Any Word Around the Team?

[broth87]

Those in the know, any word on how things have gone since the team came back after their break and the dismal Rose Bowl showing? This is a very important spring, like they all are, but this one especially in terms of developing the young wide receivers like Smith and Falconer, and for figuring out the pieces of the offensive line and where they fit. It's also big for the continued development of the defense. We should be absolutely loaded defensively this fall especially if we get Drew Ott back. But if this group, guys like Dez and the outlaw and mabin and the rest of the defense, can improve, we could be absolutely scary.
I'm really hoping that Rose Bowl performance ends up being a blessing in disguise, that this group is hungry and pissed after that performance and we see this group not only refocused, but angry when they take the field in the fall. We are the favorites to win the West again and we have a favorable schedule once again. BIG opportunity for not only this fall and what we can accomplish, but for the direction of this program.

 

[The_Joker13]

Don't have any info, but I agree this spring is huge, and this coming year with the expectations and favorable schedule once again. We've seen Ferentz teams fall flat on their face far too many times when expectations are high, lets hope they buck that trend this year. The success of last year is unlikely to be matched, at least in the regular season, but I hope the hawks get a change to redeem themselves and impress on the National stage unlike they did last year.

 

[hawksauce]

I've seen on Instagram some pictures of them being Doyle-ized. This team does everything with a chip on their shoulder attitude and that's nothing but a good thing.

 

[whatsup13579er]

I've seen on Instagram some pictures of them being Doyle-ized. This team does everything with a chip on their shoulder attitude and that's nothing but a good thing.

I too saw pictures of some of the team working out. They looked fast!

 

[broth87]

Don't have any info, but I agree this spring is huge, and this coming year with the expectations and favorable schedule once again. We've seen Ferentz teams fall flat on their face far too many times when expectations are high, lets hope they buck that trend this year. The success of last year is unlikely to be matched, at least in the regular season, but I hope the hawks get a change to redeem themselves and impress on the National stage unlike they did last year.

I agree with you. We've been in this spot a couple of times, coming off a successful season, high expectations, and we've come up short. It set us back as a program too because it was in those periods when Wisconsin and Michigan State really elevated their programs and found some national relevance and sustained success. Michigan State is still riding that wave and has really elevated that program.
I think this is the year. It just feels different to me. I think this is Kirk's chance to stamp and cement his legacy in Iowa City, and set this program up for Brian. I honestly believe we not only should win the West this fall, we should win the CCG.
And another successful fall and I think we'll turn that into a couple of really strong recruiting classes, and that is exactly how you take our program from being a good solid program like we have been, to a championship contending team and a program of national relevance. It's how schools like Boise State, Oregon, Virginia Tech, now Baylor have advanced their programs.

 

[broth87]

I've seen on Instagram some pictures of them being Doyle-ized. This team does everything with a chip on their shoulder attitude and that's nothing but a good thing.

You're absolutely right! That's a great thing! I can't wait for this fall. Most excited I've ever felt about the future of our program but we need to come out this fall, be the dominating defense we should be, the balanced but efficient offense we should be, and with a favorable schedule we should put up an impressive record on our back to the Big Ten Championship!

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I too saw pictures of some of the team working out. They looked fast!

How? Were the pictures blurry?

 

[rivercityjazzman]

Those in the know, any word on how things have gone since the team came back after their break and the dismal Rose Bowl showing? This is a very important spring, like they all are, but this one especially in terms of developing the young wide receivers like Smith and Falconer, and for figuring out the pieces of the offensive line and where they fit. It's also big for the continued development of the defense. We should be absolutely loaded defensively this fall especially if we get Drew Ott back. But if this group, guys like Dez and the outlaw and mabin and the rest of the defense, can improve, we could be absolutely scary.
I'm really hoping that Rose Bowl performance ends up being a blessing in disguise, that this group is hungry and pissed after that performance and we see this group not only refocused, but angry when they take the field in the fall. We are the favorites to win the West again and we have a favorable schedule once again. BIG opportunity for not only this fall and what we can accomplish, but for the direction of this program.

