Iowa's two star linebackers are proof that you can come from two totally different backgrounds and yet mesh together to form one heck of a duo. Abdul Hodge talks about his partner, Chad Greenway, and their relationship on and off the field, expectations for this season, the development of Ed Miles, and much more.

Q: You and Chad come from such different backgrounds. Did it take a while to adjust to each other?

HODGE: No, not at all. Even though we came from different backgrounds, we shared the same characteristics. We are both hard workers, we are both tough, and we both want to win.

Q: Is Chad a little more talkative than you?

HODGE: I think that is up in the air. I think we both can say the right things at the right time.

Q: Has it been more fun having another linebacker there with you rising up at the same time with you?

HODGE: Oh yeah, definitely. It makes it easier on you and makes you more confident when you have a guy like that next to you.

Q: Are you surprised that your brother did not pick Iowa?

HODGE: Am I surprised? A little. He is his own individual and he made a good choice, I think. That is his decision.

Q: What are some of the things that Chad has taught you along the way?

HODGE: Chad came in here as an athlete and at the linebacker position just watching him run around and move with his hips has made me take on that style as a linebacker.

Q: When you came to Iowa, did you ever think you would become best friends with a guy from a farm in South Dakota?

HODGE: I never thought that, but at the same time, I am an open minded type of person. I come from a place where there are all different types of people around me. We are all people, so as long as you come onto the football field wanting to win and if you are my teammate and come in focused and wanting to win, you are ok.

Q: Have you gone to South Dakota with Chad?

HODGE: I have never been there yet. When we have time off, I always go home to spend time with my family.

Q: Are you upset at all that Chad got the Playboy thing and you did not?

HODGE: No, not at all. Chad deserves it. He is a hell of a linebacker.

Q: What about the expectations now surrounding this program coming into the season. Is there any added pressure coming into this season knowing that expectations are a little different?

HODGE: Not at all. As long as we continue to get better and focus on the things that will make us better and do that at 100%, we will see the results on Saturday's.

Q: How has the final play of the Capital One Bowl changed things?

HODGE: It has been great. Our fans are very excited to see what we can do next year. It was a good way to end the season and finish in the Top Ten for the third straight year.

Q: How has Ed Miles come along this spring?

HODGE: Ed is doing well. He now has a chance to really be one of the guys that will be counted on this year and I think he is ready.

Q: Did you kind of take him under your wing since he is a fellow Florida guy?

HODGE: A little, but Ed is a hard worker. He is one of the fastest guys on the team and now he has his chance and I think he will run with it.

Q: How about some of the guys behind you and how are they developing?

HODGE: Klinkenborg and Gableman are coming along real well.

For much more on Iowa's spring practice on Saturday, please visit the Hawkeye Lounge.