Fall Camp Position Depth Battles - CB, SS, FS, OLB, WR, RB - Are there more?

[BCRoss89]

Depth Player

1 QB - 4 - Nathan Stanley, Jr.(6-4/242)
2 QB - 2 - Peyton Mansell, #Fr.(6-2/210)
3 QB - 7 - Spencer Petras, Fr.(6-5/227)
4 QB - 17 - Ryan Schmidt, Jr.(6-5/235)​

Does Spencer overtake Mansell in Fall Camp? Does Stanley have any real challengers in camp?

1 RB - 28 - Toren Young, So.(5-11/221)
2 RB - 21 - Ivory Kelly-Martin, So.(5-11/200)
3 RB - 16 - Kyshaun Bryan, #Fr.(5-10/198)​

Does Tokes return or do any incoming Fr - Henry Geil (6-1/211) or Samson Evans (6-0/200) put pressure on these three.

1 FB - 36 - Brady Ross, Jr.(6-0/245)
2 FB - 46 - Austin Kelly, Sr.(5-11/245)
3 FB - 47 - Lane Akre, Jr.(6-0/242)​

Any battle here?

1 TE - 87 - Noah Fant, Jr.(6-5/241)
2 TE - 42 - Shaun Beyer, So.(6-5/240)
3 TE - 18 - Drew Cook, Jr.(6-5/250)​

1 TE2 - 38 - T.J. Hockenson, So.(6-5/250)
2 TE2 - 39 - Nate Wieting, Jr.(6-4/250)​

Noah and TJ are sure starters in 12 Personnel but do Beyer or Cook break into the two deeps?

1 SE - 12 - Brandon Smith, So.(6-3/219)
2 SE - 14 - Kyle Groeneweg, Sr.(5-10/186)
3 SE - 23 - Dominique Dafney, Jr.(6-2/225)​

Is Smith a lock for the two deeps at SE?

1 WR - 84 - Nick Easley, Sr.(5-11/205)
2 WR - 6 - Ihmir Smith-Marsette, So.(6-1/175)
3 WR - 19 - Max Cooper, So.(6-0/185)​

Do we find a way to get Cooper on the field? Do we find an explosive play maker in Tyrone Tracy Jr. (6-0/187)? Will Nico Ragaini (6-0/190) or Calvin Lockett (6-2/170) Red Shirt?

1 LT - 77 - Alaric Jackson, So.(6-7/320)
2 LT - 71 - Mark Kallenberger, #Fr.(6-6/282)

1 LG - 59 - Ross Reynolds, Sr.(6-4/295)
2 LG - 61 - Cole Banwart, So.(6-4/296)

1 C - 69 - Keegan Render, Sr.(6-4/307)

1 RG - 66 - Levi Paulsen, Jr.(6-5/305)
2 RG - 68 - Landan Paulsen, Jr.(6-5/305)​

1 RT - 74 - Tristan Wirfs, So.(6-5/320)
2 RT - 76 - Dalton Ferguson, Sr.(6-4/308)​

Are there any locks at Starter besides Wirfs and Jackson? Any locks in the remaining 2 deeps beyond Levi Paulson, Render and Reynolds (Banwart, Kallenberger, Ferguson, Landon)?

Do incoming Fr Jeff Jenkins (6-4/272), Cody Ince (6-5/260) or Jack Plumb (6-8/250) bulk up over the summer giving them a decent chance at making the two deeps?

1 DE - 98 - Anthony Nelson, Jr.(6-7/271)
2 DE - 57 - Chauncey Golston, So.(6-5/265)

1 DT - 95 - Cedrick Lattimore, Jr.(6-3/295)
2 DT - 90 - Sam Brincks, Sr.(6-5/275)
3 DT - 97 - Romeo McKnight, So.(6-4/257)

1 DT - 96 - Matt Nelson, Sr.(6-8/295)
2 DT - 91 - Brady Reiff, Jr.(6-3/272)
3 DT - 53 - Garret Jansen, Jr.(6-2/280)

1 DE - 40 - Parker Hesse, Sr.(6-3/261)
2 DE - 94 - A.J. Epenesa, So.(6-5/277)​

Are we worried at all about who gets to play here? Do any incoming Fr. have a chance here?

