2018 LB’s

[Hawk94Mn]

The defense this year has been relatively effective at getting off the field and really quite superb at preventing teams from finishing drives with touchdowns. We only lose Bazata off the D-line, with our very talented depth returning and freshman (Linderbaum, Shannon, and Nixon) available. The starters at D-End will likely be A Nelson, and I can’t see a scenario where Epenesa doesn’t start by the start of the BIG. Although I love Hesse, I think he’s our third best all around DE.

Our secondary will be really quite fantastic, barring Jackson leaving early for the draft, something I really doubt he does with only a year’s worth of film. However, he does have to keep in mind what happened to Desmond after an average year, but I digress. Adding Manny, Micheal, Hankins, and maybe a Turner or Johnson being added to the mix, we will have plenty of talented, experienced depth at corner. With a senior Snyder and junior Hooker being our starting safety’s with Stone adding depth, i think they could be the best safety duo we’ve had since Sash and Greenwood.

Then there is the linebacking core. While we are really experienced at the moment, which has certainly bolstered our ability to stop power run schemes. We have still struggled to defend the edge effectively. While Josey will be missed dearly. I believe Bo can be replaced with relative ease given the options available. Also Ben has had a great season, but I think we have talented depth at his position. I look for Welch and maybe Colbert to compete for the Leo spot. Both are great athletes, with Welch having the size and seniority advantage. I think Welch could have a pretty effective 2018. At middle it could Hockaday, Jones, or Welch. Hockaday has gotten limited time over the past two seasons. I’d prefer to get Jones on the field here. He has the weight room prowess and the size to be a real broozer of a MLB and could be a sideline to sideline guy. I’d really like to see Mends start at the Will. He is a little undersized but he makes up for it with explosiveness. He would also be able to matchup better with wideouts and stop the edge pitch (something that PSU used against us, and everybody copied). With this group, I think the hawks could be looking at a pretty talented and experienced 2018 defense. Add that to a year older QB and OT’s plus a significantly easier schedule and 2018 looks pretty fun

 

[bigfridaynite]

The thing a lot fans are over looking is the leadership that Jewell brings to this team everyday year round I've seen so many interviews with players and this is always brought up by his teammates. Somebody will step up but it's a huge part of any football team.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

The thing a lot fans are over looking is the leadership that Jewell brings to this team everyday year round I've seen so many interviews with players and this is always brought up by his teammates. Somebody will step up but it's a huge part of any football team.

Sure he does, but that’s how it goes. Like you said someone will emerge and Iowa football will turn the page.

 

[HawkLogic]

After we lost Kirksley, HIcks and the MLB from Solon, I don't recall our defense being too good with Freshmen Jewel/Bowers playing LB and I think we had upperclassman at MLB. I think all 3 LB's getting replaced leads to trouble.

 

[Hawk94Mn]

After we lost Kirksley, HIcks and the MLB from Solon, I don't recall our defense being too good with Freshmen Jewel/Bowers playing LB and I think we had upperclassman at MLB. I think all 3 LB's getting replaced leads to trouble.

In 2013 we started a redshirt freshman bower at the Leo and a former walk-on Travis Perry. I think Spearman eventually took over for him, but I believe he was also a freshman, maybe a sophomore. Alston was the only veteran, but he had seen really limited time from what I remembered. He was playing pretty good football by the end of the season.

In my opinion, we have a much more talented and older group to replace this crop of linebackers. I also think our dline and secondary are more talented than that of the 2013, and better positioned to help support the younger crew.

 

[Hawk94Mn]

In 2013 we started a redshirt freshman bower at the Leo and a former walk-on Travis Perry. I think Spearman eventually took over for him, but I believe he was also a freshman, maybe a sophomore. Alston was the only veteran, but he had seen really limited time from what I remembered. He was playing pretty good football by the end of the season.

In my opinion, we have a much more talented and older group to replace this crop of linebackers. I also think our dline and secondary are more talented than that of the 2013, and better positioned to help support the younger crew.

