Frustration with Iowa Strategies Around Transfer Portal

[WinOneThisCentury II]

I'm hoping our recruiting coordinators wake the hell up. If you look at teams like Michigan State and Minnesota, they are actively seeking to fill holes in their depth chart...and it's a vital part of their recruiting strategy. I know Iowa has taken a few in recent years...Van Valkenburg (kind of), Heflin, Cronk, and Williams...but it just doesn't seem like we are active enough based on the landscape changes in college football. If they are active...you certainly don't hear too much about it.

Listen, I don't think the transfer portal is the end all, be all, for our recruiting needs. Iowa is a developmental program at its heart. I will also say, the coaches know what they have and act accordingly. Let's face it, how many people were disappointed we didn't pick up a DT in the portal last year? I sure was...but the coaches knew (or hoped) the rotation of Shannon, Lee, Black, Van Ness, and Jones was going to be pretty good. They were right...and not disrupting that was a pretty good move as those guys are going to be nasty next year.

However, they have to be painfully aware we need help at the OT position. Have Richmond, Plumb & DeJung reached their peak, probably not, certainly not Richmond, but we were clearly suspect and struggled against the top teams in the league with great edge players. Attacking Iowa on the edge is the number one defensive strategy of every D-coordinator we will face.

Top tier OTs aren't exactly a volume commodity in the portal...but I think, based on what we saw this year...you have to hedge your bets. If we do nothing...we are banking another year on really young OL players...Richmond, Colby, etc. You will also need a few of the highly recruited guys that redshirted to step in. Once again...I think we will face serious consistency issues like we did this year due to the inexperience.

We also should be looking at RB (with Goodson leaving), and WR. We need depth and another big play guy.

 

[nbanflfactory]

I'm hoping our recruiting coordinators wake the hell up. If you look at teams like Michigan State and Minnesota, they are actively seeking to fill holes in their depth chart...and it's a vital part of their recruiting strategy. I know Iowa has taken a few in recent years...Van Valkenburg (kind of), Heflin, Cronk, and Williams...but it just doesn't seem like we are active enough based on the landscape changes in college football. If they are active...you certainly don't hear too much about it.

Listen, I don't think the transfer portal is the end all, be all, for our recruiting needs. Iowa is a developmental program at its heart. I will also say, the coaches know what they have and act accordingly. Let's face it, how many people were disappointed we didn't pick up a DT in the portal last year? I sure was...but the coaches knew (or hoped) the rotation of Shannon, Lee, Black, Van Ness, and Jones was going to be pretty good. They were right...and not disrupting that was a pretty good move as those guys are going to be nasty next year.

However, they have to be painfully aware we need help at the OT position. Have Richmond, Plumb & DeJung reached their peak, probably not, certainly not Richmond, but we were clearly suspect and struggled against the top teams in the league with great edge players. Attacking Iowa on the edge is the number one defensive strategy of every D-coordinator we will face.

Top tier OTs aren't exactly a volume commodity in the portal...but I think, based on what we saw this year...you have to hedge your bets. If we do nothing...we are banking another year on really young OL players...Richmond, Colby, etc. You will also need a few of the highly recruited guys that redshirted to step in. Once again...I think we will face serious consistency issues like we did this year due to the inexperience.

We also should be looking at RB (with Goodson leaving), and WR. We need depth and another big play guy.

You forgot qb

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I'm hoping our recruiting coordinators wake the hell up. If you look at teams like Michigan State and Minnesota, they are actively seeking to fill holes in their depth chart...and it's a vital part of their recruiting strategy. I know Iowa has taken a few in recent years...Van Valkenburg (kind of), Heflin, Cronk, and Williams...but it just doesn't seem like we are active enough based on the landscape changes in college football. If they are active...you certainly don't hear too much about it.

Listen, I don't think the transfer portal is the end all, be all, for our recruiting needs. Iowa is a developmental program at its heart. I will also say, the coaches know what they have and act accordingly. Let's face it, how many people were disappointed we didn't pick up a DT in the portal last year? I sure was...but the coaches knew (or hoped) the rotation of Shannon, Lee, Black, Van Ness, and Jones was going to be pretty good. They were right...and not disrupting that was a pretty good move as those guys are going to be nasty next year.

However, they have to be painfully aware we need help at the OT position. Have Richmond, Plumb & DeJung reached their peak, probably not, certainly not Richmond, but we were clearly suspect and struggled against the top teams in the league with great edge players. Attacking Iowa on the edge is the number one defensive strategy of every D-coordinator we will face.

