DEFENSE Developments in IU game, Who Starts Moving Forward (Riley or Hankins, etc) & INJURY Updates

[Franisdaman]

Getting to know Djimon Colbert.

10/17/2018

Colbert Grows into Linebacker Position

By JAMES ALLAN
hawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- For some time, redshirt freshman Djimon Colbert has been growing into his role as a linebacker for the University of Iowa football team.

It started following his sophomore season at Bishop Meige (Kansas) High School when Colbert transitioned from being a 180-pound cornerback to 200-pound safety. After earning all-state honors at the position for two consecutive seasons, he joined the Hawkeyes, but was on the move again.

"(The Iowa coaches) were comfortable with me playing safety my first summer here, right up until the week before camp," said Colbert, a Shawnee Mission, Kansas, native. "I started to put on weight so they thought it was in my best interest to move to linebacker."

When Colbert arrived in Iowa City, he weighed 212 pounds. Two years and 20 pounds later, Colbert plays in the 232-234-pound range as a starting linebacker for the 5-1 and nationally ranked Hawkeyes.

"It was a quick switch," said Colbert. "Last year I was on the scout team and Week 2 (this season), I got a chance to start. It was a blessing to my family and me. It has been a quick transition, but I have loved it."

There were adjustments, like playing in the box, reading offensive linemen, and identifying various run schemes. Colbert has been able to utilize his skills as a defensive back in the transition.

"Having the ability to move my feet around in different ways and transitioning from my drops are things I bring from being a defensive back," said Colbert. "Also, knowing what the guys are doing behind me. The mental side is big for me in making the switch to linebacker."

Colbert is one of five Iowa linebackers to make their first career starts this season. The Hawkeyes have mixed-and-matched with five different starting linebacker combinations, but haven't missed a beat.

"All of us prepare like we're going to be starting," said Colbert, who has started three games and is fifth on the team with 27 tackles. "As long as we do that and as long as we know we can be in the rotation, it's nothing new when we get thrown in there.

"That's the biggest thing, keeping that same mentality throughout the rest of the season."

The second half of the season begins Saturday when the Hawkeyes host Maryland at 11:01 a.m. (CT) inside Kinnick Stadium. Colbert calls the game one of Iowa's most mentally challenging weeks of the season to date.

"They can do so much," said Colbert. "They can get into 10 different personnel groups and do a lot of different things. They can get into triple option, jet sweep, and can throw the ball, too.

"We have to prepare for all of that and make sure we react to the motions and shifts that they do as a whole defense. It's a big mental challenge for the linebackers and defensive backs this week and the whole defense."

Maryland averages 31.7 points and 365.7 yards of total offense. The Terrapins are a run-oriented team, averaging 245.2 yards. Three different running backs have posted 100-yard games this season.

"It's challenging, but we're all up to it and are excited about it," said Colbert.

Saturday's Homecoming game will be televised on ESPN2 with Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, and Molly McGrath on the call.

A limited number of tickets remain at the Iowa Athletic Ticket Office at hawkeyesports.com/tickets.

https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2018/10/16/football-colbert-grows-into-linebacker-position.aspx

 

[David1979]

Just shut up. Good grief. Again, where am I expressing anger, lol. I'm trying to have a logical discussion about reality and facts, and you just keep expressing fallacies without any facts or evidence. You just totally changed your story. Why? I've said in great detail what the coaches said about the LB situation and the injury status week to week. Do I need to go over it again? It is pretty pathetic on your part that you can't just admit you are mistaken. You people are pretty amazing because I could have KF come over to your house and explain it to you, but you would still come on here and come up with some alternative facts that KF's was wrong. Big 10 football is not Pee Wee football and NOBODY has ever been promised to play a half, lol. "Hey Colbert, you are starting the second half against UNI....oops Wisconsin...because you are beating people out!" LMAO. "But coach, I had 10 tackles, as sack, an interception, and a forced fumble in the first half!!!" "Sorry Kristian, I promised Colbert he could start the second half." LMAO!!!