1 OLB - 49 - Nick Niemann, So.(6-4/232)
2 OLB - 35 - Barrington Wade, So.(6-1/233)

1 MLB - 52 - Amani Jones, Jr.(6-0/238)
2 MLB - 48 - Jack Hockaday, Sr.(6-1/235)
3 MLB - 43 - Dillon Doyle, Fr.(6-3/227)

1 WLB - 34 - Kristian Welch, Jr.(6-3/238)
2 WLB - 32 - Djimon Colbert, #Fr.(6-1/234)​

I see Amni as the only lock at starter, NIck and Barrington locks as 2 deeps, the rest is in the air? Incoming Fr besides Doyle and McDonald with a legit chance at making the two deeps ?

1 LC - 8 - Matt Hankins, So.(6-1/185)
2 LC - 3 - Trey Creamer, #Fr.(6-0/190)

1 RC - 11 - Michael Ojemudia, Jr.(6-1/199)
2 RC - 5 - Manny Rugamba, Jr.(5-11/193)
3 RC - 17 - Cedric Boswell, So.(5-11/190)​

Hankins & Ojemudia assured of 2 deeps, Creamer and Manny fighting for the two other spots with incoming Fr. D.J. Johnson and Terry Roberts?

1 SS - 27 - Amani Hooker, Jr.(6-0/210)
2 SS - 9 - Geno Stone, So.(5-11/209)

1 FS - 30 - Jake Gervase, Sr.(6-1/212)
2 FS - 37 - Brandon Snyder, Sr.(6-0/214)​

Are Geno and Amani a solid 2 deep at SS?. If Brandon is not 100% healthy at top speed, could he loose his spot in the two deeps to an incoming Fr. Julius Brents, Dallas Craddieth, and Kaevon Merriweather.?

 

[JoelBittner]

The offensive line (if it stays healthy) is gonna be good. Stanley will have enough skill players to beat anyone on our schedule. The coaches need to inject some CJB DNA into Stanley. As it stands he has too much Rudock DNA.
The defense, as always, will be outstanding.

 

[Rocket98]

Depth Player

1 QB - 4 - Nathan Stanley, Jr.(6-4/242)
2 QB - 2 - Peyton Mansell, #Fr.(6-2/210)
3 QB - 7 - Spencer Petras, Fr.(6-5/227)
4 QB - 17 - Ryan Schmidt, Jr.(6-5/235)​

Does Spencer overtake Mansell in Fall Camp? Does Stanley have any real challengers in camp?

1 RB - 28 - Toren Young, So.(5-11/221)
2 RB - 21 - Ivory Kelly-Martin, So.(5-11/200)
3 RB - 16 - Kyshaun Bryan, #Fr.(5-10/198)​

Does Tokes return or any incoming Fr put pressure on these three.

1 FB - 36 - Brady Ross, Jr.(6-0/245)
2 FB - 46 - Austin Kelly, Sr.(5-11/245)
3 FB - 47 - Lane Akre, Jr.(6-0/242)​

Any battle here?

1 TE - 87 - Noah Fant, Jr.(6-5/241)
2 TE - 42 - Shaun Beyer, So.(6-5/240)
3 TE - 18 - Drew Cook, Jr.(6-5/250)​

1 TE2 - 38 - T.J. Hockenson, So.(6-5/250)
2 TE2 - 39 - Nate Wieting, Jr.(6-4/250)​

Noah and TJ are sure starters in 12 Personnel but do Beyer or Cook break into the two deeps?

1 SE - 12 - Brandon Smith, So.(6-3/219)
2 SE - 14 - Kyle Groeneweg, Sr.(5-10/186)
3 SE - 23 - Dominique Dafney, Jr.(6-2/225)​

Is Smith a lock for the two deeps at SE?

1 WR - 84 - Nick Easley, Sr.(5-11/205)
2 WR - 6 - Ihmir Smith-Marsette, So.(6-1/175)
3 WR - 19 - Max Cooper, So.(6-0/185)​

Do we find a way to get Cooper on the field?