2014* my apologies, I suppose fisher was on the roster at the time too

 

[MWardT]

Frankly, I’m not sure how we would even know what we have behind the three seniors since they’re pretty much the only linebackers that we’ve even see play the last two years. The only backup I can recall getting significant or meaningful playing time is Hockaday. I think it’s fair to say whoever starts in 2018, it will be a downgrade from 2017.

 

[Hawks_Rock_12]

Does anyone else think this would be a good conversation to have next spring when we don't have any real football being played ?

 

[Birdmanil]

The whole is more than the some of the parts. Isn't that the cliche of a lot Iowa teams. Whether the next LB's can match up position by position with the current LB's may not be as important as how they fit with the other 8 players around them. Looking at our LB trios in the Ferentz era what seasons make your top 5 and how did we finish. Not making a point just want perspective. 2004 and 2005 had some of the best LB trios we had and yet differing outcomes.

 

[Muskie5]

The defense this year has been relatively effective at getting off the field and really quite superb at preventing teams from finishing drives with touchdowns. We only lose Bazata off the D-line, with our very talented depth returning and freshman (Linderbaum, Shannon, and Nixon) available. The starters at D-End will likely be A Nelson, and I can’t see a scenario where Epenesa doesn’t start by the start of the BIG. Although I love Hesse, I think he’s our third best all around DE.

Our secondary will be really quite fantastic, barring Jackson leaving early for the draft, something I really doubt he does with only a year’s worth of film. However, he does have to keep in mind what happened to Desmond after an average year, but I digress. Adding Manny, Micheal, Hankins, and maybe a Turner or Johnson being added to the mix, we will have plenty of talented, experienced depth at corner. With a senior Snyder and junior Hooker being our starting safety’s with Stone adding depth, i think they could be the best safety duo we’ve had since Sash and Greenwood.

Then there is the linebacking core. While we are really experienced at the moment, which has certainly bolstered our ability to stop power run schemes. We have still struggled to defend the edge effectively. While Josey will be missed dearly. I believe Bo can be replaced with relative ease given the options available. Also Ben has had a great season, but I think we have talented depth at his position. I look for Welch and maybe Colbert to compete for the Leo spot. Both are great athletes, with Welch having the size and seniority advantage. I think Welch could have a pretty effective 2018. At middle it could Hockaday, Jones, or Welch. Hockaday has gotten limited time over the past two seasons. I’d prefer to get Jones on the field here. He has the weight room prowess and the size to be a real broozer of a MLB and could be a sideline to sideline guy. I’d really like to see Mends start at the Will. He is a little undersized but he makes up for it with explosiveness. He would also be able to matchup better with wideouts and stop the edge pitch (something that PSU used against us, and everybody copied). With this group, I think the hawks could be looking at a pretty talented and experienced 2018 defense. Add that to a year older QB and OT’s plus a significantly easier schedule and 2018 looks pretty fun

You forgot Gervase at safety, who's been a starter and obviously adds great depth....

 

[Muskie5]

The defense this year has been relatively effective at getting off the field and really quite superb at preventing teams from finishing drives with touchdowns. We only lose Bazata off the D-line, with our very talented depth returning and freshman (Linderbaum, Shannon, and Nixon) available. The starters at D-End will likely be A Nelson, and I can’t see a scenario where Epenesa doesn’t start by the start of the BIG. Although I love Hesse, I think he’s our third best all around DE.

Our secondary will be really quite fantastic, barring Jackson leaving early for the draft, something I really doubt he does with only a year’s worth of film. However, he does have to keep in mind what happened to Desmond after an average year, but I digress. Adding Manny, Micheal, Hankins, and maybe a Turner or Johnson being added to the mix, we will have plenty of talented, experienced depth at corner. With a senior Snyder and junior Hooker being our starting safety’s with Stone adding depth, i think they could be the best safety duo we’ve had since Sash and Greenwood.

