replaced by Sunday afternoons, but for others, this is the last hurrah.  Here's a quick list of the seniors we're saying goodbye to at the official end of the 2008 season (by jersey number):

#2 Harold Dalton    Position: DB,   Hometown: Camden, NJ

Harold is a big reason the Iowa defense was so stout this year.  He embodied the Norm Turner defense by being tough, physical and aggressive. 

#14 Devan Moylan  Position: DB,  Hometown: Panorama Terrace, IA

#16 Drew Gardner  Position: DB,  Hometown: Cherry Hill, NJ

#21 Nate Guillory  Position: RB, Hometown: Houston, TX

Unfortunately for Nate, Shonn Greene returned to the Iowa field and Jewel Hampton was recruited.  Nate had some huge talent to follow.

#29 Bradley Fletcher  Position: DB, Hometown: Youngstown, OH

Another fabulous defensive back that won't be around for next year.  Fletcher is a ferocious DB that punishes receivers. 

#35 Jared Oberland  Position: FB,  Hometown: Whitefish Bay, WI

#37 Gavin McGrath  Position: LB,  Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA

#38 Jordan McLaughlin  Position: FB, Hometown: Belmond, IA

#47 Mitch King  Position: DL,  Hometown:  Burlington, IA

Mitch is a monster that we'll likely be seeing on Sundays next year.  He's not big for a DL, but he's quick and aggressive.  He's also the most talked about Hawkeye behind Shonn Greene.  He's been the emotional leader of the stingy Hawkeye defense.  With Mitch, it's more than the play we'll miss, it's the leadership and character he's brought to the team.

#53 Matt Kroul  Position: DL,  Hometown: Mount Vernon, IA

Over the course of the season, Matt has been overshadowed by Mitch King.  While Mitch may have gotten more attention, Matt has been every bit the animal in the trenches.  In fact, much of Mitch's success has been because of Matt.  Teams have been unable to double or triple Mitch because Matt was too much of a force in his own right.  Matt is a solid run stopper and is a ferocious tackler.  I'm hopeful Matt will find his way to the bigtime as well.  He should have a very bright future.

#58 Rob Bruggeman  Position: OL,  Hometown:  Cedar Rapids, IA

Rob is a big reason for Shonn Greene's success this season.  While Shonn is every bit the runner he appears to be, he is right to give credit to his offensive line.  Bruggeman has moved more bodies around than the county coroner.  Ricki Stanzi should also be singing Rob's praises.  He's had far more opportunities to stay on his feet than Jake Christiansen did last season, thanks to "Rob and the boys'" protection.  Offensive Linemen often don't get the kind of credit they deserve.  The ultimate compliment for Rob would be a spot on someone's roster at the next level.

#59 Anton Narinsky   Position: DL,  Hometown:  Chagrin Falls, OH

#70 Austin Postier  Position:  OL,  Hometown:  Iowa City, IA

#71 Seth Olsen  Position: OL,  Hometown:  Omaha, NE

Seth's importance was most noted when he wasn't there.  Iowa's three game losing stretch happened during a period when Olsen was out with an injury.  The OL just didn't seem to function as well without his leadership and strength.  Seth is a powerful leader and immovable blocker.  Good luck in the pro's Seth!

#75 Wesley Aeshliman  Position:  OL,  Hometown:  Bloomfield, IA

Unfortunately, the most vivid memory I have of young Wesley was the play where he got hurt.  He was holding off not one, but two defenders during a field goal attempt when his hip dislocated, sending Aeshliman crashing to the ground.  I hope the young man heals completely and has a bright future.

#80 Andy Brodell  Position:  WR,  Hometown:  Ankeny, IA

The fact that Andy made a single catch in 2008 is more a testament of his attitude and spirit than his ability, and that speaks volumes.  Andy tore his hamstring muscle completely away from the bone in '07.  Surgery repaired the injury, but it's Brodell's determination that repaired his status as a starting Hawkeye and formidable receiver.  I don't know what his future is as far as the NFL is concerned, but what he's done just to get back into the lineup is impressive enough.  That he's one of Stanzi's favorite targets and the leading Hawkeye receiver is just icing on the cake.

#81 Tony Moeaki  Position:  TE,  Hometown:  Wheaton, IL

Injuries plagued Moeaki's season.  He never could quite seem to get healthy and stay that way.  When he was, however, he was, and is, a solid TE that I believe could make it at the next level.  Injuries are a curse, however...especially the last one: a concussion. 

#83 Brandon Myers  Position:  TE,  Hometown:  Prairie City, IA

Brandon follows in a great line of awesome Hawkeye Tight Ends.  Scott Chandler now plays pro.  Dallas Clark now plays pro.  Before them, came Marv Cook.  Is Myers the next Hawkeye TE to move on to bigger stadiums?  Maybe.  Brandon is a solid target with decent hands.  Most importantly, however, he can block as well as he can catch.  It'll be interesting to see if anyone can step up and continue the tradition of great Iowa TE's when Myers is gone.

#85 Michael Sabers  Position:  TE,  Hometown:  Iowa City, IA

One thing I hope Iowa fans will notice is that, of the 19 names above, 11 of them were born and raised in the great corn state.  Iowa does a great job of recruiting great talent from their own yard.

The future for the Iowa Hawkeyes looks bright.  I think, however, it's important to look at the past, if for only a moment, to say thanks to those who have helped this proud program reach the heights it's currently at, and set the tone for a brighter future.  Best of luck to the graduating seniors of the University of Iowa.  Fare the well fellas....fare thee well....