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(AP) - The Iowa Hawkeyes usually despise hyperbole.

So when defensive coordinator Norm Parker said this spring that sophomore linebacker James Morris is the kind of kid who belongs on a Wheaties box, folks took notice.

Expectations couldn't be much higher for the 6-foot-2, 222-pound Morris, a local product who raised eyebrows with his poise and instincts as true freshman last season.

Morris stepped in at middle linebacker when injuries decimated the linebacking corps.

He made his first career start in a critical Big Ten showdown against then-unbeaten Michigan State and never looked back, ranking fourth-best on the Hawkeyes with 70 total tackles.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says Morris has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches because of his hard work and attention to.