Then there is the linebacking core. While we are really experienced at the moment, which has certainly bolstered our ability to stop power run schemes. We have still struggled to defend the edge effectively. While Josey will be missed dearly. I believe Bo can be replaced with relative ease given the options available. Also Ben has had a great season, but I think we have talented depth at his position. I look for Welch and maybe Colbert to compete for the Leo spot. Both are great athletes, with Welch having the size and seniority advantage. I think Welch could have a pretty effective 2018. At middle it could Hockaday, Jones, or Welch. Hockaday has gotten limited time over the past two seasons. I’d prefer to get Jones on the field here. He has the weight room prowess and the size to be a real broozer of a MLB and could be a sideline to sideline guy. I’d really like to see Mends start at the Will. He is a little undersized but he makes up for it with explosiveness. He would also be able to matchup better with wideouts and stop the edge pitch (something that PSU used against us, and everybody copied). With this group, I think the hawks could be looking at a pretty talented and experienced 2018 defense. Add that to a year older QB and OT’s plus a significantly easier schedule and 2018 looks pretty fun

Go back and look, they ran that 'pitch' to the field and/or strong side. Had nothing to do with the 'Will'. If Mends was as good as all you people think he is, he should have beat out Bower the last 2 years, don't ya think?

 

[Muskie5]

Frankly, I’m not sure how we would even know what we have behind the three seniors since they’re pretty much the only linebackers that we’ve even see play the last two years. The only backup I can recall getting significant or meaningful playing time is Hockaday. I think it’s fair to say whoever starts in 2018, it will be a downgrade from 2017.

The only other LB that's played the last 3 years is Fisher. And when Jewell was hurt Bower came in and the bumped Fisher to the Mike. And then when Niemann got hurt Bower played the LEO. Well, except Hockaday finished the game that Jewell got exputiated for targeting.

 

[Hawk94Mn]

Go back and look, they ran that 'pitch' to the field and/or strong side. Had nothing to do with the 'Will'. If Mends was as good as all you people think he is, he should have beat out Bower the last 2 years, don't ya think?

It doesn’t have to be Mends, I’m just hoping it is because he has stuck it out. It could be Welch too, all of the spots are wide open. I just believe the talent is there. Personally, I really enjoy watching Bower. The guy is tough as nails and really doesn’t get enough credit for his pass defense.

 

[HawkTex]

Go back and look, they ran that 'pitch' to the field and/or strong side. Had nothing to do with the 'Will'. If Mends was as good as all you people think he is, he should have beat out Bower the last 2 years, don't ya think?

Mends struggles playing in Space.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

The juco from butler cc will hopefully have a say in this as well.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

After we lost Kirksley, HIcks and the MLB from Solon, I don't recall our defense being too good with Freshmen Jewel/Bowers playing LB and I think we had upperclassman at MLB. I think all 3 LB's getting replaced leads to trouble.

I agree that replacing all 3 LBs could be an issue. However, I also think that you have to consider what factors also contributed to our issues in '14 (after we had to replace all 3 of them).

• The original starting 3 LBs in '14 were Alston (MIKE), Bower (LEO), and Spearman (WILL). Jewell was an up-and-comer ... but he was a RS FR who ultimately displaced Spearman at the WILL spot. Bower was a walk-on RS FR. Only Alston was an experienced veteran .... being a SR who had seen prior quality position reps.
• Coach Reid's approach to prep was to inundate the LBs with huge weekly packets that detailed the game-plan. This managed to work in '13 ... when he had 3 veteran LBs who each had really high football IQs and who already knew how to "play fast." However, this style backfired in '14 ... because most of the young guys simply played too slow because they were caught thinking too much (and they had too much on their plates).
• Back then, the Hawks suffered a lot from injuries and attrition. Poggi suffered from injuries, Collins eventually got booted from the program, Fisher was a late bloomer, L. Taylor left the program, and Spearman had personal issues that distracted him from football. Consequently, before Bower entered the picture in '14, we were slated to have Perry (another former walk-on LB) be a leading LB for us.
• From '11 to '13, we had 3 different LB coaches in 3 consecutive years - Wilson in '11, Woods in '12, and then Reid/Woods in '13 ... that transience definitely could have impacted the development of guys in the LB room too.