1 LT - 77 - Alaric Jackson, So.(6-7/320)
2 LT - 71 - Mark Kallenberger, #Fr.(6-6/282)

1 LG - 59 - Ross Reynolds, Sr.(6-4/295)
2 LG - 61 - Cole Banwart, So.(6-4/296)

1 C - 69 - Keegan Render, Sr.(6-4/307)

1 RG - 66 - Levi Paulsen, Jr.(6-5/305)
2 RG - 68 - Landan Paulsen, Jr.(6-5/305)​

1 RT - 74 - Tristan Wirfs, So.(6-5/320)
2 RT - 76 - Dalton Ferguson, Sr.(6-4/308)​

Are there any locks at Starter besides Wirfs and Jackson? Any locks in the remaining 2 deeps beyond Levi Paulson, Render and Reynolds (Banwart, Kallenberger, Ferguson, Landon)? Any incoming Fr have a decent chance at making the two deeps?

1 DE - 98 - Anthony Nelson, Jr.(6-7/271)
2 DE - 90 - Sam Brincks, Sr.(6-5/275)

1 DT - 95 - Cedrick Lattimore, Jr.(6-3/295)
2 DT - 57 - Chauncey Golston, So.(6-5/265)
3 DT - 97 - Romeo McKnight, So.(6-4/257)

1 DT - 96 - Matt Nelson, Sr.(6-8/295)
2 DT - 91 - Brady Reiff, Jr.(6-3/272)
3 DT - 53 - Garret Jansen, Jr.(6-2/280)

1 DE - 40 - Parker Hesse, Sr.(6-3/261)
2 DE - 94 - A.J. Epenesa, So.(6-5/277)​

Are we worried at all about who gets to play here? Do any incoming Fr. have a chance here?

1 OLB - 49 - Nick Niemann, So.(6-4/232)
2 OLB - 35 - Barrington Wade, So.(6-1/233)

1 MLB - 52 - Amani Jones, Jr.(6-0/238)
2 MLB - 48 - Jack Hockaday, Sr.(6-1/235)
3 MLB - 43 - Dillon Doyle, Fr.(6-3/227)

1 WLB - 34 - Kristian Welch, Jr.(6-3/238)
2 WLB - 32 - Djimon Colbert, #Fr.(6-1/234)​

I see Amni as the only lock at starter, NIck and Barrington locks as 2 deeps, the rest is in the air? Incoming Fr besides Doyle with a legit chance at making the two deeps ?

1 LC - 8 - Matt Hankins, So.(6-1/185)
2 LC - 3 - Trey Creamer, #Fr.(6-0/190)

1 RC - 11 - Michael Ojemudia, Jr.(6-1/199)
2 RC - 5 - Manny Rugamba, Jr.(5-11/193)
3 RC - 17 - Cedric Boswell, So.(5-11/190)​

Hankins & Ojemudia assured of 2 deeps, Creamer and Manny fighting for the two other spots with incoming Fr. ?.

1 SS - 27 - Amani Hooker, Jr.(6-0/210)
2 SS - 9 - Geno Stone, So.(5-11/209)

1 FS - 30 - Jake Gervase, Sr.(6-1/212)
2 FS - 37 - Brandon Snyder, Sr.(6-0/214)​

If Brandon is not 100% healthy at top speed, could he loose his spot in the two deeps to an incoming Fr. ? Are Geno and Amani a solid 2 deep at SS?

Visited with West Lyon head coach Monday night at track meet at Sibley. Coach Rozeboom is class act. Very Ferentz like. He’s excited to have 5 of his former players in Kinnick. He said Coach Woods has good things about Groeneweg and Newberg. He said younger Snyder is at 210 lbs and is out for track for the first time. He said he’s their top 100/200 runner. Pottebom is running as well and believes both have what it takes to contribute early at Iowa. I saw both “big boys” run. He said Brandon’s 2nd ACL has been tougher mentally to get through, but said he’s doing good now. It sounds like physically he’s doing great. He regained over 95% if his squat and cleans already at the 5 month mark. He returned to running/conditioning with the team after spring game. He said he will have 3 more months than he had with the first acl. Coach Rozeboom said he believes he will be bigger, faster, and stronger than before his knee injuries.

 

[Harbinger273]

Some newfound improvisational ability would really help Stan! Cooper will see action with steady hands.

