Any word on how the kicking game is coming along?

[Pepperman]

Jazzman, I think you're best-positioned to answer this one

Hoping the summer has been a good one in terms of gaining length, accuracy, and most importantly confidence. IIRC, last time I read anything about this, the comfort range was in the 45-46 yard zone but I forget the rough accuracy estimate (70%+ maybe?)

 

[rivercityjazzman]

Things are going very well on all fronts, Pepperman.

IMO:
1) Punting will boil down to Rastetter vs Coluzzi. I think Rastetter will win the job. When he gets good contact, he can jack the ball; I'm talking 55+ yard punts. The key for him have been his clams; initially, they'd be of the 10 yard (!) variety. Now, I'm hearing they're in the 35 yard range. As you saw in spring game, his directional control is decent. Coluzzi is very consistent, without super highs/super lows. Not sure about his directional punting accuracy.
2) FG will be between Mick and Miguel. I think Miguel will win the job. His comfort range is 48 yd. Hasn't missed a PAT since HS ; ) That is NOT meant as disrespect to MK. The op is going very well. No one knows the future, but I wouldn't be surprised to see 80+% FG conversion rate, after "first game jitters" are over, that is. LS will be Kluver, of course. 3 different holders are in the regular rotation at this point: Rastetter, Coluzzi, McCarron.
3) KO will be between Coluzzi and Miguel. Not sure who will win the job. Both are similar in terms of distance (65 yd, 25% of kicks in the 70 yd range), which will place importance on directional kicking. Miguel is very accurate. Not sure about Coluzzi.

Our new kickers/punters are good. They just need to develop strength, as they're currently experiencing the expected drop in distance kicking the lovely Nike balls, lol.

 

[Pepperman]

That's a great update, thanks. Sounds like his comfort range has been getting longer and while I didn't recall the accuracy he had before, this 80% number is intriguing.

Kickoffs sound fine to me as I assume the hang time is "there" to go with the distance.

All in all, if this translates to the field, I don't see much of a drop off here. That's huge, because I think a lot of people assume our special teams will take a slight step back (maybe I'm off with that feeling).

 

[rivercityjazzman]

You're welcome.

Miguel's hang-times are 4+ secs. Not sure about Ron's. Kickoff coverage will be very important this year. MK had a 58% touchback percentage last year (http://www.cfbstats.com/2015/player/312/1039782/kickoff/split.html), with many of his kicks out of the end zone (75+yards). He had one of the strongest legs in the country last year; he has the strongest leg I've ever seen in person. The Hawks will definitely not have that kind of firepower this year, but it should be good nonetheless.

Interestingly, if our coverage is good and kicks are high enough, we may see our opponents having to start their offensive series inside their 10 yard line as opposed to the 25 yd line. For the analytics fans out there, that could bode well for us.

 

[ichawk24]

jazzman, thanks for the details. Great stuff.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

Interesting. I was assuming that Coluzzi would take over either of the punting or fg duties. If he doesn't, I'd imagine that is a good thing for the future.

 

[Herkmeister]

Me? I'm pulling for that skinny kid from Mason City!!!!!!!

 

[24 so far]

Interesting. I was assuming that Coluzzi would take over either of the punting or fg duties. If he doesn't, I'd imagine that is a good thing for the future.

Yeah, it would be. But based on what little I know and have heard about Coluzzi, I'll be surprised if he isn't our opening day Punter. Pretty much a gut feeling I guess.

 

[hawkeyefan101160]

Things are going very well on all fronts, Pepperman.

IMO:
1) Punting will boil down to Rastetter vs Coluzzi. I think Rastetter will win the job. When he gets good contact, he can jack the ball; I'm talking 55+ yard punts. The key for him have been his clams; initially, they'd be of the 10 yard (!) variety. Now, I'm hearing they're in the 35 yard range. As you saw in spring game, his directional control is decent. Coluzzi is very consistent, without super highs/super lows. Not sure about his directional punting accuracy.
2) FG will be between Mick and Miguel. I think Miguel will win the job. His comfort range is 48 yd. Hasn't missed a PAT since HS ; ) That is NOT meant as disrespect to MK. The op is going very well. No one knows the future, but I wouldn't be surprised to see 80+% FG conversion rate, after "first game jitters" are over, that is. LS will be Kluver, of course. 3 different holders are in the regular rotation at this point: Rastetter, Coluzzi, McCarron.
3) KO will be between Coluzzi and Miguel. Not sure who will win the job. Both are similar in terms of distance (65 yd, 25% of kicks in the 70 yd range), which will place importance on directional kicking. Miguel is very accurate. Not sure about Coluzzi.