If we look at the LB situation in '18, we're most certainly in store for a 'transition year' at LB. However, the question is whether there are factors that might be able to mitigate some of the negatives in such a transition.

• Unlike '14, the '18 LB group will likely NOT be largely manned by redshirt freshmen. In the fray will be 2 seniors (Hockaday and Mends), 2 juniors (Welsh and Jones), and a number of scholarship SOs and FRs who could work themselves into position to contribute (odds-on favorites might be Niemann and Colbert). While I have no problem with talented walk-ons emerging above scholarship guys ... the '14 LB situation was a little "bare." In contrast, there will be a bunch of scholarship LBs vying for action in '18.
• Much of the younger LBs will have only been coached by Seth Wallace - thus, they'll only have been hearing a single unified voice in the LB room.
• Seth Wallace was a grad assistant under Norm and he apprenticed plenty under Phil too ... consequently, Seth is a big believer in keeping things simple for the LBs so that they can "play fast."
• Iowa's DL and DBs should be stellar in '18. Out of all the D-linemen and defensive backs ... the Hawks only have to "replace" Bazata as a starter. Entering '14, accompanying all new starters at LB ... we also had a new LCB (Mabin), a new FS (Lomax), and a new LDE (Meier). Given all the rotation at DB and on the DL ... we've also been developing some depth there too. Thus, the new LBs should benefit from pretty talented and "fresh" D-linemen in front of them .... and a highly competitive and veteran group of DBs behind them.

 

[Muskie5]

Someone just has to step up and be a dominate Mike LB. I think we'll be fine at the Will and LEO spots with the speed and athleticism we have out there. Yes, we have to replace all 3 of them, but we are in much better shape than the last time we had to replace all 3 (Hitch, Kirksey, Morris). When they left, we had to play redshirt freshmen and true freshmen (Jewell, Spearman, Bower). Our safeties were the 1st and 3rd leading tacklers on the team. Next year we will be playing kids that have 2-4 years in the program already under their belts. Yuge difference! I'm really not worried if one of them steps up and 'owns' the Mike spot. And like I have said, they gave the 2's and 3's almost all the reps during bye week and I bet you they take the majority of the 1st team reps during bowl prep. With all those reps and spring and fall reps, I think we will have 3 or 4 that will be ready to go and they have the luxury of having lots of experience in front and behind them. Guys like Hess and Snyder are smart guys (ex-QB's) and are like having coaches on the field. It would be nice if we could jump all over Purdue and Nebby and get some LB's on the field.
.
P.S.- Sorry Ghost, I didn't see your post before I wrote mine. So I guess we are agreeing on quite a few things.

 

[Hawk94Mn]

I agree that replacing all 3 LBs could be an issue. However, I also think that you have to consider what factors also contributed to our issues in '14 (after we had to replace all 3 of them).

• The original starting 3 LBs in '14 were Alston (MIKE), Bower (LEO), and Spearman (WILL). Jewell was an up-and-comer ... but he was a RS FR who ultimately displaced Spearman at the WILL spot. Bower was a walk-on RS FR. Only Alston was an experienced veteran .... being a SR who had seen prior quality position reps.
• Coach Reid's approach to prep was to inundate the LBs with huge weekly packets that detailed the game-plan. This managed to work in '13 ... when he had 3 veteran LBs who each had really high football IQs and who already knew how to "play fast." However, this style backfired in '14 ... because most of the young guys simply played too slow because they were caught thinking too much (and they had too much on their plates).
• Back then, the Hawks suffered a lot from injuries and attrition. Poggi suffered from injuries, Collins eventually got booted from the program, Fisher was a late bloomer, L. Taylor left the program, and Spearman had personal issues that distracted him from football. Consequently, before Bower entered the picture in '14, we were slated to have Perry (another former walk-on LB) be a leading LB for us.
• From '11 to '13, we had 3 different LB coaches in 3 consecutive years - Wilson in '11, Woods in '12, and then Reid/Woods in '13 ... that transience definitely could have impacted the development of guys in the LB room too.

