Former Cedar Falls Football Standout Barkley Hill's First Year at Iowa Ends Before it Starts

Barkley Hill looked like he was going to get some significant playing time this year, as a true freshman running back for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

But, it wasn't to be. Hill, a former Cedar Falls prep star who rushed for more than 6,000 yards and 89 touchdowns, went down for the year with a knee injury, multiple news outlets are reporting.

“Barkley Hill’s knee injury during Saturday’s practice will require ACL reconstruction surgery later this week,” the Des Moines Register quoted Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz as saying in a statement released by the university on Tuesday.

The injury occurred at the end of a scrimmage over the weekend at Kinnick Stadium.

The timing is tough for Hill and the Hawkeyes. Iowa's depth at running back has been particularly slim in the past few years as one player after the next has gone down with injury or been booted from the team or voluntarily left following disciplinary issues, including last year's starter .

Hill had been getting reps during practice and was scene as an option as the No. 2 running back option behind Damon Bullock heading into the season. He was looking good, writes Steve Batterson of the Quad City Times.

Hill displayed skill as both a ball carrier and receiver during the scrimmage before suffering the injury that occurred after he collided with fullback Jacob Reisen and cornerback Torrey Campbell following an 8-yard touchdown run.

On the positive side, for Hill at least, he should be able to red shirt this year, and retain a full four years of playing eligibility.