Why doesn't Captain Kirk play him? He is one of the best defensive players Iowa has, and he makes plays happen when he is in there.
A.J. Epenesa
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His fumble causing sack is what he brings and what we badly need...glad he's flashing like I knew he would.
A
anon_8rcdnbko1jbe0
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And Bricks caused the int - rotation is sound and Eppy will continue to grow (after his 4th game) and see more plays. They needed everyone last night defending 90+ plays. No doubt Eppy is special.
He should've been in on the last play.
The big ten is gonna hear a lot of mr. Aj epenesa in the coming years that's for sure
He should be in on as many snaps as possible. Different level talent.
He played a lot more in this one and made a difference. I was in the 3 page thread all week saying how he should be involved more in the rotation in this one and he was. I was satisfied with the rotation. Brincks caused the interception and AJ forced the fumble. I still think it's clear AJ should be on the field more than Brincks, but AJ also looked pretty tired during a few moments later in the game.
He was in to start that final drive. On the last play that he was in I thought it was obvious that he was gased. A pass rusher gased is about as good as a girlfriend with an STD.
I am just happy to see the amount of quality depth Iowa has on the D line. AJ is going to get more and more time as the season goes on, he and Anthony Nelson will be a damn good DE Tandem.
He played a ton last night. I don't know the snap count, but I would guess it had to be at least 30 - maybe more. And effective when he played. As a whole, I thought the ends didn't do a great job in setting the edge.
He's still learning though. There were several times he needed to pick up his jock strap after Barkley faked him out. Although, that statement is true for just about everyone on defense as well.
He played more last night and it's a good bet he will be starting by the end of the season. I just think Phil wants him to develop his instincts a bit more. I saw him take the wrong angle a few times when I watched him (assuming he wasn't just going to cover a space he was assigned to cover). It's clear that his physicality isn't the issue or his ability to beat linemen.
He played more last night and it's a good bet he will be starting by the end of the season. I just think Phil wants him to develop his instincts a bit more. I saw him take the wrong angle a few times when I watched him (assuming he wasn't just going to cover a space he was assigned to cover). It's clear that his physicality isn't the issue or his ability to beat linemen.
How great was it when he blew up the McSorley/Barkley foxtrot and Saquon ended up landing on his head?!
AJ is going to be a monster.
But as it is he's a liability on running down. I can think of a series where they had him out there and ran the sweep option, giving the ball to Barkley, and AJ was late to pressure the ball to the sideline, Barkley cut back into his space and resulted in a converted 3rd down.
Another time we had Barkley stuffed up at the LOS and AJ got caught too high, in driving his man back, which opened up the only hole Barkley could've run through. Thankfully, Amani Hooker erased a potential gainer.
I like what the plan we have for him. When they go back to the film room, he should learn
and as he proves more in practice, he'll earn more in games.
I love our DL. I'm not sold on their ability to stop the run consistently, without great effort. But, I think they can get pressure, bat passes, collapse the pocket and get sacks. They're just scratching the surface.
But as it is he's a liability on running down. I can think of a series where they had him out there and ran the sweep option, giving the ball to Barkley, and AJ was late to pressure the ball to the sideline, Barkley cut back into his space and resulted in a converted 3rd down.
Another time we had Barkley stuffed up at the LOS and AJ got caught too high, in driving his man back, which opened up the only hole Barkley could've run through. Thankfully, Amani Hooker erased a potential gainer.
I like what the plan we have for him. When they go back to the film room, he should learn
and as he proves more in practice, he'll earn more in games.
I love our DL. I'm not sold on their ability to stop the run consistently, without great effort. But, I think they can get pressure, bat passes, collapse the pocket and get sacks. They're just scratching the surface.
I was hoping this got more board publicity. That was an whoa play in the stadium. AJ is a man and can play with them all
He makes mental mistakes as he's a kid and still learning. That being said, his physical ability outweighs his lack of experience by a factor of 10. PP needs to make sure the rest of his defense is watching closely when AJ is getting his on the job training.
I am very satisfied with his PT and progress.
It seems to me that his pass rush abilities have spread to other DEs. Nelson always has been a very good pass rusher but i think AJ has pushed the envelope for our DEs and some have expanded their arsenal of pass rush moves. I think he is the reason.. very noticeable
It seems to me that his pass rush abilities have spread to other DEs. Nelson always has been a very good pass rusher but i think AJ has pushed the envelope for our DEs and some have expanded their arsenal of pass rush moves. I think he is the reason.. very noticeable
I finally got what I asked for which was just at least move him around don't pigeon hole him into one side and find which OT he matches best against(they learned RT) and exploit it too it's fullest. I imagine he could be used like JJ watt is used in the NFL with being moved all over the Dline which we will be able too do eventually with our DE depth
P.s. come on down Waggoner join epenesa
P.s. come on down Waggoner join epenesa
That move by eppy to get too the QB and force the fumble was so gorgeous, with his speed he made it look like it was a current nfl player out there. His family had too of been insanely light headed from the cheering I bet they were doing
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He played a "ton" of snaps because anyone who plays on the Defensive side of the ball had to. That's what happens when you can't get off the field, you play 100 snaps on your side of the ball.
