DLine recruiting

[Hawk94Mn]

The more competition, the merrier! I still think they will move Brincks inside (I bet they're working him there during bowl prep to prepare for next year) to get Gholston on the field. I will be really surprised if Nixon walks right in and joins the rotation his first year. Big difference between JC and B1G lines. I think he'll need a year of Doyle rebuilding his body (like they had to with Davis etc...) and a year of technique work, but he may surprise me. Seems to have a good motor and he'll be able to go through spring ball which will help. I still think this is what we'll see next year to start the year....
RDE- Hesse/Eppy
DT- M. Nelson/Lattimore
DT- Brincks/Rieff
LDE- A. Nelson/Gholston

I think that is a very formidable line-up (with tons of experience) and what's nice if the injury bug happens, there is Nixon, Jansen, Waggoner, Simon, etc. waiting in the wings and pushing these guys to get in the rotation. Good problem to have!
And they can use all kinds of combinations in obvious passing situations. They like to move Hesse inside in those situations against mobile QB's because he can spy the QB and chase about any of them down. People don't realize how fast Hesse is. I think Hesse will play 'nuts' next year knowing it's probably his last year of ever playing football (he 'might' get a look as a OLB in a 3-4 defense in the NFL) and he will be on the field for his 4th yr. as a starter, so his experience will be invaluable! I hope that giant M. Nelson plays like there's no tomorrow next year as well. He's 6'8 and will probably be close to 300 lbs. next year! With our depth, he doesn't have to worry about stamina, just go nuts with that giant body every play! We have had a lot of DL who have had GREAT senior years in the past, hopefully these seniors next year (Hesse, Nelson and Brincks) just tear it up and take some pressure of the inexperienced LB's!
P.S.- They could start Lattimore alongside M. Nelson, but I'm not sure either one is a great 1tec. They're both more 3tec/1 gap, kind of guys.

I like the idea of moving Brinks inside, he was impressive this year. Plus, as you mentioned, it would allow for Gholston and Simon to be our third and fourth edge rushers when Hesse moves inside. Matt Nelson at 300 pounds would be terrifying, perhaps he could play the 1 technique at that size. The Nixon hype is there because of the Alabama offer but I agree, I think it is unlikely his body and technical skill is ready for the Big Ten. If I was to put my money on any newcomer seeing time on the Dline I would guess Linderbaum. The trio of Linderbaum, Nixon, and Shannon should be a very talented group in time.

It's amazing how many guys we played in meaningful moments last year. It really speaks to our depth. IF the linebackers can play fast next year and tackle well, it should be another stout defense.

 

[deanhawk88]

We have 3 really damn good DEs! Matt Nelson amazes me, he's exceeded my expectations and I'm sure he'll do it again. Those have got to be our top 4 returning most would think. I'm on the Nixon train here, I was before the Alabama thing. I think he'll get his bearings in spring ball and ultimately lock down starting spot into the season. Lattimore put on 35 lbs last year, half that more and he'll be over 310 next year. I'd like to believe he's still adjusting to his body and the position. In my opinion, these 6 are ahead of the next group. The talented incoming frosh will be hard pressed to push there way thru everyone I didn't mention and that's saying a lot. Fact is, if our LBs end up pretty good, this defense and it's depth is pretty impressive!

 

[Harbinger273]

Don't know if it'll stick but supposedly Duwa is practicing at Center right now. Might need to fill his spot unless this is in part a product of having plenty of serviceable DTs.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

Don't know if it'll stick but supposedly Duwa is practicing at Center right now. Might need to fill his spot unless this is in part a product of having plenty of serviceable DTs.

 

[TailgateTom]

Don't know if it'll stick but supposedly Duwa is practicing at Center right now. Might need to fill his spot unless this is in part a product of having plenty of serviceable DTs.