 

[TKingpin]

I liked your post BCross. About the only thing coming out of spring ball that is different than what you posted is Brincks May now be the back-up DT and Gholston is maybe more of a DE than DT. I would probably switch those 2 names.

WR - just not sure about this. It will probably all change during summer camp, too. But I have always thought we have 3 WR spots, creatively called the X, Y and Z. I think the Z is a slot guy. ISM maybe the starting X, Smith at Y and then Easley at the Z. Again, it could all change during camp.

Sounds to me like Render is a lock at Center if he stays healthy.

All of my information is just what I read on here. No inside information.

 

[sober_teacher]

I think safety is set with hooker and Gervase, Snyder will back them up, play in nickel sets possibly.

 

[BCRoss89]

I liked your post BCross. About the only thing coming out of spring ball that is different than what you posted is Brincks May now be the back-up DT and Gholston is maybe more of a DE than DT. I would probably switch those 2 names.

WR - just not sure about this. It will probably all change during summer camp, too. But I have always thought we have 3 WR spots, creatively called the X, Y and Z. I think the Z is a slot guy. ISM maybe the starting X, Smith at Y and then Easley at the Z. Again, it could all change during camp.

Sounds to me like Render is a lock at Center if he stays healthy.

All of my information is just what I read on here. No inside information.

Changed Golsten and Brinks as you suggested.

I am not sure how to account for 3 WO Receivers. I think Nick, ISM and Max would be are best 3 WO grouping between the 40's...with Smith in for ISM on the read zone.

FYI, regarding PRO set Receiver routs (XYZ) here is how it was taught to me:
X = SE
Y = TE
Z = Flanker

X can be TE as in 12 Personnel (Double tights)
Y can be a TE or another WO as in Trips or Twin
Z can line up outside the TE receiver or inside between the split Y and Tackle where he is commonly known as the Slot Receiver. If using a Running Back at Flanker, this receiver is known as a Slot Back. Or the Flanker can line up on the same side of the ball as the SE in the same configurations. Outside, or in the slot.

For example, assume we are running a simple balanced Pro Formation, classic 3 level pass play, with strength TE Right, SE to the Left, Flanker split-out to Right.

PRO Right 873

The numbers 873 are Pass Patterns for XYZ in order - (8) post for X-SE, (7) corner or flag for Y-TE, (3) Out for the Z/Flanker.

 

[kceasthawk]

I think safety is set with hooker and Gervase, Snyder will back them up, play in nickel sets possibly.

Don't forget Geno Stone in the mix, and keep an eye out for Dallas Craddeth. I think they'll be really careful with Snyder, at least until BIG season. Obviously another injury would be the end of his career.

 

[paladinhawk]

Thanks for taking the time to type that out. IMO punter might be the most important position battle. I'm hoping they can find a 'situationally aware' player for punt returns.

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

Thanks for the write up. The OL has me worried. But I think Render has something. He has been in the 2 deep since he has been on campus. The Paulsons have the guard position. And we have our tackles. I think our starters have what it takes and the experience, but what about depth?

I think we will have our most solid overall receiving Corp in a few years. If the line holds up, and If our RBs are as good as some have mentioned, then all we need is for 2nd year OC BF to show us what we can do.

Punter is definitely a worry. Scary really. The Whole punting game. Like Paladin mentioned, someone to cover the returns who knows WTH they are doing is crucial. Our returns last season were as baffling as the punting. This part of the game will determine no less than 1.5 games.

Depth Player

1 QB - 4 - Nathan Stanley, Jr.(6-4/242)
2 QB - 2 - Peyton Mansell, #Fr.(6-2/210)
3 QB - 7 - Spencer Petras, Fr.(6-5/227)
4 QB - 17 - Ryan Schmidt, Jr.(6-5/235)​

Does Spencer overtake Mansell in Fall Camp? Does Stanley have any real challengers in camp?

1 RB - 28 - Toren Young, So.(5-11/221)
2 RB - 21 - Ivory Kelly-Martin, So.(5-11/200)
3 RB - 16 - Kyshaun Bryan, #Fr.(5-10/198)​

Does Tokes return or do any incoming Fr - Henry Geil (6-1/211) or Samson Evans (6-0/200) put pressure on these three.