So at first you said Colbert was 'scheduled' to start the second half against Wisconsin, but now it was against UNI which neither is true and you don't supply ONE fact to support your ridiculous statement(s). Go read the coaches press clippings! WELCH GOT HURT BEFORE THE IOWA STATE GAME AND KF SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO HOLD HIM OUT FOR THE GAME BECAUSE HE WASN'T READY TO GO UNTIL FRIDAY. THEN, BECAUSE HE IS THE "STARTER", HE STARTED AND PLAYED THE WHOLE NEXT GAME AGAINST UNI, THEN HE "STARTED" AGAINST WISCONSIN BUT RE-AGGRAVATED HIS INJURY (WHICH THE COACHES TALKED ABOUT) AND COLBERT CAME IN. Then (as the coaches talked about) Welch wasn't 100% for the Minnesota game, so they listed him at back up for the Will and Leo spots because a 75% Welch was better than throwing true freshmen to the wolves. And for the Indiana game, they talked about HOPING that Welch was healthy enough to play the Mike, because their only other choice with all the injuries was playing Doyle. You really should read something ( like the Gazette and other sources) than this chat room. You might actually learn and know something. Unless you are going to come back with facts, evidence, and sources......DON'T BOTHER! And I love how some of you clowns make statements like "why are you angry" when someone calls out your absolute bullshit. I'm not angry at all, you just don't get to talk out your ass while I'm watching. You should expect more from yourselves.

So you are yelling "shut up" and yelling at me and you aren't angry???
Yeah the coaches didn't say Welch was injured for the Minnesota game. And they didn't say they hoped Welch was healthy enough to start at mike for Indiana. Other than that you are correct.

 

[hexumhawk]

I think our best D for the remaining schedule is the hybrid with Hooker at LB/Safety and Stone in the game. Gives us quickness and flexibility for blitzing and neither of those guys are liabilities in the ground game.

 

[Franisdaman]

I think our best D for the remaining schedule is the hybrid with Hooker at LB/Safety and Stone in the game. Gives us quickness and flexibility for blitzing and neither of those guys are liabilities in the ground game.

whats interesting in a couple upcoming games:

* Maryland can't pass and depends on the run. Will we see a 4-3-4 most of the game?

NOTE that in the 42-21 loss to Michigan (where you would think they would pass more, since they were behind), for the game, Maryland passed 13 times (7 completions, 73 yds) and ran 37 times (147 total yds).

* Northwestern can't run. Their season to date passing yards are almost 5 times their rushing yards. Will we then see a 4-2-5 most of the game?

Northwestern Season Offensive Stats:

292 attempts, 1,924 yds Passing
187 carries, 419 yds Rushing (NOTE that this stat includes 28 "carries" by Thorson for -82 yds; 15 of these 28 "carries" were actually pass attempts that ended up as sacks)


LINK to sack numbers: https://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/468/p2

Iowa is in the Top 18 in the country in sacks allowed, by the way (1 per game on average).

 

[hexumhawk]

whats interesting in a couple upcoming games:

* Maryland can't pass and depends on the run. Will we see a 4-3-4 most of the game?

* Northwestern can't run. Will we then see a 4-2-5 most of the game?

Agree

Good thing is we have a lot of different pieces that are capable on this defense. We can switch things up pretty easily without losing any effectiveness in other areas.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I love that we are having these discussions about depth and who gets playing time with all these fairly interchangeable chess pieces on both sides of the ball. I don't think we have had this luxury for a long time, not even in 2015.

Bottom line is that Phil Parker has a lot of options when he runs his base 4-3-4 or his 4-2-5 (on passing downs or for a team like N'western, which, for some reason, can't run the ball) it will be interesting to see if he plugs in any more freshmen (like Dillon Doyle), just to give the player some game experience but not burn his redshirt

This has been my favorite thread to read and reread in quite some time. As a longtime hawk fan I can't remember a time when the team had the ability to be this multiple in scheme or personnel. I can't wait to see what the coaches do this weekend, who plays and what schemes get run. This team is really exciting to watch right now.

Agree
Good thing is we have a lot of different pieces that are capable on this defense. We can switch things up pretty easily without losing any effectiveness in other areas.

I like the theme here. We have a lot of possibilities with the personnel we have. I've seen personnel packages with Amani Jones and Barrington Wade on short-distance/goal-line situations. We can go nickel or dime.

We can go nickel with an extra CB ... we can do our nickel-variant with Amani Hooker as the hybrid OLB. Even within our base ... we seemingly now have some versatility in terms of the different strengths of our LBs.

