Defense of the future question

[ICWestfan]

I'll preface this by saying this is most likely a dumb question, but is it possible Iowa may be thinking of making a switch to a 3-4 defense? Given that Harris is a large human and the fact that Iowa has a ton of LBs and athletic DEs in the program as well coming in is it possible tht Parker might be setting things up that way?

As stated it's probably dumb but given the size and abilities of some of the players it has me wondering. I know Parker is a base 4-3 guy, but it seems like nothing is certain these days. Go ahead and rip away.

 

[Roy-munson]

I'll preface this by saying this is most likely a dumb question, but is it possible Iowa may be thinking of making a switch to a 3-4 defense? Given that Harris is a large human and the fact that Iowa has a ton of LBs and athletic DEs in the program as well coming in is it possible tht Parker might be setting things up that way?

As stated it's probably dumb but given the size and abilities of some of the players it has me wondering. I know Parker is a base 4-3 guy, but it seems like nothing is certain these days. Go ahead and rip away.

You could even look at this year Iowa best/most experience d-lineman play dt, now I doubt we see a 3-4 out there. Although I think Hesse could get a better pass rush standing up. And I know very little on the nelsons they could be very good.

 

[spbc7]

3-4 is a lot more fun to watch IMO. Plus it's easier to recruit LBs than DL around here

 

[mazda1]

Playing "fast" is important too. With the solid D we had last year and with most everyone back, I'm just looking forward to see this years version with another years experience and weight training/gain. I think we will be better served counting on knowing the system rather then changing design.

The Raider package should help with the QB pressure as our pressure guys were pretty green after injuries LY.

Off topic..... it seemed like Reese and Phil were sending a message to JJ that playing the system and not taking plays off needs to get better. I was pretty surprised to see the praise for the tackles not focused on him.

I think JJ has the talent to be a beast for us and we need him to be.

 

[TKingpin]

I know Ferentz has said in the past that the prime pre-requisite for a 3-4 defense is to have an NT that is as big as a doorway. Now, we clearly have that in Harris, coming in, but you probably need at least one back-up. Those guys who are that big and can move quickly are REALLY hard to find and recruit, unless you are 'Bama.

After seeing how good that Wisky defense was, after making the switch to a 3-4, and their ability to get to the QB, I am all for it.

So ... JJ at the NT, Bazata and Ekakatie at DT, then ... Mends/Hockaday/Niemann as OLB? What do you do with Hesse and the Nelsons? rotate at DT? Hesse almost certainly at OLB, but can he cover a TE? Maybe you have Hesse, and the 2 Nelsons as DE on rush downs and bring in Mends and Nieman on obvious pass plays? Is that better than the Raider package?

The Outlaw Josey Jewel at one MLB and ... Bo Bower at the other? Is he a run-stopper?

 

[gilligan19]

going forward the Raider package looks to be even more solid. plus Parker can also rotate players more easily without much of a drop off.

 

[ICWestfan]

I know Ferentz has said in the past that the prime pre-requisite for a 3-4 defense is to have an NT that is as big as a doorway. Now, we clearly have that in Harris, coming in, but you probably need at least one back-up. Those guys who are that big and can move quickly are REALLY hard to find and recruit, unless you are 'Bama.

After seeing how good that Wisky defense was, after making the switch to a 3-4, and their ability to get to the QB, I am all for it.

So ... JJ at the NT, Bazata and Ekakatie at DT, then ... Mends/Hockaday/Niemann as OLB? What do you do with Hesse and the Nelsons? rotate at DT? Hesse almost certainly at OLB, but can he cover a TE? Maybe you have Hesse, and the 2 Nelsons as DE on rush downs and bring in Mends and Nieman on obvious pass plays? Is that better than the Raider package?

The Outlaw Josey Jewel at one MLB and ... Bo Bower at the other? Is he a run-stopper?

This is interesting to me as I hadn't considered the Wisky switch. They were successful last year and didn't strike me as particulary large. I do think Iowa has the types of players in house to run the 3-4.

 

[gilligan19]

IA could have done it with Davis who 6'5 315 lbs then last year with Johnson at 6'4 310 lbs,
it is all a matter of preference getting Harris adds to this possibility. but in a couple years the DL could look like this

6'5 DE 275 lb Epenesa
6'8 DE 275 lb Nelson
6'5 DT 300 lb Lattimore
6'3/4 DT 355 lb Harris
barring injuries and/or transfers in or out.

 

[ICWestfan]

IA could have done it with Davis who 6'5 315 lbs then last year with Johnson at 6'4 310 lbs,
it is all a matter of preference getting Harris adds to this possibility. but in a couple years the DL could look like this

6'5 DE 275 lb Epenesa
6'8 DE 275 lb Nelson
6'5 DT 300 lb Lattimore
6'3/4 DT 355 lb Harris
barring injuries and/or transfers in or out.

Jeebus that's some beef. How about LBs aside from Jewell, Mends, and Hockaday?

 

[gilligan19]

maybe Welch who is 6'4. if they get Van Ginkle as he looks like a Hybred LB/DE, for now Garbutt or Taylor, Jinnings are the LB's besides the ones that were mentioned.

to me these are at the top
Bower, Jewel and Nieman, Mends and Hochaday have yet to play meaningful minutes to really show anything, they are young but they will bring that energy to the competition.

 

[J_Heater]

going forward the Raider package looks to be even more solid. plus Parker can also rotate players more easily without much of a drop off.

No stars and 40 times to back up this claim?

 

[gilligan19]

No stars and 40 times to back up this claim?

nah I figured you are old enough to look them up yourself

 

[J_Heater]

nah I figured you are old enough to look them up yourself

Can I suggest we all are from now on?

 

[millhawk]

No stars and 40 times to back up this claim?

Actually gilligan's post was pretty sensible, especially if we get Van Ginkel.

 

[Football_Mom23]

IA could have done it with Davis who 6'5 315 lbs then last year with Johnson at 6'4 310 lbs,
it is all a matter of preference getting Harris adds to this possibility. but in a couple years the DL could look like this

6'5 DE 275 lb Epenesa
6'8 DE 275 lb Nelson
6'5 DT 300 lb Lattimore
6'3/4 DT 355 lb Harris
barring injuries and/or transfers in or out.

I think this is a far guess there is so much talent coming in on the Defensive side with 16 and now with 17, so much to choose from it can go so many different ways I was thinking they would put Harris on Offense we need someone like him on that line, he is a big boy but he can move GREAT for his size.I also see McKnight getting bigger word is he is already up to around 250 from when they recruited him in at 230.. Simon looks maxed to me he is pretty cut and a smaller frame than the other guys but who is to say he looks pretty strong and is fast , Schulte looks like he could also add to his frame It is a whole new game out of HS so the sky is the limit. So excited to see this team in a few years!!

 

[pacnorthhawkeye]

maybe Welch who is 6'4. if they get Van Ginkle as he looks like a Hybred LB/DE, for now Garbutt or Taylor, Jinnings are the LB's besides the ones that were mentioned.

to me these are at the top
Bower, Jewel and Nieman, Mends and Hochaday have yet to play meaningful minutes to really show anything, they are young but they will bring that energy to the competition.

Don't forget Hockaday.