IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Iowa defensive lineman John Sawhill is leaving the team because of an injury during preseason practice.

Coach Kirk Ferentz said late Thursday that the senior joined the program earlier this summer after playing for Drake while he earned his bachelor's degree. Ferentz says Sawhill had complications from a prior injury and decided to skip his remaining year of eligibility.

Iowa opens the season on Sept. 1 against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field in Chicago.