We also now have 4 CBs who appear pretty darn capable ... and I'm heartened to hear Phil say positive things about DJ Johnson. Also, I wouldn't necessarily sleep on Turner ... and I love how DeVonte Young slid over to DB to help out our depth. Also, we obviously have 3-starter quality safeties between Gervase, Stone, and Hooker.

So yeah ... we might have the personnel to handle facing both run-heavy teams ... and pass-heavy teams!

 

[David1979]

Just shut up. Good grief. Again, where am I expressing anger, lol. I'm trying to have a logical discussion about reality and facts, and you just keep expressing fallacies without any facts or evidence. You just totally changed your story. Why? I've said in great detail what the coaches said about the LB situation and the injury status week to week. Do I need to go over it again? It is pretty pathetic on your part that you can't just admit you are mistaken. You people are pretty amazing because I could have KF come over to your house and explain it to you, but you would still come on here and come up with some alternative facts that KF's was wrong. Big 10 football is not Pee Wee football and NOBODY has ever been promised to play a half, lol. "Hey Colbert, you are starting the second half against UNI....oops Wisconsin...because you are beating people out!" LMAO. "But coach, I had 10 tackles, as sack, an interception, and a forced fumble in the first half!!!" "Sorry Kristian, I promised Colbert he could start the second half." LMAO!!!

So at first you said Colbert was 'scheduled' to start the second half against Wisconsin, but now it was against UNI which neither is true and you don't supply ONE fact to support your ridiculous statement(s). Go read the coaches press clippings! WELCH GOT HURT BEFORE THE IOWA STATE GAME AND KF SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO HOLD HIM OUT FOR THE GAME BECAUSE HE WASN'T READY TO GO UNTIL FRIDAY. THEN, BECAUSE HE IS THE "STARTER", HE STARTED AND PLAYED THE WHOLE NEXT GAME AGAINST UNI, THEN HE "STARTED" AGAINST WISCONSIN BUT RE-AGGRAVATED HIS INJURY (WHICH THE COACHES TALKED ABOUT) AND COLBERT CAME IN. Then (as the coaches talked about) Welch wasn't 100% for the Minnesota game, so they listed him at back up for the Will and Leo spots because a 75% Welch was better than throwing true freshmen to the wolves. And for the Indiana game, they talked about HOPING that Welch was healthy enough to play the Mike, because their only other choice with all the injuries was playing Doyle. You really should read something ( like the Gazette and other sources) than this chat room. You might actually learn and know something. Unless you are going to come back with facts, evidence, and sources......DON'T BOTHER! And I love how some of you clowns make statements like "why are you angry" when someone calls out your absolute bullshit. I'm not angry at all, you just don't get to talk out your ass while I'm watching. You should expect more from yourselves.

Since you referenced the Gazette here is what I could find after the Wisconsin game:

"Kristian Welch had seven tackles in the first half of the Wisconsin game as the starter at weakside linebacker but was pulled in favor of redshirt freshman Colbert for the second half."

 

[HawkNole09]

JMO, but we’re at our best in a 4-2-5 giving Amani the freedom to play up in the box, or drop off depending on scheme.

Stone is going to be a stud. Body movement, instincts, finding the ball. When you’re fielding your 11 best he’s on the field.

 

[minuteman762]

Getting to know Djimon Colbert.
Colbert has a chance to be special. First time ever playing Linebacker and starting as a Red Shirt Freshman at this level. Still developing linebacker instincts and his man body. Barring injuries if he continues working hard and improving in two to three years he could be very very good if not great.


10/17/2018

Colbert Grows into Linebacker Position

By JAMES ALLAN
hawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- For some time, redshirt freshman Djimon Colbert has been growing into his role as a linebacker for the University of Iowa football team.

It started following his sophomore season at Bishop Meige (Kansas) High School when Colbert transitioned from being a 180-pound cornerback to 200-pound safety. After earning all-state honors at the position for two consecutive seasons, he joined the Hawkeyes, but was on the move again.

"(The Iowa coaches) were comfortable with me playing safety my first summer here, right up until the week before camp," said Colbert, a Shawnee Mission, Kansas, native. "I started to put on weight so they thought it was in my best interest to move to linebacker."

