IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa fans spent years hoping to see native son Oliver Martin catching passes for the Hawkeyes.
They'll eventually get their wish — although no seems to know if Martin's playing career at Iowa will start in three weeks or 13 months.
Martin, a former Iowa City West High star who spurned the Hawkeyes for Michigan in 2017, abruptly announced that he was coming home in June. Martin has since applied for a waiver that would allow him to play this fall, but there has yet to be a final ruling on his case.
Iowa opens play Aug. 31 against Miami (Ohio). Martin said he and his family, who've hired a lawyer to help their cause, expect to hear whether he can play in that game and beyond within "a week or two."
"As far as I understand, it's been forwarded to the NCAA. What happens thereafter, there's probably no way to predict — just like most things that go that direction. So we'll just wait patiently and see where that goes," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Friday at the team's annual media day. "There's not much we can do."
After redshirting in 2017, Martin made 11 catches for the Wolverines last fall and figured to be in line for a starting spot in 2019.
"You can tell that he's physically developed. He's been in somebody's program," Iowa wide receivers coach Kelton Copeland said. "When he's running routes, physically his speed, his strength, his catching ability, all of that, you see the polish."
Martin declined to discuss the specifics of his departure from Michigan, which hired a new offensive coordinator in the offseason, instead saying that coming home was a major draw for him.
"This has always been a place where I envisioned myself being," Martin said. "I'm really glad to be back."
Alabama RB out: Alabama coach Nick Saban said freshman running back Trey Sanders is "out indefinitely" with a foot injury.
Saban said Saturday the injury will require surgery. He did not provide further details.
Sanders was rated the nation's No. 6 overall prospect and top running back in the 247Sports composite rankings.
Depth could become an issue for the Crimson Tide, which had to replace leading rusher Damien Harris and first-round NFL draft pick Josh Jacobs.
Oklahoma DB done for season: Oklahoma defensive back Tre Norwood is out for the season with an undisclosed injury. Coach Lincoln Riley made the announcement Friday.
Norwood started all 14 games last season and was the projected starter at nickel back this season. Riley said the junior will be missed because of his experience and versatility, including his play on special teams.
Last season, Norwood tied for fifth on the team with 58 tackles. He had an interception in the final minute of the Big 12 title game victory over Texas and five tackles in the College Football Playoff loss to Alabama.
First Published August 11, 2019, 4:40 p.m.