Our new kickers/punters are good. They just need to develop strength, as they're currently experiencing the expected drop in distance kicking the lovely Nike balls, lol.

How is the leadership and culture in this team? I get the sense they they feel they have unfinished business with way the the msu game ended

 

[rivercityjazzman]

How is the leadership and culture in this team? I get the sense they they feel they have unfinished business with way the the msu game ended

Strong. They're a close-knit team. They haven't forgotten how their season ended, trust me. They talk about it every day.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Any word if the "no kick-off" idea is gaining steam?

 

[hawkeyefan101160]

Strong. They're a close-knit team. They haven't forgotten how their season ended, trust me. They talk about it every day.

Good to hear they are getting after it and have a very good team culture with no agendas.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

You're welcome.

Miguel's hang-times are 4+ secs. Not sure about Ron's. Kickoff coverage will be very important this year. MK had a 58% touchback percentage last year (http://www.cfbstats.com/2015/player/312/1039782/kickoff/split.html), with many of his kicks out of the end zone (75+yards). He had one of the strongest legs in the country last year; he has the strongest leg I've ever seen in person. The Hawks will definitely not have that kind of firepower this year, but it should be good nonetheless.

Interestingly, if our coverage is good and kicks are high enough, we may see our opponents having to start their offensive series inside their 10 yard line as opposed to the 25 yd line. For the analytics fans out there, that could bode well for us.

That's what made Nate Kaeding so good at on his kick off the hang time. When he was here they'd catch so many inside the 5 and not make it past the 20. Iowa specials teams in that 02-04' sometimes gets under looked but all aspects they were so solid.

 

[Dauminator]

That's what made Nate Kaeding so good at on his kick off the hang time. When he was here they'd catch so many inside the 5 and not make it past the 20. Iowa specials teams in that 02-04' sometimes gets under looked but all aspects they were so solid.

2002 was the first year I paid close attention to Iowa. The special teams from that era put unrealistic expectations in my head. It's only later I can look back and realize how awesome they were.

 

[Pepperman]

2002 was the first year I paid close attention to Iowa. The special teams from that era put unrealistic expectations in my head. It's only later I can look back and realize how awesome they were.

Absolutely - just off the top of my head, I can think of two game-changing ST plays that year:
1) Right before halftime at PSU, Nate Kaeding banked one off the upright and through from about 55 yards, IIRC. At the time, this didn't seem that big, but keep in mind this game ended up in OT.
2) In the Purdue game, it was either Javon or Antwan that blocked an EP attempt and then it was returned for a 2-pt conversion. For some reason I feel like Iowa blocked a punt in this game as well?

Unfortunately, there was a bone-headed ST play that year that very well could have cost us against Iowa State. IIRC, Jermelle Lewis was the Hawkeye player that caught a kickoff around the 2 yard line with one foot out of bounds. I think the very next play was where Dallas Clark whiffed on a block and Aaron Greiving was tackled for a safety, which gave ISU some momentum they never returned.

 

[DogBoyRy]

Absolutely - just off the top of my head, I can think of two game-changing ST plays that year:
1) Right before halftime at PSU, Nate Kaeding banked one off the upright and through from about 55 yards, IIRC. At the time, this didn't seem that big, but keep in mind this game ended up in OT.
2) In the Purdue game, it was either Javon or Antwan that blocked an EP attempt and then it was returned for a 2-pt conversion. For some reason I feel like Iowa blocked a punt in this game as well?

Unfortunately, there was a bone-headed ST play that year that very well could have cost us against Iowa State. IIRC, Jermelle Lewis was the Hawkeye player that caught a kickoff around the 2 yard line with one foot out of bounds. I think the very next play was where Dallas Clark whiffed on a block and Aaron Greiving was tackled for a safety, which gave ISU some momentum they never returned.