If we look at the LB situation in '18, we're most certainly in store for a 'transition year' at LB. However, the question is whether there are factors that might be able to mitigate some of the negatives in such a transition.

• Unlike '14, the '18 LB group will likely NOT be largely manned by redshirt freshmen. In the fray will be 2 seniors (Hockaday and Mends), 2 juniors (Welsh and Jones), and a number of scholarship SOs and FRs who could work themselves into position to contribute (odds-on favorites might be Niemann and Colbert). While I have no problem with talented walk-ons emerging above scholarship guys ... the '14 LB situation was a little "bare." In contrast, there will be a bunch of scholarship LBs vying for action in '18.
• Much of the younger LBs will have only been coached by Seth Wallace - thus, they'll only have been hearing a single unified voice in the LB room.
• Seth Wallace was a grad assistant under Norm and he apprenticed plenty under Phil too ... consequently, Seth is a big believer in keeping things simple for the LBs so that they can "play fast."
• Iowa's DL and DBs should be stellar in '18. Out of all the D-linemen and defensive backs ... the Hawks only have to "replace" Bazata as a starter. Entering '14, accompanying all new starters at LB ... we also had a new LCB (Mabin), a new FS (Lomax), and a new LDE (Meier). Given all the rotation at DB and on the DL ... we've also been developing some depth there too. Thus, the new LBs should benefit from pretty talented and "fresh" D-linemen in front of them .... and a highly competitive and veteran group of DBs behind them.

Yes.

 

[nitewing]

in 2018 these seem to be the top prospects
SR Mends or JR Jones at the WLB
RSSO Welch or RSFR Taylor at the MLB
SR Hochaday or RSSO Nick Niemann at the OLB

most of these have played with the only newcomer being Taylor who is RS'ing this season, so its not like Iowa is going to be starting that many if any newcomers.

 

[nitewing]

Go back and look, they ran that 'pitch' to the field and/or strong side. Had nothing to do with the 'Will'. If Mends was as good as all you people think he is, he should have beat out Bower the last 2 years, don't ya think?

maybe despite your dislike for Bowers, Bowers is actually that good so he has not been beat out., funny concept I know that thinking that Bowers is any good.

 

[Muskie5]

maybe despite your dislike for Bowers, Bowers is actually that good so he has not been beat out., funny concept I know that thinking that Bowers is any good.

Nitewing, Nitewing. I stand up for you and then you make this ignorant post. I'm the one that stands up for Bower. Do try to keep up. I started a whole thread (Bo Bower, No holler) talking about how good he is and how unfair the fans have been to him. Where do you even come up with some of your 'thoughts'?

 

[northernboarderhawk]

Nitewing, Nitewing. I stand up for you and then you make this ignorant post. I'm the one that stands up for Bower. Do try to keep up. I started a whole thread (Bo Bower, No holler) talking about how good he is and how unfair the fans have been to him. Where do you even come up with some of your 'thoughts'?

In that little house with the moon on the door.

 

[MWardT]

I will guess the 2018 linebackers are:

LEO: Welch, Niemann
MLB: Hockaday, Taylor
OLB: Mends, Jones

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Nitewing, Nitewing. I stand up for you and then you make this ignorant post. I'm the one that stands up for Bower. Do try to keep up. I started a whole thread (Bo Bower, No holler) talking about how good he is and how unfair the fans have been to him. Where do you even come up with some of your 'thoughts'?

Bad News: he will never answer this.
Good news: he will never answer this and we might be able to have a discussion without *s, year in school, weight, height, gpa, ph balance of jock straps after practice, etc.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

P.S.- Sorry Ghost, I didn't see your post before I wrote mine. So I guess we are agreeing on quite a few things.

It's all good ... nothing wrong with complementary points. Hell, nothing wrong is differing and contrasting points too ... just as long as arguments are well supported (and yours were).

Thinking about the structural composition of the Hawk roster and drawing inferences on what little we know is fun ... is a challenging, yet fun, endeavor.