That's part of it (IMO). BF had been itching to get his hands on him for a while. Loves his toughness and he understands leverage, has pretty good feet, and is a smart kid. I think this will be a good fit for him. He's been doing really well and the coaches have been impressed with his practices so far.

 

[Harbinger273]

Super extra intriguing! He could make for the best Center we've ever had. Blythe was that big, athletic, former wrestler center and a big reason for success in 2015.

 

[WCAC_Fan_10]

Don't know if it'll stick but supposedly Duwa is practicing at Center right now. Might need to fill his spot unless this is in part a product of having plenty of serviceable DTs.

I like it. I think it says two things: 1) BF sees his potential on the OL and 2) they like the depth they have now and what is coming in next year at DT.

 

[Muskie5]

I like it. I think it says two things: 1) BF sees his potential on the OL and 2) they like the depth they have now and what is coming in next year at DT.

Interesting, if true. They may feel that they might need Banwart at guard after next year (he's playing center right now), so they want to have viable options at center. Or it may mean that they think Daniels might leave this year and they need immediate depth. Interesting.....There is sooooo much that goes on behind the scenes and in practices that determines much of what the coaches decide and do.

 

[TKingpin]

I was under the impression that Spencer Williams was supposed to be in the mix as back-up center as well. So that comes to 3: Duwa, Banwart and Williams.

Guard seems to be set next year with the 2 seniors Render and Reynolds. OT seems set for the next 3 year’s! So, the OLine guys almost certainly are lining up for the 3 interior spots that should open up after next year.

So that would include the 3 mentioned above, the Paulson twins, LeGrand, Dalton F., Kallenberger, the incoming freshmen will be RSFR, but not sure we can count on them. Who am I missing?

 

[Harbinger273]

Need to keep recruiting OT's sounds like!

Back on the DL side it sounds like there will be a number of DL still available after early signing. Phil said you can never have enough DL. I'd like to see them get another one.

 

[TheHawkeyeDudeAbides]

Need to keep recruiting OT's sounds like!

Back on the DL side it sounds like there will be a number of DL still available after early signing. Phil said you can never have enough DL. I'd like to see them get another one.

I really see Iowa going big on 4 OL that could play OT but a couple are more OGs like Boone Myers. Iowa has commitments from Iowa's best two HS OL in Ezra Miller(6'6" 310) and Tyler Endres (6'6" 280). Crystal Lake SOUTH has an OT (Trevor Keegan 6'6" 300) that is highly regard who looks like he better suited on the right side (great run side push) and lastly but chiefly, the potential 5 star, Edina, Minnesota's Quinn Carroll (6'6" 290) who has well over 30+ offers and who's father was a Gopher TE. Quinn will a difficult pull but his Midwest roots should give Iowa a decent chance. Wisconsin and Notre Dame seem like the best contenders. Quinn seems like a guy who wants to play for Pro-set offense that values OL development.

The wildcard for 2019 in the OL debate is Justin Britt. Britt is listed at 6'4" 290. Probably 6'4" with his shoes on, so 6'2.5" barefoot. Not a OT by tradition. Good summer camp at Iowa. Probably tried out on OL and DT spots. Iowa has a hard finding naturally built DTs. Get Britt, make him fit (at DT). The Iowa way.

 

[kceasthawk]

I would hope R or O would make a big leap like Jackson did this year. Rugamba has the talent, but he got off to a bad start this year (suspended first game, then injured) and just never got it together. I expect him to rebound and I think OJ does some things well (solid tackler and decent in zone) and will push both of them if he improves in man coverage. Remember, everyone thought Rugamba was going to be the star this year and Jackson was 'meh'......and look how that turned out. You never know with these athletes.
I would think the 3 RSFR (Creamer, Turner, Harrell) would be making strides as well with a year under their belt to figure things out. And they were high on Boswell, in fact some thought he would start opposite Rugamba, going into the year but he just disappeared. Injuries??? Whether Jackson stays (I think he will) or goes, there is plenty of talent and depth to work with. Who will be the next 'great story'?