Pretty sure it was a fg blocked and returned for a td.

 

[OILCHECKER]

Any word if the "no kick-off" idea is gaining steam?

I understand that this is considered one of the most dangerous plays in football but have they actually done studies to see more concussions or injuries happen on kickoffs vs. other plays? Anyone have any links to studies that show kickoffs are substantially more dangerous?

Also, if the eliminated KO's and had teams start at the 20-25 yd line, that is fine but one consequence is that it would eliminate the onside kick as well. This would hurt some teams chances of coming back in certain games.

 

[Pepperman]

Pretty sure it was a fg blocked and returned for a td.

I stand corrected. There was indeed a blocked FG (by Sanders) that was returned for a TD by Allen. That happened in the second quarter.

Then, the Hawks did block a punt in the 3rd quarter and recovered it for a TD.

 

[Pepperman]

The Penn State game is where Iowa blocked an EP and (DJ Johnson) returned it for a 2-pt conversion. Also worth watching the Kaeding FG before half from 55-yards.

 

[rivercityjazzman]

The Penn State game is where Iowa blocked an EP and (DJ Johnson) returned it for a 2-pt conversion. Also worth watching the Kaeding FG before half from 55-yards.

View embedded media

What a game. I completely forgot about the 3 (seemingly consecutive) turnovers and 55 yarder by Nate. Fun to watch! Thanks pepperman.

 

[ichawk24]

I understand that this is considered one of the most dangerous plays in football but have they actually done studies to see more concussions or injuries happen on kickoffs vs. other plays? Anyone have any links to studies that show kickoffs are substantially more dangerous?

The Ivy League just announced they are going to have kickoffs from the 40 yard line, and the announcement included this somewhat astounding figure: "The goal of the rules is to limit kickoff returns, which the league said account for 23.4 percent of concussions during games despite representing only 5.8 percent of overall plays."

If nearly a quarter of all concussions happen on kickoffs, we should outlaw it yesterday.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

2002 was the first year I paid close attention to Iowa. The special teams from that era put unrealistic expectations in my head. It's only later I can look back and realize how awesome they were.

Sean considine I can think of least 5 blocked punts he had on his career. 2002 you rewatch highlight of season you're right amazing how good special teams was. Remember after a punt return against nwestern Dolph commented how Iowa scored every possible you can that year.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

The Ivy League just announced they are going to have kickoffs from the 40 yard line, and the announcement included this somewhat astounding figure: "The goal of the rules is to limit kickoff returns, which the league said account for 23.4 percent of concussions during games despite representing only 5.8 percent of overall plays."

If nearly a quarter of all concussions happen on kickoffs, we should outlaw it yesterday.

Goodness that is a shocking number.

As the previous poster noted, do you think they will still keep onside kicks as an option to come back? Some of those concussions have to come from the onside kick as well. Guys know they are going to get creamed when they go to receive one.

 

[ichawk24]

I've heard suggestions of either allowing onside kicks, or one where the offense gets one play on 4th and 15 in order to retain possession.

 

[rivercityjazzman]

This coming Saturday's practice will be a kicking extravaganza, from what I'm told. People will see more kicks/punts than they can stand, lol. They'll be running three different scenarios with (I think) all 4 kickers: regular team period; 2-minute drill; unannounced kicks/punts.

I'd assume their objective is to see how the guys do in a pseudo-game situation, with lots of eyes on them. I'm looking forward to seeing how things are going!

 

[Pepperman]

I think most Hawkeye fans feel like the team has three (maybe four) major question marks:

1) Defensive ends
2) Special teams
3) Receivers
Maybe 4) Offensive line PASS PROTECTION

At any rate, I would love to gradually cross each of those off the list!

 

[J_Heater]

The Ivy League just announced they are going to have kickoffs from the 40 yard line, and the announcement included this somewhat astounding figure: "The goal of the rules is to limit kickoff returns, which the league said account for 23.4 percent of concussions during games despite representing only 5.8 percent of overall plays."

If nearly a quarter of all concussions happen on kickoffs, we should outlaw it yesterday.