Things are going very well, from what I'm told. Team morale is high. Guys are woodshedding hard. The younger guys are stepping up to the plate. The outgoing senior group is already missed by team members, but strong leadership remains in place among the current guys, starting with CJ. Everyone is hoping for good news about Drew, but are stoked about DK's continued presence. He's been a huge influence on recruiting. The facility is 100% operational and impressing the heck out of recruits.

Barring injuries, I believe we're gonna have another great season next year. I can't wait to see the team in person next month!

 

[rivercityjazzman]

How? Were the pictures blurry?

lol. Here are some "moving pics" for ya!
http://www.redskins.com/media-galle...ard-Dash/c4b4e2b0-8dd0-44a5-9c2a-bae1de49ed34

 

[Hawk_4shur]

lol. Here are some "moving pics" for ya!
http://www.redskins.com/media-galle...ard-Dash/c4b4e2b0-8dd0-44a5-9c2a-bae1de49ed34

Moving pictures? What is this wizardry?

And, why did you attach a link to Marshall Koehn running in the combine?

 

[icantfindausernamethatisntused]

It's been mentioned in this thread that the new football facilities are 100% operational and is impressing recruits. That's great to hear, and I think everyone views the new facilities as a major boost to recruiting. I agree that it is great for recruiting, but it is much more than just a recruiting tool.

The new facilities have helped build team chemistry and cohesion, and has fostered an increased work ethic for this program. The players actually want to hang out at the football facility because there is more to do there than just watch film and workout. There was a story last summer where I believe Tevaun Smith talked about how he has now been hanging out with more players around the facility because they can watch TV, play video games, pool, and ping pong. While this doesn't directly translate to on-field success or player development, it does produce indirect benefits. When the players spend more time together, they develop more team unity, and this increases the sense of accountability that the players have for each other because the players know that if they don't work to maximize their potential, they are hurting not just themselves, but their teammates who they consider close friends. Additionally, by spending more time at the facility, it is easier to get more "football work" done as the players can easily watch some film ore get a few more reps in after playing ping pong.

We have seen a similar strategy employed in the business industry where large companies like Apple, Google, and others have created "work campuses" where their employees can work out during their lunch break, have their laundry done, have their kids at day care where they can see them throughout the day, and even buy groceries. In turn, employees spend more time at or around work. This means that coworkers see each other more, and have more conversations. This helps improve employee moral, cohesion, and, in turn, productivity.

I no longer live in Iowa City, so I have not heard much about how the team is progressing. However, based off of what I have read about the football facilities, and have witnessed in the business industry, I am relatively confident that the team is being productive during spring development because their seems to be a great sense of team chemistry.

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

How? Were the pictures blurry?

I saw some pics of the guys and they were so fast they had already run out of the frame of the picture!!

 

[bravehawks1]

I have heard they had a good week of practice!

 

[Herkuleez]

I've heard the new facilities are actually helping to encourage the coaches to stick around longer, watch more film, and figure out that you have to put more emphasis on stopping the other team's Heisman candidate while also figuring out that changing OL continuity right before a bowl game is never a good idea.

That's what I'm hearing any way...

 

[Freyvet]

I've heard the new facilities are actually helping to encourage the coaches to stick around longer, watch more film, and figure out that you have to put more emphasis on stopping the other team's Heisman candidate while also figuring out that changing OL continuity right before a bowl game is never a good idea.

That's what I'm hearing any way...

I didn't hear this BUT you just proved that you are an idiot!

 

[Herkuleez]

I didn't hear this BUT you just proved that you are an idiot!

 

[Freyvet]

The store knows where to find me - calling put posters who, because they are anonymous, feel they can make negative, cynical comments! And they only do this because they are anonymous! Have a good day!

 

[Herkuleez]

The store knows where to find me - calling put posters who, because they are anonymous, feel they can make negative, cynical comments! And they only do this because they are anonymous! Have a good day!