I would agree, theres no telling how much Rugumba's early suspension and injury led to his rough start. I think both he and MO will make solid gains this off season, much as JJ did. They have great coaching, and certainly have great motivation with Hawks nearly winning two of the last three Thorpe awards.

 

[INXS83]

With all due respect, consider how many guys were rotating in at DT. Through the course of the season, Bazata, Lattimore, M. Nelson, Reiff, Hesse, and Jansen saw reps at DT. The DT who saw the fewest reps was Jansen ... his reps at DT were exclusively limited to our 'NASCAR' speed rush package.

In terms of production, the production of Reiff and Lattimore was very comparable ... Lattimore being a bit more powerful, but Reiff logging more 'disruption' numbers. Not surprisingly, both trailed Matt Nelson ... because he had the advantage of all of his DE experience from the prior year ... although he definitely had to face a learning curve at DT too.

Here's some perspective for you in terms of raw numbers:

As the ONLY primary backup at DT in 2014, Jaleel Johnson had the following production:
Johnson (RS SO - '14) - 11 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 1 sack

As members of a very active rotation at DT in 2017, Matt Nelson, Lattimore, and Reiff each had the following production:
M. Nelson (RS JR - '17) - 18 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 3 BU, 1 QBH
Lattimore (TR SO - '17) - 12 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 QBH
Reiff (RS SO - '17) - 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 3 BU, 1 QBH, 1 FF, 1 INT

The above numbers tell a story to me concerning how our DTs are still developing. However, it also tells me that just as Jaleel Johnson went on to have a pretty darn productive season in '15 ... I think that the aforementioned guys will be equally well positioned to take the next step in their respective DT developments too! With Bazata graduating ... that will open up the opportunity for more snaps to go around. With more snaps to distribute, COMBINED with more collective experience at DT ... I think that could really be a recipe for some mighty fine production.

Furthermore, guys like Anthony Nelson, Parker Hesse, and AJ Epenesa are only going to improve more too ... so that is going to continue to "put the squeeze" on the QB/RB on the outside ... so there will continue to be more opportunities for the DTs to make plays too!

Anyhow, the above paints a picture of Reiff "belonging" on the field every bit as much as anybody else at DT. He's also a bit of an undersized guy too ... so he's only going to continue to physically develop under the tutelage of Chris Doyle.

Gotta love Phil P's response when asked about DL depth. Things like 'you can never have enough good DE's' or 'Alabama goes about 12 deep on their DL, we're shooting for 10'.

Overall DL depth is the best I can recall at Iowa, especially at DE. All come back in '18 except Bazata and they will all get bigger, stronger and better by August.

 

[kceasthawk]

Need to keep recruiting OT's sounds like!

Back on the DL side it sounds like there will be a number of DL still available after early signing. Phil said you can never have enough DL. I'd like to see them get another one.

They are adressing OT. Good chance Kallenberger ends up there. This class coming in probably Ince and Plumb, Jenkins at G. Next year probable OT's Miller and Endres.

 

[HerkyHopeful]

I was under the impression that Spencer Williams was supposed to be in the mix as back-up center as well. So that comes to 3: Duwa, Banwart and Williams.

Guard seems to be set next year with the 2 seniors Render and Reynolds. OT seems set for the next 3 year’s! So, the OLine guys almost certainly are lining up for the 3 interior spots that should open up after next year.

So that would include the 3 mentioned above, the Paulson twins, LeGrand, Dalton F., Kallenberger, the incoming freshmen will be RSFR, but not sure we can count on them. Who am I missing?

I don't know how well guard is set between Render and Reynolds. It was clearly the weak spot on the offensive line all season, which is saying something with two freshmen starting at tackle spots. I was hoping to see more improvement from those two but it never materialized. Heads up on the positions? Absolutely, but nowhere close to set in stone