I was told on Wednesday night that Iowa’s #1 LC Bernstine injured his ankle during Wednesday morning practice. It wasn’t until later that day that I found out he broke his ankle during practice. The Des Moines register is saying in there article that it was broken. The article also says that it looks like he will need surgery to repair his ankle. Coach Ferentz makes the announcement Wednesday that he will miss the 2009 season. The article also says that it looks like he will need surgery to repair his ankle.
I have also heard from another source that he has already had the surgery. This is not one of my main sources so I would take it as that.
This is a huge loss for the Iowa Defense. Bernstine is the #1 Left Cornerbacks on the depth chart from spring training. There are two possible replacements for Bernstine until he returns. They are No. 28 Shaun Prater (Soph.) with some experience and No. 2 Greg Castillo (RS Fresh.) with some bulking up. Another person in the mix to start at left CB is No. 10 William Lowe (Soph.). He is currently the number two right cornerback on the depth chart.
My choice would be Prater after he serves his two game suspensions.
One other note is that Jordan Bernstine hasn’t taken a red shirt yet while at Iowa. If he does have a broken ankle and will be out for the season, then it would be a good idea to take a Medical Red Shirt for this year. This way he will still have 2 full seasons to play for the Hawkeyes instead of losing one from this injury.
This position was vacant after the graduation of Bradley Fletcher last year.