1 FB - 36 - Brady Ross, Jr.(6-0/245)
2 FB - 46 - Austin Kelly, Sr.(5-11/245)
3 FB - 47 - Lane Akre, Jr.(6-0/242)​

Any battle here?

1 TE - 87 - Noah Fant, Jr.(6-5/241)
2 TE - 42 - Shaun Beyer, So.(6-5/240)
3 TE - 18 - Drew Cook, Jr.(6-5/250)​

1 TE2 - 38 - T.J. Hockenson, So.(6-5/250)
2 TE2 - 39 - Nate Wieting, Jr.(6-4/250)​

Noah and TJ are sure starters in 12 Personnel but do Beyer or Cook break into the two deeps?

1 SE - 12 - Brandon Smith, So.(6-3/219)
2 SE - 14 - Kyle Groeneweg, Sr.(5-10/186)
3 SE - 23 - Dominique Dafney, Jr.(6-2/225)​

Is Smith a lock for the two deeps at SE?

1 WR - 84 - Nick Easley, Sr.(5-11/205)
2 WR - 6 - Ihmir Smith-Marsette, So.(6-1/175)
3 WR - 19 - Max Cooper, So.(6-0/185)​

Do we find a way to get Cooper on the field? Do we find an explosive play maker in Tyrone Tracy Jr. (6-0/187)? Will Nico Ragaini (6-0/190) or Calvin Lockett (6-2/170) Red Shirt?

1 LT - 77 - Alaric Jackson, So.(6-7/320)
2 LT - 71 - Mark Kallenberger, #Fr.(6-6/282)

1 LG - 59 - Ross Reynolds, Sr.(6-4/295)
2 LG - 61 - Cole Banwart, So.(6-4/296)

1 C - 69 - Keegan Render, Sr.(6-4/307)

1 RG - 66 - Levi Paulsen, Jr.(6-5/305)
2 RG - 68 - Landan Paulsen, Jr.(6-5/305)​

1 RT - 74 - Tristan Wirfs, So.(6-5/320)
2 RT - 76 - Dalton Ferguson, Sr.(6-4/308)​

Are there any locks at Starter besides Wirfs and Jackson? Any locks in the remaining 2 deeps beyond Levi Paulson, Render and Reynolds (Banwart, Kallenberger, Ferguson, Landon)?

Do incoming Fr Jeff Jenkins (6-4/272), Cody Ince (6-5/260) or Jack Plumb (6-8/250) bulk up over the summer giving them a decent chance at making the two deeps?

1 DE - 98 - Anthony Nelson, Jr.(6-7/271)
2 DE - 57 - Chauncey Golston, So.(6-5/265)

1 DT - 95 - Cedrick Lattimore, Jr.(6-3/295)
2 DT - 90 - Sam Brincks, Sr.(6-5/275)
3 DT - 97 - Romeo McKnight, So.(6-4/257)

1 DT - 96 - Matt Nelson, Sr.(6-8/295)
2 DT - 91 - Brady Reiff, Jr.(6-3/272)
3 DT - 53 - Garret Jansen, Jr.(6-2/280)

1 DE - 40 - Parker Hesse, Sr.(6-3/261)
2 DE - 94 - A.J. Epenesa, So.(6-5/277)​

Are we worried at all about who gets to play here? Do any incoming Fr. have a chance here?

1 OLB - 49 - Nick Niemann, So.(6-4/232)
2 OLB - 35 - Barrington Wade, So.(6-1/233)

1 MLB - 52 - Amani Jones, Jr.(6-0/238)
2 MLB - 48 - Jack Hockaday, Sr.(6-1/235)
3 MLB - 43 - Dillon Doyle, Fr.(6-3/227)

1 WLB - 34 - Kristian Welch, Jr.(6-3/238)
2 WLB - 32 - Djimon Colbert, #Fr.(6-1/234)​

I see Amni as the only lock at starter, NIck and Barrington locks as 2 deeps, the rest is in the air? Incoming Fr besides Doyle and McDonald with a legit chance at making the two deeps ?