Here are some considerations that could inform how we might project guys next year:

• Here I will list LBs who return in '18 and in parentheses, by their name, I will indicated how many games they've played in this year. Through 8 games: Hockaday (4), Jones (8), Mends (8), N. Niemann (8), Welch (6)
• Now I'll list the guys and in parentheses will be the number of tackles they've had in each season they've been a contributor: Hockaday (2, 11, 1), Mends (4, 4, 2), Jones (1, 8), Welch (3, 3), Niemann (3)
• It's important to remark that Hockaday had to recover from injury and that is part of what has impacted his '17 production. Numbers that arguably jump off the page the most are Jones's production this year ... that is because he doesn't have any starts and most of his production has been on special teams. The fact that he's been productive is a testament to how well he must flow to the ball ... not everybody has that "IT" factor. Ordinarily, I'd point to Hockaday's '16 production ... but he essentially covered for Jewell for a whole game ... and yet he still had rather limited production. A productive LB ... even an inexperienced one ... will still typically put up good numbers because of how he flows to the ball.
• It was striking that when Jewell was out, that Phil and Seth rolled Niemann over to MIKE and Ward too over at LEO. To Ward's credit, he really has seen a lot of positional action through the past few years. However, nonetheless, it's interesting that the decision was made to not tap any of the "young guys." In all likelihood, the decision was made based on valid metrics .... however, I'm also guessing that the coaches are going to be pushing for an all-out free-for-all with the competition at LB going into '18.
• It's also interesting that the coaches have offered a JUCO LB. Is this a sign of a lack of confidence on guys entering '18 ... or, is it simply that the coaches are hoping to bring in a guy who has a bit more game experience?

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Awesome write up homer. My 2 cents on your last point: competition, especially with the men that play linebacker, will only make the best come out. Go hawks.

 

[bloodredd]

Jones - Hockaday - Niemann

 

[Muskie5]

It's all good ... nothing wrong with complementary points. Hell, nothing wrong is differing and contrasting points too ... just as long as arguments are well supported (and yours were).

Thinking about the structural composition of the Hawk roster and drawing inferences on what little we know is fun ... is a challenging, yet fun, endeavor.

Here are some considerations that could inform how we might project guys next year:

• Here I will list LBs who return in '18 and in parentheses, by their name, I will indicated how many games they've played in this year. Through 8 games: Hockaday (4), Jones (8), Mends (8), N. Niemann (8), Welch (6)
• Now I'll list the guys and in parentheses will be the number of tackles they've had in each season they've been a contributor: Hockaday (2, 11, 1), Mends (4, 4, 2), Jones (1, 8), Welch (3, 3), Niemann (3)
• It's important to remark that Hockaday had to recover from injury and that is part of what has impacted his '17 production. Numbers that arguably jump off the page the most are Jones's production this year ... that is because he doesn't have any starts and most of his production has been on special teams. The fact that he's been productive is a testament to how well he must flow to the ball ... not everybody has that "IT" factor. Ordinarily, I'd point to Hockaday's '16 production ... but he essentially covered for Jewell for a whole game ... and yet he still had rather limited production. A productive LB ... even an inexperienced one ... will still typically put up good numbers because of how he flows to the ball.
• It was striking that when Jewell was out, that Phil and Seth rolled Niemann over to MIKE and Ward too over at LEO. To Ward's credit, he really has seen a lot of positional action through the past few years. However, nonetheless, it's interesting that the decision was made to not tap any of the "young guys." In all likelihood, the decision was made based on valid metrics .... however, I'm also guessing that the coaches are going to be pushing for an all-out free-for-all with the competition at LB going into '18.
• It's also interesting that the coaches have offered a JUCO LB. Is this a sign of a lack of confidence on guys entering '18 ... or, is it simply that the coaches are hoping to bring in a guy who has a bit more game experience?