Top tier OTs aren't exactly a volume commodity in the portal...but I think, based on what we saw this year...you have to hedge your bets. If we do nothing...we are banking another year on really young OL players...Richmond, Colby, etc. You will also need a few of the highly recruited guys that redshirted to step in. Once again...I think we will face serious consistency issues like we did this year due to the inexperience.

We also should be looking at RB (with Goodson leaving), and WR. We need depth and another big play guy.

As you indicated, the coaches know the composition of their roster better than we do.

My guess is that the coaches probably would have attempted to get a transfer OT if we found one who fit LAST YEAR because they likely didn't anticipate that Kallenberger would have left early.

Richman got thrown into the deep end ... and, should he not be too scarred as a result ... will probably come out next year an improved player. Colby obviously will as well ... and he might be able to slide out to OT (should that be something the coaches choose).

As we look to '22 (and beyond) ... I'm more than happy with the promise and upside of Richman and Coby at OT (wishful thinking there). I also like guys like Elsbury and Davidkov ... we have guys who can and will continue to develop. Thus, for '22, I'm not certain if I'm convinced that we need a transfer OT. At this stage, a transfer OT might do more harm than good (as it relates to impeding the development of guy who are already on the roster).

Also, I think that fans have a tendency of wanting to "chase stars." However, I think that the Iowa coaches are wise to not try to take another team's "sloppy seconds." I think that a lot of guys are leaving their teams because they weren't good enough to make it to the field on their own team. If the Hawks are to field a high-achieving team ... do we really want guys who weren't good enough on their original team?

Thus, the sort of transfer Iowa IS likely willing to go after are guys who EXCELLED at their prior school ... and are now looking for a new challenge ... looking to prove something more.

Frankly, of the guys out there fitting this latter description ... they might be more in the minority.

Furthermore, the Hawks are all about development and playing complementary football AS A TEAM. Some of the guys who are going out to the transfer portal ... some of them are going out there with only themselves in mind and not a concept of team. For a program like Iowa, it's critical about getting guys who are "fits." We don't just want some loose assemblage of individuals. That sort of collection of folks tends to deleteriously impact the locker room.

Anyhow, I expect that you can expect the Hawks to hit the portal just like they hit the recruiting game ... in a meticulous fashion. If they assess that they need a guy who can fill a hole on the roster ... you better believe that they're going to be extremely thorough in checking out the background of any guy whom they're interested enough to reach out to. Thus far, the main transfer guy I know that we're currently looking at is Jared Verse (a rush-end). We might be checking out some JUCO guys too. Beyond that ... I dunno ...

 

[QChawks]

What’s weird is we’ve had great success over the years with transfers.

I tried searching but I can’t find a list anywhere of transfers into the program in the last 10 years.

Sargent and Easley come to mind

 

[Frosty7130]

Iowa is following no less than 4 grad transfer OL right now. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it's not happening.

Kaden Lyles (Wisconsin transfer)
WKU RT
An All-American FCS OT
Another G5 OG who's name escapes me.

 

[Frosty7130]

What’s weird is we’ve had great success over the years with transfers.

I tried searching but I can’t find a list anywhere of transfers into the program in the last 10 years.

Sargent and Easley come to mind

Charlie Jones
ZVV
Coy Cronk
Jack Heflin
James Butler

Sargent and Easley were both JUCO players.

People hear transfer and think "surefire success", but that's absolutely not the case.

 

[QChawks]

Charlie Jones
ZVV
Coy Cronk
Jack Heflin
James Butler

Sargent and Easley were both JUCO players.

People hear transfer and think "surefire success", but that's absolutely not the case.

Ah thanks

forgot chuck jones was a transfer

 

[scotthawk1964]

I would be surprised if the coaching staff is not looking in depth at the transfer portal. They are not dumb, stubborn maybe, but not dumb. They have to know they cannot take this team any farther then winning the west without some specific upgrades. Unless Joey has really been on fire for the scout team this season, and looks like a star in the making, they need a portal QB for a season.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Iowa is following no less than 4 grad transfer OL right now. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it's not happening.

Kaden Lyles (Wisconsin transfer)
WKU RT
An All-American FCS OT
Another G5 OG who's name escapes me.

Thanks for the list!

