Iowa recognizing Tyler Sash with special helmet design

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz said this week a "tasteful" tribute to honor late former football player Tyler Sash would be planned for this weekend.

The Hawkeyes' choice on Thursday was simple yet powerful -- the team will sport helmets displaying Sash's No. 9 on one side of the team helmet on Saturday when Iowa (1-0) takes on in-state rival Iowa State (1-0) in Ames.

The number replaces the Tigerhawk logo on one side. Sash played for the Hawkeyes from 2008-10, logging the fifth-most interceptions in school history with 13.

Sash, 27, was found dead Tuesday in Oskaloosa. An initial autopsy Wednesday ruled out acute trauma as a cause of death, but further laboratory tests are required in the investigation. A toxicology report from the Iowa State Medical Examiner is expected to be available in 4-6 weeks.

The annual Cy-Hawk game will be broadcast nationally at 3:45 p.m. on Fox.

RICK BROWN:'Tenacious' Tyler Sash gone too soon