When Colbert arrived in Iowa City, he weighed 212 pounds. Two years and 20 pounds later, Colbert plays in the 232-234-pound range as a starting linebacker for the 5-1 and nationally ranked Hawkeyes.

"It was a quick switch," said Colbert. "Last year I was on the scout team and Week 2 (this season), I got a chance to start. It was a blessing to my family and me. It has been a quick transition, but I have loved it."

There were adjustments, like playing in the box, reading offensive linemen, and identifying various run schemes. Colbert has been able to utilize his skills as a defensive back in the transition.

"Having the ability to move my feet around in different ways and transitioning from my drops are things I bring from being a defensive back," said Colbert. "Also, knowing what the guys are doing behind me. The mental side is big for me in making the switch to linebacker."

Colbert is one of five Iowa linebackers to make their first career starts this season. The Hawkeyes have mixed-and-matched with five different starting linebacker combinations, but haven't missed a beat.

"All of us prepare like we're going to be starting," said Colbert, who has started three games and is fifth on the team with 27 tackles. "As long as we do that and as long as we know we can be in the rotation, it's nothing new when we get thrown in there.

"That's the biggest thing, keeping that same mentality throughout the rest of the season."

The second half of the season begins Saturday when the Hawkeyes host Maryland at 11:01 a.m. (CT) inside Kinnick Stadium. Colbert calls the game one of Iowa's most mentally challenging weeks of the season to date.

"They can do so much," said Colbert. "They can get into 10 different personnel groups and do a lot of different things. They can get into triple option, jet sweep, and can throw the ball, too.

"We have to prepare for all of that and make sure we react to the motions and shifts that they do as a whole defense. It's a big mental challenge for the linebackers and defensive backs this week and the whole defense."

Maryland averages 31.7 points and 365.7 yards of total offense. The Terrapins are a run-oriented team, averaging 245.2 yards. Three different running backs have posted 100-yard games this season.

"It's challenging, but we're all up to it and are excited about it," said Colbert.

Saturday's Homecoming game will be televised on ESPN2 with Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, and Molly McGrath on the call.

A limited number of tickets remain at the Iowa Athletic Ticket Office at hawkeyesports.com/tickets.

https://hawkeyesports.com/news/2018/10/16/football-colbert-grows-into-linebacker-position.aspx

 

[Franisdaman]

JMO, but we’re at our best in a 4-2-5 giving Amani the freedom to play up in the box, or drop off depending on scheme.

Stone is going to be a stud. Body movement, instincts, finding the ball. When you’re fielding your 11 best he’s on the field.

The coaches definitely like Stone. And remember, his mom (a single mom) had to force him into the car to go on his visit to Iowa!

This is a pretty cool video: https://www.hawkcentral.com/videos/...as-his-mom-thank-becoming-hawkeye/1638427002/

 

[Franisdaman]

Djimon Colbert interview:

https://www.hawkcentral.com/videos/...llenging-scouting-report-maryland/1686308002/

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Did anyone else see the play where Welch was two steps away from the quarterback then made a 120 degree turn remembering he had the running back in man to man. If he would have continued to pursue the QB he had a for sure sack and the running back already had 4 or 5 strides on him. Probably the most perplexing defensive play I’ve ever seen.

It occurred at the 11 minute mark in the 3rd quarter. Ramsey ended up throwing it to a guy who had a foot out-of-bounds ... so they ended up having to punt anyhow.

It's one of those cases where I think Welch had more of an "oh shit" moment ... and he was simply afraid of what would happen if Ramsey would have been able to dump the ball over to the RB who was leaking out. The RB would have had a ton of green in front of him ... however, you're right ... I think that had Welch decided to close quickly on Ramsey ... it most likely would have been a sack.

 

[minuteman762]

It occurred at the 11 minute mark in the 3rd quarter. Ramsey ended up throwing it to a guy who had a foot out-of-bounds ... so they ended up having to punt anyhow.

It's one of those cases where I think Welch had more of an "oh shit" moment ... and he was simply afraid of what would happen if Ramsey would have been able to dump the ball over to the RB who was leaking out. The RB would have had a ton of green in front of him ... however, you're right ... I think that had Welch decided to close quickly on Ramsey ... it most likely would have been a sack.

How much of it could be Welch thinking if I blow another assignment they are going to bench me again for Jones?