Thanks Mr. Pot.

-Kettle

 

[Herkuleez]

The store knows where to find me - calling put posters who, because they are anonymous, feel they can make negative, cynical comments! And they only do this because they are anonymous! Have a good day!

Btw, when does your elected role as Captain Positive board policeman end?

 

[Freyvet]

Thanks Mr. Pot.

-Kettle

No, you won't see me being critical to a player, Coach or team! Just to posters who feel the need to constantly criticize under a made up name! You are real brave n strong!

 

[Freyvet]

Btw, when does your elected role as Captain Positive board policeman end?

Never - being positive n enthusiastic is the best way to go through life!

 

[Herkuleez]

No, you won't see me being critical to a player, Coach or team! Just to posters who feel the need to constantly criticize under a made up name! You are real brave n strong!

I'm fascinated by your interpretation of my comments.

So you feel the way the coaches game-planned for Stanford's all-world RB and their baffling decision to mix-up the OL prior to the Rose Bowl was spot on? The coaching staff is above reproach and should never be questioned? I'm the only one on here that has ever done that?

I'm afraid you're in for a long and frustrating tenure as this board's Captain Positive. I'll be rooting for you though, good luck!

 

[Freyvet]

I'm fascinated by your interpretation of my comments.

So you feel the way the coaches game-planned for Stanford's all-world RB and their baffling decision to mix-up the OL prior to the Rose Bowl was spot on? The coaching staff is above reproach and should never be questioned? I'm the only one on here that has ever done that?

I'm afraid you're in for a long and frustrating tenure as this board's Captain Positive. I'll be rooting for you though, good luck!

See, now that was better, wishing me good luck!
No, I don't believe coaches are above reproach - that is why they have ADs! I also don't believe in anonymous posters being negative EVERY time things don't go their way!
If you feel so strongly about this staff and it's poor Rose Bowl prep put your real name n place of work out there? See, u won't do this. That is why these boards are toxic - and, unfortunately, it drifts to high school n youth sports!

 

[Herkuleez]

See, now that was better, wishing me good luck!
No, I don't believe coaches are above reproach - that is why they have ADs! I also don't believe in anonymous posters being negative EVERY time things don't go their way!
If you feel so strongly about this staff and it's poor Rose Bowl prep put your real name n place of work out there? See, u won't do this. That is why these boards are toxic - and, unfortunately, it drifts to high school n youth sports!

"EVERY time" is a bold accusation....care to back that up with proof of my negativity "EVERY time"?

You can't, so don't bother.

As Captain Positive you should know better than to make baseless accusations...I therefore strip you of the title.

Btw, I don't like anonymous Captain Positives who ONLY want positive discussion on open message boards...your kind are what's truly toxic.

 

[nu2u]

Beathard to VandeBerg around 100 plays next season. Hopefully they connect about 70% or more. Need these two to stay healthy.

I have a gut feeling that Akrum Wadley will emerge as a breakaway threat from the backfield.

Big question: who emerges as the deep threat at WR?

Defense - could be top 2 or 3 of the Ferentz era, maybe the best if the safety position is solid and a better pass rush develops.

Defense wins big games and championships and that is why it should be a very good year for Iowa football.

 

[C/Seahawk]

Big question: who emerges as the deep threat at WR?

Defense - could be top 2 or 3 of the Ferentz era, maybe the best if the safety position is solid and a better pass rush develops.

Defense wins big games and championships and that is why it should be a very good year for Iowa football.

Regarding WR, considering beathard can really stretch the field, sure hope ogwo can find his niche and get pt similar to what jerminic got last year. At minimum pose a threat with his track speed. WR is the one position we really need some young kids to grow up fast, it would be a shame to miss out on CJ's talent due to a lack of weapons on the outside. To me that will be the difference between a good and great season. You're right nu2u, the defense could be excellent, can't wait August.