Yes, Jones has been a beast on kick off coverage this year. I found it interesting as well that they used Ward. Like I said before, I think Mends, Jones, Welch, etc. are all impressive athletes, but you have to surmise that they are apparently struggling with their reads and responsibilities or the coaches would be showing a little more faith in them. Anyone that coaches understands that you never know when the 'lightbulb' is going to come on for a player (sometimes it never does). Hopefully, some lightbulbs will come on for some of these guys during bowl prep and in spring ball. If they do, we are looking at a pretty formidable defense next year. If not....I don't want to think about it.

Most High school coaches don't do their LB's a lot of favors because they don't teach them to read the triangle nor how to make good drops and reads in coverage, they just 'send them' most of the time. So when they come into a system like Iowa's, they are lost. Some never get it.

I would guess (and it's just a guess) that they are looking at bringing in the JUCO guy because of game experience and maybe because that school is running a similar system (I haven't looked). They don't bring in JUCO guys much, but when they find a 'diamond', it's normally worked out for them (there has been a few misses though). I think Easley is working out because he played a lot for 2 yrs. before coming here and had game experience.

 

[nitewing]

Yes, Jones has been a beast on kick off coverage this year. I found it interesting as well that they used Ward. Like I said before, I think Mends, Jones, Welch, etc. are all impressive athletes, but you have to surmise that they are apparently struggling with their reads and responsibilities or the coaches would be showing a little more faith in them. Anyone that coaches understands that you never know when the 'lightbulb' is going to come on for a player (sometimes it never does). Hopefully, some lightbulbs will come on for some of these guys during bowl prep and in spring ball. If they do, we are looking at a pretty formidable defense next year. If not....I don't want to think about it.

Most High school coaches don't do their LB's a lot of favors because they don't teach them to read the triangle nor how to make good drops and reads in coverage, they just 'send them' most of the time. So when they come into a system like Iowa's, they are lost. Some never get it.

I would guess (and it's just a guess) that they are looking at bringing in the JUCO guy because of game experience and maybe because that school is running a similar system (I haven't looked). They don't bring in JUCO guys much, but when they find a 'diamond', it's normally worked out for them (there has been a few misses though). I think Easley is working out because he played a lot for 2 yrs. before coming here and had game experience.

for them to get more playing time who is going to sit, Niemann, Bower maybe better yet Jewell? sorry somebody has to ride the pine before a backup sees the Field. that or graduates, the backups become starters when the player in front of them graduates. nothing more nothing less.

 

[nitewing]

Bad News: he will never answer this.
Good news: he will never answer this and we might be able to have a discussion without *s, year in school, weight, height, gpa, ph balance of jock straps after practice, etc.

ahh and here I thought you looked forward to heights and weights, but if you notice the only players that I list with height and weights are the OL, DL mainly but sometimes RB's and LB'rs.

the OL is to show how much the size of the OL is changing for example
Welsh 6'3 295 could be replaced by Levi # 6'5 305 lbs right now, that a 2" and 10 lb increase.
even Wirfs is 6'5 315 lbs vs Welsh, Wirfs brings the height and weight for the RT Position just like Jackson @ 6'7 325 lbs is more in line with a LT size,

not everybody has the time let alone takes the time to look this up

 

[Suterman]

Jones-Hockaday-Welch.

 

[nu2u]

I will guess the 2018 linebackers are:

LEO: Welch, Niemann
MLB: Hockaday, Taylor
OLB: Mends, Jones

Kyle Taylor was one of the top rated prospects in Iowa's 2016 recruiting class. Haven't heard much from him yet but that is understandable thanks to a redshirt and vets Jewell and Hockaday at MLB. I am looking forward to see if he emerges next Spring and Fall. Wisconsin and especially Maryland recruited him hard.

 

[TKingpin]

The second I saw we offered a JUCO LB, I knew the coaches were not confident with next year’s LBers. Couple that with bringing Ward in for the jNW game instead of these younger guys has me worried. Still, you can just see what a terror Amani Jones has been on special teams this year. If I were a gambling man, I would bet that Jones is a starter somewhere at LB next year.

When he signed his LOI, I thought Barrington Wade would be heard from. I haven’t heard his name called or even brought up, so I will assume he is not in the mix.