 

[flyfishstout_CO]

How much of it could be Welch thinking if I blow another assignment they are going to bench me again for Jones?

This is the type of play where it seems more often than not the qb is able to drop the pass over the opponents head at the last second and find the receiver open with 10-15 yds of green in front of him... always looks like they can get to the qb but not quite quick enough...

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

How much of it could be Welch thinking if I blow another assignment they are going to bench me again for Jones?

I don't know about being benched ... but he definitely knew that he'd be reamed if he completely blew his assignment. Even though he was late in recognition ... the fact that he was trailing the guy at least demonstrated awareness and the conscientiousness of trying to do his job. Also, Welch has pretty decent straight-line speed ... so if he took a good angle, had the pass been made ... he could have been able to put himself in a position to make a play (albeit, the back would still have made a pretty big gainer).

 

[BCRoss89]

Not so sure a straight 4-3-4 wouldn't be in our best interests. We can still have 8 in the box with SS playing tight to the line as runs develop and 3 in deeper coverage if needed. Rotating Neiman, Jones possibly droping Hooker in with Welch and Colbert at LB, seems like that would be effective all day. Gervase, Hooker, Stone at safety are all good options too for run support. Also interested to see who we feel our best run support corners are, but all four in our 2 deeps seem like good options except for maybe Moss only because he seems a little smaller than the rest.

 

[Franisdaman]

Here's a pretty cool story on Djimon Colbert

Djimon Colbert was originally recruited to play cornerback at Iowa.

After his sophomore season at Bishop Miege High School in Kansas, when he had added 10 pounds, he was moved to safety.

The Hawkeyes liked him there just fine and offered him a scholarship as a guy they felt could man the back end of their defense.

So it is strange indeed for Colbert that he’s about to make his fourth start at weakside linebacker when No. 22 Iowa (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten Conference) faces Maryland (4-2, 2-1) at 11 a.m. Saturday in Kinnick Stadium (ESPN2).

“It’s nothing I’m nervous about. I’ve loved it so far, being on the field at Kinnick,” said Colbert, a redshirt freshman who was moved to linebacker this spring because he kept filling out his 6-foot-1 frame.

Colbert arrived in Iowa City weighing 212 pounds and carefully monitoring what he ate. He’s at 232 now, free to consume both calories and opposing ball-carriers. His 27 tackles are fifth on the team.

“I’ve just been getting bigger and bigger each year, so moving me closer to the ball … is a positive now that I think about it,” Colbert said.

“I was nervous about it at first, because it was just new. Now I’m in the box and now I’m having to read offensive linemen. … I hadn’t had to read offensive linemen before and just the different kinds of run schemes I can get. Playing safety, I could see a run and then just find the ball and go get it. But now I have to know what a counter play is.”

Colbert and the Iowa defense are about to spend their most mentally taxing Saturday this season. Maryland averages 245 rushing yards per game because it has a trio of talented backs and a way of sending players in motion that can confound defenses. Ty Johnson averages 8.1 yards per carry. Anthony McFarland, technically the backup, tops that at 8.9. The Terrapins have seven touchdown runs this season of 20 yards or longer.

“They can get into triple-option. They can get into jet-sweeps. It’s a big mental challenge for us,” Colbert said.

“They can get into 10 different personnel groups with tight ends and running backs."

Iowa’s defense has been up to the task throughout the season. The Hawkeyes rank second in the Big Ten in both scoring defense (16.5 points per game) and rushing defense (2.7 yards per attempt). The team expects to get outside linebacker Nick Niemann back from a knee injury.

Colbert is not nervous.

“They have some guys who can bust it open. But I think just the fact that we know where we’re supposed to be on those different plays just watching the film and seeing how other teams might have missed an assignment” will help, Colbert said.

Iowa coaches helped sell Colbert on the switch to linebacker by mentioning a pair of Hawkeyes who reached the NFL. Anthony Hitchens arrived as a running back, was switched to defensive back and eventually linebacker. He has 60 tackles for the Kansas City Chiefs this season. Christian Kirksey was another safety-turned linebacker at Iowa who has 453 tackles in five seasons with the Cleveland Browns.

“It’s just inspiring hearing stories like that and knowing that other guys have done it. I kind of see myself in those shoes,” said Colbert, who could be a four-year starter at Iowa linebacker if all goes to plan.

