By Adam Hensley
Shortly before Iowa’s spring practice at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines began on April 7, the program announced that free safety Brandon Snyder tore his ACL in practice on April 6.
Head coach Kirk Ferentz said the injury occurred in the morning during a special-team drill.
“He really didn’t know he was injured till [later],” Ferentz said. “During the day it was a little sore. He got it examined last night, and we found out that it looks like he’s got an ACL tear.”
Snyder is out indefinitely with the setback and will likely undergo surgery next week.
The Hawkeyes listed junior Jake Gervase behind Snyder on the spring depth chart. Ferentz noted that Amani Hooker would get looks at the position as well.
Last season, Snyder started all 13 games. The junior finished third on the team with 85 tackles, tied for the team lead with 3 interceptions, and led the team in forced fumbles (3).
Snyder isn’t the only Hawkeye who won’t participate this spring.
Iowa pulled wide receiver Jerminic Smith from all football activities after he failed to meet academic standards, including class attendance and study hours, according to a release handed out prior to the Hawkeyes’ practice.
“It’s really kind of like Brandon being injured; if a player is not on the field, he’s losing ground,” Ferentz said.
Third on the team with 23 receptions, Smith racked up 314 yards and scored 2 touchdowns last year.