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

If Iowa's wideouts are evaluated on their ability to (1) catch (2) run routes and (3) run fast before they're evaluated on their blocking, I'm confident CJ will have some excellent targets. And I, too, believe Wadley will be a game breaker, but I also think Derrick Mitchell could be a tremendous complement to Akrum. Mitchell seems to have power, speed, and hands. Keep Wadley, Mitchell, and CJ healthy, let the wideouts do their thing, and look out. The Iowa offense has the potential to be super explosive on the ground and through the air. Let's see what the coaches do with that potential.

 

[mthawkeyes]

The OL was shuffled before the Orange Bowl in the 2009 season, and nobody complained then. I suspect that the staff wanted to get the five guys they thought were the best linemen on the field for the Rose Bowl.

 

[Freyvet]

"EVERY time" is a bold accusation....care to back that up with proof of my negativity "EVERY time"?

You can't, so don't bother.

As Captain Positive you should know better than to make baseless accusations...I therefore strip you of the title.

Btw, I don't like anonymous Captain Positives who ONLY want positive discussion on open message boards...your kind are what's truly toxic.

"Every Time" refers to the narrative of message boards. Not just Iowa but everywhere and it is toxic! The athletic landscape is being polluted and the message boards n some posters are a part of this! If you don't believe me u haven't been to a youth athletic event lately!

 

[broth87]

I think done of you are dithering Leshun Daniels and the fact he was our starter the first game last fall. Running back will be his job to start. Wadley will definitely get his carries and opportunities, but Daniels gets first crack at it and he's shown himself, when healthy, to be very capable. I'm curious to see if Toren Young or Toks work into the rotation as frosh.

 

[millhawk]

I think done of you are dithering Leshun Daniels and the fact he was our starter the first game last fall. Running back will be his job to start. Wadley will definitely get his carries and opportunities, but Daniels gets first crack at it and he's shown himself, when healthy, to be very capable. I'm curious to see if Toren Young or Toks work into the rotation as frosh.

Just my guess. I say Eric Graham works into the rotation before those two frosh.

 

[Ladell-hawk]

Regarding WR, considering beathard can really stretch the field, sure hope ogwo can find his niche and get pt similar to what jerminic got last year. At minimum pose a threat with his track speed. WR is the one position we really need some young kids to grow up fast, it would be a shame to miss out on CJ's talent due to a lack of weapons on the outside. To me that will be the difference between a good and great season. You're right nu2u, the defense could be excellent, can't wait August.

Good observation, and I hope they find a role for Jonathon Parker also.

 

[RockEyeState]

If Iowa's wideouts are evaluated on their ability to (1) catch (2) run routes and (3) run fast before they're evaluated on their blocking, I'm confident CJ will have some excellent targets. And I, too, believe Wadley will be a game breaker, but I also think Derrick Mitchell could be a tremendous complement to Akrum. Mitchell seems to have power, speed, and hands. Keep Wadley, Mitchell, and CJ healthy, let the wideouts do their thing, and look out. The Iowa offense has the potential to be super explosive on the ground and through the air. Let's see what the coaches do with that potential.

Having a 3 Headed Monster in the backfield, plus an experienced Offensive Line will help CJ more than the WRs. LeShun Daniels, Akrum Wadley and DMX are going to be a handful for opposing defenses.

With Matt Vandeberg, George Kittle returning as proven Targets and mixing in some Jay Scheel and J Smith, the Hawkeye offense could be quite EXPLOSIVE, this fall.

#goHawks

 

[mazda1]

Is Steve F is snaps with the ones? Has anyone heard of any injuries? Our two best lineman last year have moved on and the majority of the posters seem to be taking their replacement performances as a given. As our buddy Lee says not so fast my friends.

 

[David1979]

I'm fascinated by your interpretation of my comments.

So you feel the way the coaches game-planned for Stanford's all-world RB and their baffling decision to mix-up the OL prior to the Rose Bowl was spot on? The coaching staff is above reproach and should never be questioned? I'm the only one on here that has ever done that?