“There’s really no difference between me and those guys.”

Colbert spent last season on the scout team. It’s remarkable how fast he’s risen at his new position considering he didn’t really immerse himself into Iowa’s defensive schemes until the spring. His teammates have noticed this, too.

“He plays hard and he’s been able to acclimate to that linebacker position pretty quickly,” senior defensive tackle Sam Brincks said of Colbert. “It’s fun to watch a young guy like him grow because he’s building confidence and you can see it.”

Colbert saw his first game action in Week 1, was the starter at weakside linebacker in Week 2 and regained that spot from junior Kristian Welch in the second half of a Week 4 loss to Wisconsin. His best game came against Minnesota two weeks ago, when he had eight tackles. The job seems to be his to lose now.

Colbert was asked if the next stop for him might be defensive end. He laughed. He might put on a couple of more pounds, he said.

But …

“I think I’m stopping here,” Colbert said of linebacker. “I love it here.”

https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/s...ns-maryland-terrapins-sam-brincks/1686384002/

 

[pocha444444]

Gimme the athletes! The defense I want to see...

- Nelson, Nelson, Gholston, Epenesa front four
- Nieman, Jones, Colbert at lb
- Brents, Hooker, Stone, Hankins secondary

 

[Franisdaman]

Everyone on Phil Parker's D is simply doing their job.

And doing a very good job at that.

I have always said that if Iowa is going to have a special season, they need a good OL and a good DL.

Well, we have both. This has been fun and could get funner.

I know. More fun. Funner just sounded funner.

 

[Franisdaman]

Welch played well again today; has he won the MLB job?

Hankins did not dress (hamstring); has played in just 4 games so he could redshirt, believe it or not

Moss had 2 pass break ups today and is playing well

OJ did not play many reps

Remember when we were worried about the back 7's number of injuries?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Welch played well again today; has he won the MLB job?

Hankins did not dress (hamstring); has played in just 4 games so he could redshirt, believe it or not

Moss had 2 pass break ups today and is playing well

OJ did not play many reps

Remember when we were worried about the back 7's number of injuries?

Given the quality of Purdue's passing game .... to TEs, RBs, and WRs ... I'm still concerned about all the injuries to our back 7.

On the flip side, all the injuries have forced our D to develop some quality depth. Furthermore, the injuries forced Phil to further develop the packages he has with the hybrid OLB spot.

 

[Franisdaman]

Given the quality of Purdue's passing game .... to TEs, RBs, and WRs ... I'm still concerned about all the injuries to our back 7.

On the flip side, all the injuries have forced our D to develop some quality depth. Furthermore, the injuries forced Phil to further develop the packages he has with the hybrid OLB spot.

I wonder what is up with Hankins and when he will return? As I mentioned above, he did not dress and is still bothered by a hamstring; I think he has another ailment as well; but heck, Moss had 2 pass break ups yesterday and is playing well; great depth!

Furthermore, OJ did not play many reps so I guess he lost his starting job but he would be a quality back up if needed

Hooker player well again yesterday, too

I agree with you, though; Purdue and N'western are going to be a big challenge but lets get ready for McSorley & PSU! I hope we have a LB that shadows the PSU QB all game long; he is so dangerous

 

[Franisdaman]

7 games in, Iowa's D is looking championship caliber.



Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow

Updated national rankings for Iowa's defense through 7 games:

Rushing -- T-2nd (79.6 ypg)
Passing -- 18th (178.6 ypg)
Total -- 3rd (258.1 ypg)
Scoring -- 5th (14.1 ppg)
Sacks -- T-17th (3.1 per game)

6:24 PM - 21 Oct 2018

 

[wyldhawk9]

Given the quality of Purdue's passing game .... to TEs, RBs, and WRs ... I'm still concerned about all the injuries to our back 7.

On the flip side, all the injuries have forced our D to develop some quality depth. Furthermore, the injuries forced Phil to further develop the packages he has with the hybrid OLB spot.

