Rumors have been flying around the internet that Jordan Bernstine has sustained an ankle injury. The word is a broken ankle (like a real one, not just from a ridiculous juke move...sorry bad joke) and likely he's out for the season. Berstine was projected to start as the cornerback opposite Amari Spievey. No official word has come out yet, other than a DJK FaceBook update stating, "hurt'n for my boy jb, he worked too hard!"
First thought: I hope he's alright and that he has a speedy recovery. This could turn into another Jewel Hampton situation and he may be back before we know it. If not, then he still has a red-shirt to burn and we'll see him back for the next 2 years.
Second thought: Oh Crap! Who'll play while Prater suspended? The popular answer right now is William Lowe. Lowe saw some action last year as a true freshman and accumulated 2 tackles. He will certainly have to step up big this year as he's probably the guy against UNI and ISU. While I'm still confident in our defense and think the secondary will be good without Bernstine, just one missed coverage can really change a game. That's enough to add a little more worrying for the ISU game.
Third and final thought: The depth in the secondary looks pretty slim right now, especially for the first two games. While there are 16 DBs on the roster, once you take out Bernsine and Prater, there are 3 guys that have seen a good amount of playing time (the starters: Spievey, Sash, and Greenwood) and 4 guys who has seen very minimal time (Lowe, Conklin, Cato, and Rowell). I think this may slightly limit the ability to play nickle and dime looks, at least the first couple of games, not that Norm throws out too many 6 DB sets in the first place. Even with Prater back that's only 8 guys with experience. I expect the 3-4 to be a more popular look than a nickle or dime against obvious passing downs simply because of the difference in depth at linebacker versus defensive back.
Anyway, like I saidearly , I think the secondary will be good with or without Bernstine (or Prater) and like the Iowa coaches say, "next man in."