I'm afraid you're in for a long and frustrating tenure as this board's Captain Positive. I'll be rooting for you though, good luck!

They had to mix up the OL because of injuries. Myers was dinged up, Boettger still wasn't all the way healthy and Daniels was hurt as well. They were trying to figure out what worked best with what they had.

 

[David1979]

I think done of you are dithering Leshun Daniels and the fact he was our starter the first game last fall. Running back will be his job to start. Wadley will definitely get his carries and opportunities, but Daniels gets first crack at it and he's shown himself, when healthy, to be very capable. I'm curious to see if Toren Young or Toks work into the rotation as frosh.

If Wadley stays dedicated and puts on the needed muscle, I could definitely see him starting over Daniels because he is the better back. Don't think either freshman works in there unless there are injuries.

 

[SLarew]

Is Steve F is snaps with the ones? Has anyone heard of any injuries? Our two best lineman last year have moved on and the majority of the posters seem to be taking their replacement performances as a given. As our buddy Lee says not so fast my friends.

Steve Ferentz will get his share of 1st team snaps this Spring, with Daniels out and other Centers having no experience. I could see Welsh moving over or Newborg being given a chance too. Kirk and Brian have never been shy about moving OL around. Will be interesting to watch.

 

[HerkyFan]

I agree with you. We've been in this spot a couple of times, coming off a successful season, high expectations, and we've come up short. It set us back as a program too because it was in those periods when Wisconsin and Michigan State really elevated their programs and found some national relevance and sustained success. Michigan State is still riding that wave and has really elevated that program.
I think this is the year. It just feels different to me. I think this is Kirk's chance to stamp and cement his legacy in Iowa City, and set this program up for Brian. I honestly believe we not only should win the West this fall, we should win the CCG.
And another successful fall and I think we'll turn that into a couple of really strong recruiting classes, and that is exactly how you take our program from being a good solid program like we have been, to a championship contending team and a program of national relevance. It's how schools like Boise State, Oregon, Virginia Tech, now Baylor have advanced their programs.

While I agree with what you have posted I also realize that elite level performance is going to be difficult to sustain at Iowa and probably isn't realistic. If we can be good enough to go bowling 4 out of every 5 or 6 years and then have a special team that competes in a New Years 6 game once or twice a decade I am good.

 

[rivercityjazzman]

Wow.
Brady Ross recently squatted 640 lbs, only 15lbs away from the record set by B Scherff. Holy crap.

 

[broth87]

While I agree with what you have posted I also realize that elite level performance is going to be difficult to sustain at Iowa and probably isn't realistic. If we can be good enough to go bowling 4 out of every 5 or 6 years and then have a special team that competes in a New Years 6 game once or twice a decade I am good.

I don't disagree with you that this is our norm. But the way you change that and move your program up in relevance I'd to strong a couple of special seasons together, cash in with some great recruiting classes, and all if of the sudden you're experiencing a string of Rose Bowls or conference championship games and you elevate your program in status and standing. Iowa might not be a hotbed state of recruiting. But you have plenty of areas where we can cash in and make some huge gains. St Louis, Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Omaha, Detroit to name a few where we're starting to find more and more success. It can be done at a school like Iowa. And I think now is our time. This is Kirk's chance to truly cement his legacy and really ride off into the sunset turning this program over to Brian in a few years when he's ready.
BUT, all of this is contingent on this team improving this entire off season, having a productive spring, and being hungry as hell come fall. I know what I would do if i was Kirk. There's serious unfinished business for this group. The first day, the first thing we're doing in the spring and again in the fall is going in the film room and I would make them watch all 20 plays or whatever it was of Michigan State's drive in the CCG. Then I would have a cut up video of what Stanford did to us in the Rose Bowl. I would challenge their hunger. I would want these guys to remember that hurt and this season is all about keeping the 4 trophies we got, but getting the 5th and 6th in Big Ten Championship trophy and the bowl Champion trophy, preferably a playoff bowl.
I can't wait for this fall.