In hopes we get some more speed on the field, I wonder if a couple of converted safeties could be in the mix. Djimon Colbert has been mentioned. I also think that QB/RB/LB from Pella (whose name escapes me right now) is just a football player. Don’t think Pella ever lost a game when he was the starting QB and MLB. Can he make some waves?

 

[MWardT]

Kyle Taylor was one of the top rated prospects in Iowa's 2016 recruiting class. Haven't heard much from him yet but that is understandable thanks to a redshirt and vets Jewell and Hockaday at MLB. I am looking forward to see if he emerges next Spring and Fall. Wisconsin and especially Maryland recruited him hard.

Agree. I'm curious to see who emerges out of that group of Niemman, Taylor, and Wade. If I recall correctly, Niemman was the only one traveling out of that group earlier in the season, so I would suspect he is ahead of the other two. Also going to be interesting to see where Colbert stands after this year. Historically, it seems like Iowa's best linebackers get on the field early in their careers.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Hockaday was a former QB (points to high football IQ - same reason why I love having Hooker and Snyder as our '18 safeties ... both were former QBs too), he has the most positional game experience, and, at this juncture, he must be a leading candidate for the MIKE spot.

I really like Mends ... largely because of the great attitude he's had during his time as a Hawk. Despite all the speculation made by the fans ... he remains an important ST contributor and a great team guy. However, with that being said - for him to earn a starting spot, he'd have to have to pull a "Cole Fisher" in terms of putting everything together and improving his consistency. I believe that he CAN do it ... but that doesn't imply that he WILL do it.

During fall camp, I remember a bit of internal buzz surrounding Djimon Colbert. From what I understood, he was legitimately pushing Jones for the #2 WILL spot. Given how many veterans that we have at LB, it made perfect sense that he'd redshirt though. A scenario that hasn't been considered much is .... I don't think that it is outside the realm of possibility for Jones to shift over to the MIKE spot and have Colbert take over the WILL spot. It all will depend how where guys find "fits" ... and how well the pieces fit together. After all, both Morris and Jewell shifted over from the WILL spot to the MIKE spot ... thus, I could see Jones pulling off the same feat.

Welch was an impressive track athlete in high school. Like Greenway and Tarpinian ... he's a guy with both good length and good speed. From what I understand, he mostly worked at LEO as a FR but has subsequently mostly worked at MIKE during his SO campaign. Where will he fit?

During fall camp ... there was talk about both Wade and N. Niemann at the LEO spot. Niemann is the one who has played the most during the '17 season ... so that gives him an extra feather in his cap as it relates to earning the trust of the coaches.

Lastly, another consideration for why the coaches could be pulling in a JUCO guy ... not only would such a guy be able to come in and have some quality experience. But they might also be anticipating attrition. Obviously, not every LB on the roster is going to contribute in '18 ... so some guys might opt to transfer. Thus, perhaps the coaches are trying to ensure that an important defensive position has adequate depth heading into the following seasons. Given how potentially good the rest of the D could be ... I respect the fact that they'd be trying to protect their depth.

 

[Muskie5]

for them to get more playing time who is going to sit, Niemann, Bower maybe better yet Jewell? sorry somebody has to ride the pine before a backup sees the Field. that or graduates, the backups become starters when the player in front of them graduates. nothing more nothing less.

You didn't apologize for your last absurd comment (argument, insult), and now you are coming out of right field once again trying to start an argument where none exists. You appear to be getting worse over the last year or two. I feel bad for you, but would you please read things like 3 or 4 times and really focus on what someone is saying before you reply or comment.

 

[Birky]

You didn't apologize for your last absurd comment (argument, insult), and now you are coming out of right field once again trying to start an argument where none exists. You appear to be getting worse over the last year or two. I feel bad for you, but would you please read things like 3 or 4 times and really focus on what someone is saying before you reply or comment.

I have him on ignore, but judging by your post, he has gone to the stroke card...I used to stick up for him too. It’s a mistake.