Hecklinski expected to start at Washington; Brown could be emergency option

Iowa plans to start Jeremy Hecklinski at Washington on Friday night, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Friday morning. Hank Brown is not expected to play, although he could be available in an emergency role. The report would make this Hecklinski’s first college start.

The decision follows a week of uncertainty about Brown’s throwing shoulder. Brown said Tuesday that he sprained the AC joint against Ohio State and had resumed throwing while working toward a return.

Hecklinski took the starter’s practice repetitions this week, coach Kirk Ferentz said on his Wednesday radio show. Ferentz said Brown could be medically cleared but Iowa had to consider whether playing was the best decision for the quarterback and the team.

Hecklinski replaced Brown in Iowa’s 31-14 loss to Ohio State, completing all five passes for 67 yards and leading a touchdown drive. The quarterbacks competed for the job during the preseason before Brown won the starting role.

Brown started the Hawkeyes’ first five games, throwing for 832 yards and five touchdowns. He delivered the winning touchdown pass on the last play of Iowa’s September 26 win at Michigan.

Thamel’s Friday report is a change from the earlier uncertainty about the starter. Brown’s possible emergency availability should not be read as clearance for a normal workload; the report says he is not expected to play.