HawkCentral.com

Two of Iowa's most promising football players are done for the regular season.

And in the case of wide receiver Derrick Willies, he's no longer a Hawkeye at all.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz announced Tuesday that sophomore running back LeShun Daniels, Jr. "will miss the remainder of the Big Ten season due to injury" -- without specifying the injury. The 6-foot, 230-pound Daniels was injured during practice last week.

Ferentz also announced what was reported Monday night, that Willies, a freshman, will transfer.

"It is unfortunate that LeShun will miss the remainder of the Big Ten season," Ferentz said in a statement. "We have full confidence that LeShun will work hard to return to full strength as soon as possible."

Daniels scored Iowa's first touchdown of the season, against Northern Iowa, but hadn't gained much traction or playing time since. He rushed for 42 yards on 14 carries. Ferentz's statement seemed to leave the possibility open that Daniels, a sophomore from Warren, Ohio, could return for a bowl game if Iowa qualifies.

The 5-2 Hawkeyes need six wins for bowl eligibility, and they play Northwestern at 11 a.m. Saturday at Kinnick Stadium.

Willies, a 6-4, 210-pounder from Rock Island, Ill., played in five games this year. He recorded four receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. Willies posted on Instagram on Monday that he would be leaving the program.

"Derrick expressed his intentions to transfer from Iowa to be closer to his father, who is having some health related issues," Ferentz said. "We wish Derrick well should he decide to leave Iowa City."