1 LC - 8 - Matt Hankins, So.(6-1/185)
2 LC - 3 - Trey Creamer, #Fr.(6-0/190)

1 RC - 11 - Michael Ojemudia, Jr.(6-1/199)
2 RC - 5 - Manny Rugamba, Jr.(5-11/193)
3 RC - 17 - Cedric Boswell, So.(5-11/190)​

Hankins & Ojemudia assured of 2 deeps, Creamer and Manny fighting for the two other spots with incoming Fr. D.J. Johnson and Terry Roberts?

1 SS - 27 - Amani Hooker, Jr.(6-0/210)
2 SS - 9 - Geno Stone, So.(5-11/209)

1 FS - 30 - Jake Gervase, Sr.(6-1/212)
2 FS - 37 - Brandon Snyder, Sr.(6-0/214)​

Are Geno and Amani a solid 2 deep at SS?. If Brandon is not 100% healthy at top speed, could he loose his spot in the two deeps to an incoming Fr. Julius Brents, Dallas Craddieth, and Kaevon Merriweather.?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I think that we all know that some of our biggest concerns are (in no particular order):

• Linebacker (because we just lost our top 4 LBs to graduation - and one of our better returning ones was just lost to an ACL tear)
• Punter (because we have eyes and we watched last season)
• Wide receiver (because of Iowa's history at the position - or lack of one - that and because we're still pretty young at the position)
• Offensive line (at least concerning depth on the OL ... and perhaps some have some concerns about the "transition" on the interior of the OL)

Despite these areas of concern - I would like to point out how some of our team strengths might be able to compensate for at least some of the concerns.

Tight Ends: We all know that TE will be a strength of the Hawks in '18 ... and we're dumb if we don't. That's not to say that the group doesn't have a lot of improvement to make - particularly in the areas of blocking and improving consistency catching the ball. However, I'm also supremely confident that our guys will make those improvements. With Brian teaching them - I think that will help them to know their roles on the field better - irrespective of what the given formation might be (this harkens back to Brian's comments about the importance of the conceptual understanding of the O). Furthermore, with Brian teaching them, I think that will further help them develop as blockers.

However, what are the implications of improved TE play? On the receiving side, it takes a little pressure off the WRs. Not only will more targets go the way of the TEs ... but the TEs will also garner more attention from opposing Ds. A consequence is that our WRs will frequently find themselves in man-coverage ... can they take advantage of such a match-up? Of course, hopefully the strength of Iowa's TE situation also serves as motivation for Iowa's WRs ... it's up to them to wrestle back those targets from the TEs. However, they'll have to earn it. This situation really opens up a lot of opportunities for the WRs if they can take advantage of them.

On the blocking side, improved TE blocking can help out the OL both in the run game and the passing game. In the run game, it likely strengthens our edge blocking - and that likely improves the effectiveness of our outside zone game. Also, other elements like toss-sweeps and other plays that go to the edge likely have greater chances for success too. Naturally, this could help our OL. Better edge blocking gives the interior line a little more wiggle room as they're working to improve their blocking as it relates to inside zones (within our zone game) and as it relates to to aspects of their blocking the power game (something Brian has woven in with increasing frequency).

Thus, I honestly believe that improvement among Iowa's TEs has a really possibility to both compensate for some of our WR and OL issues - while simultaneously helping the development of those areas too.

Safeties: Some folks might not realize it - but Iowa's safety situation is going to be a point of strength of our D in 2018. I'd be absolutely shocked if it's not considered a "comfort zone" for Phil Parker. Much like our TEs ... that's not to say that the guys don't have plenty of improvement yet to make. However, assuming that they DO make such improvement ... Phil Parker is going to deploy those safeties in a myriad of ways ... and it will help make our D play better as a result. Namely, we all know that we're staring down a transition at LB. The fact that we have 4 starting-quality safeties gives Phil Parker flexibility with how he can call the D.

In principle, he could make a run-stopping dime package where he has all 4 safeties on the field at the same time - the idea would be to pull out 2 of the young LBs ... put Brandon Snyder out playing a role similar to our LEO (against the pass) ... and then have Amani Hooker play the extra DB (because he has the experience to cover like a CB too). Subsequently, Gervase could stay at FS and Stone could come in and play at SS. With such a look - we'd be less likely to get caught in a match-up where a LB covers a WR (a situation that most pass-oriented teams attempt to exploit against us) .... but we also have the strength of having DBs on the field who are excellent against the run. Snyder, Hooker, and Stone all really have a great nose for the ball - and that's terrific against the run. On the flip side, Gervase tends to be very well positioned against the pass - and Hooker and Stone are certified ball-hawks!