They were talking about this on a local radio show and they had a former NFL kicker on and said the minute they move the line up to make touchbacks easier, teams are going to start taking advantage of it. Instead of kicking it into the stands they will just kick incredibly high kicks to land inside the 10 and by the time the ball gets to the receiver the kickoff team will be on top of them. He thought it will lead to far more injuries but that was just his opinion.

 

[cmhawks99]

I'm all for no onside kicks.....very rarely have they helped us and they have hurt us to much...

 

[silasstarr]

They were talking about this on a local radio show and they had a former NFL kicker on and said the minute they move the line up to make touchbacks easier, teams are going to start taking advantage of it. Instead of kicking it into the stands they will just kick incredibly high kicks to land inside the 10 and by the time the ball gets to the receiver the kickoff team will be on top of them. He thought it will lead to far more injuries but that was just his opinion.

That makes sense and what I would do if I were the coach.

 

[downtown hawk redux]

Goodness that is a shocking number.

As the previous poster noted, do you think they will still keep onside kicks as an option to come back? Some of those concussions have to come from the onside kick as well. Guys know they are going to get creamed when they go to receive one.

Yes. I don't agree with your premise that they are just as dangerous. You could get a concussion, or injury, for that matter, on any play. But 90 percent of onside kicks end with a player falling on the ball or the other team catching or diving on a kick. Much shorter distance with no run back.

So yes, they'll keep it, and they should.

 

[myteamcanbeatupyourteam]

That makes sense and what I would do if I were the coach.

You'll just start seeing fair catches on kickoffs.

 

[silasstarr]

You'll just start seeing fair catches on kickoffs.

At the 1 or 2 yd line?

 

[ichawk24]

Yes. I don't agree with your premise that they are just as dangerous. You could get a concussion, or injury, for that matter, on any play. But 90 percent of onside kicks end with a player falling on the ball or the other team catching or diving on a kick. Much shorter distance with no run back.

Kirk has complained about the danger on onside kicks. Most of them nowadays have a high kick with a receiver standing there waiting for it while guys get a ten yard running start to drill them.

 

[J_Heater]

At the 1 or 2 yd line?

First thing I thought of.

 

[myteamcanbeatupyourteam]

First thing I thought of.

Under the laid out scenario, what choice would you have? Get totally blown up or a recovery for the kicking team? Yes, I could totally see fair catches inside the 5.

 

[Iafootballfan]

How'd the new kid from Council Bluffs do?

 

[BigOHawk]

Shudak? Not sure, I think Iowa has about 3 kickers and 3 punters in camp right now. Sounds like Rastetter has a slim lead at Punter and kicker will be undecided until the final week between Ellis and Recinos. Of course we are pulling for Miguel as his Dad posts here, very cool!

 

[Pepperman]

Shudak? Not sure, I think Iowa has about 3 kickers and 3 punters in camp right now. Sounds like Rastetter has a slim lead at Punter and kicker will be undecided until the final week between Ellis and Recinos. Of course we are pulling for Miguel as his Dad posts here, very cool!

There have been years before we Iowa has had two kickers. Especially if one of them excels more from a certain distance (maybe even hash mark, I don't know)?

I'm admittedly stretching here... but could there be two kickers?

 

[BigOHawk]

Possibly, I seem to remember back to '08 ish when Murray and Mossbrucker were trading kicks in some games or one would kick short and the other long or something. And we all remember Murray's kick vs. PSU, I now Trent wasn't happy he didn't get a shot at that kick.

I don't mind a kicker rotation if one is short vs. long kicks, although rhythm and confidence go a long way with PK's.

 

[Pepperman]

Possibly, I seem to remember back to '08 ish when Murray and Mossbrucker were trading kicks in some games or one would kick short and the other long or something. And we all remember Murray's kick vs. PSU, I now Trent wasn't happy he didn't get a shot at that kick.

I don't mind a kicker rotation if one is short vs. long kicks, although rhythm and confidence go a long way with PK's.

In that PSU game, I thought there was actually confusion about who was supposed to go kick it? Didn't Murray just take that into his own hands?

This is the problem I have with a rotation - there is sometimes confusion about whether to even kick a FG or not (4th and 1, slightly into the wind, etc) and I certainly don't want to see more confusion with "who"...