Thus far, Parker has literally proven the adage "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" - and turned what could have been weakness (lack of experience, etc) and turned it into a strength. Either the development of the players is ahead of schedule, or the recruiting is improved, or the scheming to the available personnel has improved...either way - the results on the field have been better than expected. One other thought is that with it's developmental approach, Iowa is uniquely positioned to benefit from the redshirt rule change - maybe this has accelerated player development and generated a greater level of focus among younger players who normally wouldn't be seeing the field and now take preparation far more seriously?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Thus far, Parker has literally proven the adage "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" - and turned what could have been weakness (lack of experience, etc) and turned it into a strength. Either the development of the players is ahead of schedule, or the recruiting is improved, or the scheming to the available personnel has improved...either way - the results on the field have been better than expected. One other thought is that with it's developmental approach, Iowa is uniquely positioned to benefit from the redshirt rule change - maybe this has accelerated player development and generated a greater level of focus among younger players who normally wouldn't be seeing the field and now take preparation far more seriously?

You highlight an absurdly good point!

One of the traditional problems for the Hawks is that our developmental nature could often limit the reps that we could let young guys see. If we were going to burn a guys redshirt ... it usually was us prospecting a bit and investing in a strategy wherein we try to give those young guys as many reps as possible. This approach did have plenty of success stories ... but it also allowed for a young player to "jump in" without necessarily having put in the requisite time to "earn" the reps.

Now the coaches can dangle those 4 games to the young guys like the carrots they are. If a young guy impresses initially in camp ... but he no longer prepares like a starter during the season ... then the coaches won't give him any more reps beyond what he's previously earned. That opens the door for other guys ... guys who have remained hungry ... guys who have continued improving ... to earn live game-reps towards their 4-games.

This is a great way to keep young guys engaged and positive about the program ... it supplies the motivation to help them "embrace the grind" ... and, in the long run, I expect that it will help a lot as it relates to player retention.

 

[David1979]

7 games in, Iowa's D is looking championship caliber.



Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow

Updated national rankings for Iowa's defense through 7 games:

Rushing -- T-2nd (79.6 ypg)
Passing -- 18th (178.6 ypg)
Total -- 3rd (258.1 ypg)
Scoring -- 5th (14.1 ppg)
Sacks -- T-17th (3.1 per game)

6:24 PM - 21 Oct 2018

The scoring would be lower as well without some of the gifts opponents have gotten from Iowa TOs. There was the muffed punt thing against Wisconsin and two TOs deep in Iowa's territory against Minnesota.

 

[David1979]

Given the quality of Purdue's passing game .... to TEs, RBs, and WRs ... I'm still concerned about all the injuries to our back 7.

On the flip side, all the injuries have forced our D to develop some quality depth. Furthermore, the injuries forced Phil to further develop the packages he has with the hybrid OLB spot.

Yeah, they are going to be the best offense Iowa faces this year with PSU and Wisconsin probably 2nd and 3rd in no particular order.

 

[Franisdaman]

Injury updates--Hockaday and Hankins

Iowa did get a bit of relief on the health front. Ferentz said linebacker Jack Hockaday (knee) returned to practice this week and should be active Saturday. Hockaday was injured at Minnesota and has missed the last two games.

Hockaday likely won’t slide back into his starting spot, but his return is still welcomed.

We’re playing pretty well right now, but recent history has shown we’ll need everybody, Ferentz said. “Jack has a lot of flexibility, as does Kristian (Welch).

Meanwhile, Matt Hankins (wrist) remains questionable and is “still not 100 percent”, Ferentz said. Hankins has missed the previous three games.

https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/s...state-trace-mcsorley-happy-valley/1738011002/

 

[Franisdaman]

Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow 4h4 hours ago

Kristian Welch & Djimon Colbert will likely start at inside linebacker, even with Jack Hockaday practicing again.

Doesn’t sound promising for Matt Hankins.

 

[Franisdaman]

Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow

Geno Stone took 9 unofficial visits to Penn State, was told an offer was coming ... and it never did.

 

[Franisdaman]

Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow 5h5 hours ago

This should be a comforting quote. From Iowa FS Jake Gervase:

“We’ve got a really core group of guys. We’ve got good leadership on this team. Guys understand the importance of preparation, the importance of having good practices.” Says 2-for-2 this week, back at it tomorrow.

0 replies2 retweets33 likes

 

[Franisdaman]

some tweets from Scott Dochterman (start at bottom & work your way up)

1. Scott Dochterman‏Verified account@ScottDochterman 18h18 hours ago
   Ferentz: Welch will remain at MLB, Colbert at WLB despite Hockaday’s return.
   