Of course, I'd actually anticipate that Phil would more likely package the safeties more to get 3 of them on the field at the same time - and, in so doing, if he can play them enough - he could have the luxury of rotating them as needed. I could see him creating several nickel-like packages - with dramatically different objectives. However, I'm very intrigued on how he'd manipulate the personnel to achieve those aims. A guy like Amani Hooker allows for him to be very "multiple" defensively if he so chooses (because Amani is quite good with his run fills - but he also has excellent ball skills and is familiar with the coverage responsibilities of the nickel back (that is often performed by a CB).

Anyhow, I foresee that our safeties could help Phil to compensate for our youth/inexperience at linebacker. And that can help make our D that much stronger!

 

[JoelBittner]

Despite these areas of concern - I would like to point out how some of our team strengths might be able to compensate for at least some of the concerns.

Tight Ends: We all know that TE will be a strength of the Hawks in '18 ... and we're dumb if we don't. That's not to say that the group doesn't have a lot of improvement to make - particularly in the areas of blocking and improving consistency catching the ball. However, I'm also supremely confident that our guys will make those improvements. With Brian teaching them - I think that will help them to know their roles on the field better - irrespective of what the given formation might be (this harkens back to Brian's comments about the importance of the conceptual understanding of the O). Furthermore, with Brian teaching them, I think that will further help them develop as blockers.

The "blocking" thing; the "speed" thing; the "weight" thing; the "playbook" thing . . . these things get overblown on Hawkeye boards imo.
When you're a true sophomore and 1st year starter who is setting records you DON'T HAVE A LOT OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. Some room sure, but let's not go overboard. You're asking for a utopian reality in a dystopian universe.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

The "blocking" thing; the "speed" thing; the "weight" thing; the "playbook" thing . . . these things get overblown on Hawkeye boards imo.
When you're a true sophomore and 1st year starter who is setting records you DON'T HAVE A LOT OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. Some room sure, but let's not go overboard. You're asking for a utopian reality in a dystopian universe.

The bar is set high at Iowa at TE. The record would be for TE TDs ... and a big part of that has to do with utilization (attributable to Brian) ... and exploiting the mismatch that Fant affords. Fant had a lot of misses .... his production could have been even greater in terms of both yards and TDs.

Also, our rushing game was subpar ... and that was even with a quick 'sudden' guy like Wadley. In every game I caught missed blocks by Fant ... those are things he most definitely can improve upon. In fact, going off of the quality of blocking by Kittle .... there's no reason to suppose that Fant cannot reach that level either. If he does ... that would supply us with a significant gain at TE!

Lastly, strength and technique matters A LOT ... if it didn't then Fant would have been neutralized so effectively versus Wisconsin.

 

[BCRoss89]

The "blocking" thing; the "speed" thing; the "weight" thing; the "playbook" thing . . . these things get overblown on Hawkeye boards imo.
When you're a true sophomore and 1st year starter who is setting records you DON'T HAVE A LOT OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. Some room sure, but let's not go overboard. You're asking for a utopian reality in a dystopian universe.

3 quick things.

1 - Noah Fant has a lot of room for improvement plain and simple. He can improve his strength and physicality, especially his blocking and he has plenty of room to improve his catching ability and consistency. I don't care how many records he broke, Jerry Rice was the hardest working Receiver in the room ever year.
2. Speed, Weight, blocking and playbook studding are all essential factors in becoming the best you can be at every position.
3. Noah is not the only TE in the room. And we play 2 - 3 TEs a lot! All of our TEs need to improve their measurables and Football IQ. You never stay the same, you either get better or get worse.

Having said all this, we have a great TE room to start with, imagine how good we will be on O if all of TEs are consistently dominate blockers, precise route runners, have sticky fingers and run like deer! That's how we take a strength and turn it into a huge competitive and winning advantage.

Oh, and what ghost said....