The kids a playmaker. Play your playmakers more than "others".
I am fine with his amount of snaps right now. We have some good players at the DE spot and will need them all through the season.
He's a different level of athlete that we haven't seen at DE in a long time. A legitimate pass rushing threat who is too athletic for most of the RT's he will go against. Uses his arms well and has good acceleration. He's just 3 games into his college career. He's going to be exceptional.
So until he's out there for every defensive snap it appears that at least one person will start a play Epenesa more thread after the game.
He played well and I don't recall any mistakes being mentioned against Penn St. I believe Ferentz even mentioned in one of his post game interviews that AJ is learning quickly and his total snap count is going to increase as a result.
Outstanding true frosh. Kid was unblockable at times -- a true, budding star. Was glad to see him stick with his commitment to Iowa. He's a great example of why we all follow recruiting so closely.
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NCAA should make a new rule to address this issue.
A few problems with this state:
1) KF is on the offensive side of the ball and has very little say in who plays and who doesn't on that side. Coach Morgan/Bell are position coaches and Phil Parker is DC- they decide who play or not
2) Anthony Nelson and Parker Hesse have had fantastic seasons
3) AJ's role has continued to grow and will continue to grow as the season progresses- so he does in fact play
4) Like many fans you only notice players when they are making plays- he had about 5 terrific plays in which it was very noticeable and impressive- have you broken down the other 30-50 plays in which he has played? Does he maintain his gap, does he carry out his responsibility each play, etc. Coach Morgan and Coach parker are arguably the most respected, trusted and best coaches on staff.....I will trust their judgement
Do you actually believe the head coach has little to say over who plays or you just trolling?
Do you really think he micromanages his lifetime assistants such as Morgan and Parker? I will say that he probably has final say, but I am 100% that he allows his defensive coaches to make those decisions. I coach DB's and my head coach at the high school level has no idea who is playing and who is not, he is the OL coach and involved in the offense. Furthermore, my DC doesn't even know at all times who is playing and who is not, he coaches DL and trust me those guys have their hands full with other things and that is at the HS level, I can only imagine the college level. This is my 2nd year on staff and every position coach determines who plays, the rotations, etc.....if you really think KF has much input on the DL rotation then I am sorry, you simply just have no clue what actually goes on in coaching
It's as if people don't watch football. What was asked of the Iowa defensive ends against Penn State was remarkable. They had to play that mesh option with McSorley/Barkley every play, then expend incredible energy to rush the passer in obvious passing downs. Or chase Barkley or McSorley around the field. And all of the ends had huge nights. Epenesa with a sack, forced fumble and 3 QB hurries. Awesome game. Anthony Nelson had 2.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, blocked kick and another QB hurry. Awesome game. Brincks had a tackle for loss and a QB hurry that resulted in the pick by Jewell in limited snaps. Hesse had 2 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and broke up a pass. The reason they were all effective is they could all be rested.
Epenesa will continue to play more, and as much as he can handle effectively. He's a difference-maker, and makes the entire defense better.
Kirk is 62 years old. Reese Morgan is even older. They've seen it all. And they have developed GREAT players.
I'm smart and a control freak, but I'm gonna leave this in the hands of Kirk and Reese. They know more about football and know AJ better than I do.
That's just me.
Lets break this down to the video game quarterbacks here.
AJ has a rating of 89 let say (Gonna get better but very very good right now.
Parker and Nelson are 84 each.
Yes, we'd love to have AJ out there as best player every down.
However, each play a players effectiveness goes down until they get a break to recover. AJ is going with such a high motor and not used to level of competition as much that his effectiveness goes down faster than upperclassmen.
On the last drive where AJ has the QB dead to rights in the backfield, does he make that tackle or force grounding if he had played a few less downs and less tired? Maybe. AJ is our best pass rusher, but AJ overworked at 80% is not better than Parker or Nelson.
Even in the NFL players down play every down. The coaches are rationing his plays to maximize his impact and keep him available the entire game. As he continues to grow in the strength and conditioning program, he'll continue to develop more endurance and strength so that he can do more plays.
AJ has a rating of 89 let say (Gonna get better but very very good right now.
Parker and Nelson are 84 each.
Yes, we'd love to have AJ out there as best player every down.
However, each play a players effectiveness goes down until they get a break to recover. AJ is going with such a high motor and not used to level of competition as much that his effectiveness goes down faster than upperclassmen.
On the last drive where AJ has the QB dead to rights in the backfield, does he make that tackle or force grounding if he had played a few less downs and less tired? Maybe. AJ is our best pass rusher, but AJ overworked at 80% is not better than Parker or Nelson.
Even in the NFL players down play every down. The coaches are rationing his plays to maximize his impact and keep him available the entire game. As he continues to grow in the strength and conditioning program, he'll continue to develop more endurance and strength so that he can do more plays.
I think by next year he will be the best pass rushing end KF has had, maybe even this year.
Think you may be right. My favorite from the past was Leroy smith, man he was a good one, although AJ will most likely will go down as the best iowa has ever had.