   0 replies1 retweet11 likes
   
2. 
   Scott Dochterman‏Verified account@ScottDochterman 18h18 hours ago
   Ferentz: Not campaigning for Parker Hesse as team MVP but “in a lot of ways you can make that argument.”
   
   0 replies0 retweets15 likes
   
3. 
   Scott Dochterman‏Verified account@ScottDochterman 18h18 hours ago
   Ferentz: injuries— Jack Hockaday back at MLB
   

 

[Franisdaman]

 

[Franisdaman]

Will Penn State try to pick on Riley Moss, like other teams have?

How will the true freshman respond?

Will Hankins get his job back once fully healthy?

Are Hankins and Brents our 2 best corners?

 

[Franisdaman]

Nice story on the ALL NATIVE IOWANS starting defensive line.

LINK: https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/s...n-matt-nelson-iowa-defensive-line/1745134002/

 

[Franisdaman]

Chad Leistikow‏Verified account@ChadLeistikow

Sounds like we'll see a lot of the nickel Iowa defense this week, with Amani Hooker at OLB & Geno Stone at SS. Penn State runs a lot of "11" personnel.

 

[Franisdaman]

Sam Brinks on Parker Hesse:

https://www.hawkcentral.com/videos/...cribes-play-teammate-parker-hesse/1754397002/

 

[Franisdaman]

Has Hankins been cleared to play? If so, I wonder if Hankins soon will start in place of RIley Moss.

I thought Hankins and Brents were our best 2 corners, when healthy.

Thoughts?

2 Deeps--DEFENSE
DE - Anthony Nelson, Chauncey Golston
DT - Sam Brincks, Cedrick Lattimore
DT - Matt Nelson, Brady Reiff
DE - Parker Hesse, A.J. Epenesa

OLB - Nick Niemann, Barrington Wade
MLB - Kristian Welch, Amani Jones/Jack Hockaday
WLB - Djimon Colbert, Kristian Welch

LC - Julius Brents, Matt Hankins
SS - Amani Hooker, John Milani
FS - Jake Gervase, Geno Stone
RC - Riley Moss, Michael Ojemudia

 

[BCRoss89]

Stopping McSorley and Sanders is the Primary priority; Containing McSorley when scrambling at 2nd; stopping the Pass 3rd. This smells to me like run support corners, and overall, better tackling DB personnel at safeties and corner if not hybrid LB. I actually think use of Gervase, Stone and Hooker in the line-up and how they are deployed will have more to say about the outcome then our corner play.

Assuming all corners were equally healthy I go with Hankins and Ojemudia as my starters, Brents as next corner in maybe even as a "Big Nickle", and Riley to spell Michael as needed with duty as "Small Nickle" coverage when PSU goes to empty backfield attack.

I say this of course with not having seen them practice this week,how well each has practiced and not truly understanding Hankins health or Ojemudia's hammie/rustiness. Those showing the best disciplined pursuit angles and most sure handed tackling win out.

 

[cheerscoach]

Stopping McSorley and Sanders is the Primary priority; Containing McSorley when scrambling at 2nd; stopping the Pass 3rd. This smells to me like run support corners, and overall, better tackling DB personnel at safeties and corner if not hybrid LB. I actually think use of Gervase, Stone and Hooker in the line-up and how they are deployed will have more to say about the outcome then our corner play.

Assuming all corners were equally healthy I go with Hankins and Ojemudia as my starters, Brents as next corner in maybe even as a Big Nickle, and Riley to spell Michael as needed and and Nickle coverage when PSU goes to empty backfield sets.

I say this of course with not having seen them practice this week,how well each has practiced and not truly understanding Hankins health or Ojemudia's hammie/rustiness. Those showing the best disciplined pursuit angles and most sure handed tackling win out.

So you're saying they need to stop their WHOLE offense.
That's not they way game planning goes, especially at Iowa. They'll try to take away ONE facet, and contain the rest.
I'm pretty sure they'll plan this game like they did OSU and Braxton last year. Take away the RB in zone read and make McSourly carry the ball and pound him over and over. Do no let McSorly stand in the pocket. They will flush him and chase him down and hit him some more. I don't think he has the WR's that OSU had last year and won't be able to hit 'home runs' in the passing game.