 

[Arbor1]

I'm hoping our recruiting coordinators wake the hell up. If you look at teams like Michigan State and Minnesota, they are actively seeking to fill holes in their depth chart...and it's a vital part of their recruiting strategy. I know Iowa has taken a few in recent years...Van Valkenburg (kind of), Heflin, Cronk, and Williams...but it just doesn't seem like we are active enough based on the landscape changes in college football. If they are active...you certainly don't hear too much about it.

Listen, I don't think the transfer portal is the end all, be all, for our recruiting needs. Iowa is a developmental program at its heart. I will also say, the coaches know what they have and act accordingly. Let's face it, how many people were disappointed we didn't pick up a DT in the portal last year? I sure was...but the coaches knew (or hoped) the rotation of Shannon, Lee, Black, Van Ness, and Jones was going to be pretty good. They were right...and not disrupting that was a pretty good move as those guys are going to be nasty next year.

However, they have to be painfully aware we need help at the OT position. Have Richmond, Plumb & DeJung reached their peak, probably not, certainly not Richmond, but we were clearly suspect and struggled against the top teams in the league with great edge players. Attacking Iowa on the edge is the number one defensive strategy of every D-coordinator we will face.

Top tier OTs aren't exactly a volume commodity in the portal...but I think, based on what we saw this year...you have to hedge your bets. If we do nothing...we are banking another year on really young OL players...Richmond, Colby, etc. You will also need a few of the highly recruited guys that redshirted to step in. Once again...I think we will face serious consistency issues like we did this year due to the inexperience.

We also should be looking at RB (with Goodson leaving), and WR. We need depth and another big play guy.

Your first impulse is to tell the Iowa coaches to 'wake the hell up' even though you admit you have NO idea what they are/aren't doing? These boards are utterly amazing sometimes.

 

[denmar81]

Zone blocking probably narrows the available portal players as well.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

As you indicated, the coaches know the composition of their roster better than we do.

My guess is that the coaches probably would have attempted to get a transfer OT if we found one who fit LAST YEAR because they likely didn't anticipate that Kallenberger would have left early.

Richman got thrown into the deep end ... and, should he not be too scarred as a result ... will probably come out next year an improved player. Colby obviously will as well ... and he might be able to slide out to OT (should that be something the coaches choose).

As we look to '22 (and beyond) ... I'm more than happy with the promise and upside of Richman and Coby at OT (wishful thinking there). I also like guys like Elsbury and Davidkov ... we have guys who can and will continue to develop. Thus, for '22, I'm not certain if I'm convinced that we need a transfer OT. At this stage, a transfer OT might do more harm than good (as it relates to impeding the development of guy who are already on the roster).

Also, I think that fans have a tendency of wanting to "chase stars." However, I think that the Iowa coaches are wise to not try to take another team's "sloppy seconds." I think that a lot of guys are leaving their teams because they weren't good enough to make it to the field on their own team. If the Hawks are to field a high-achieving team ... do we really want guys who weren't good enough on their original team?

Thus, the sort of transfer Iowa IS likely willing to go after are guys who EXCELLED at their prior school ... and are now looking for a new challenge ... looking to prove something more.

Frankly, of the guys out there fitting this latter description ... they might be more in the minority.

Furthermore, the Hawks are all about development and playing complementary football AS A TEAM. Some of the guys who are going out to the transfer portal ... some of them are going out there with only themselves in mind and not a concept of team. For a program like Iowa, it's critical about getting guys who are "fits." We don't just want some loose assemblage of individuals. That sort of collection of folks tends to deleteriously impact the locker room.

Anyhow, I expect that you can expect the Hawks to hit the portal just like they hit the recruiting game ... in a meticulous fashion. If they assess that they need a guy who can fill a hole on the roster ... you better believe that they're going to be extremely thorough in checking out the background of any guy whom they're interested enough to reach out to. Thus far, the main transfer guy I know that we're currently looking at is Jared Verse (a rush-end). We might be checking out some JUCO guys too. Beyond that ... I dunno ...

I say just bring everyone back and then go get Cameron Ward at QB so we can win the national championship!!!

 

[WinOneThisCentury II]

Your first impulse is to tell the Iowa coaches to 'wake the hell up' even though you admit you have NO idea what they are/aren't doing? These boards are utterly amazing sometimes.

Yeah...I think they should wake the hell up. Listen, the only way you would know is if you are tracking it down through twitter follows. I'm not going to do that, but it's not like we are bringing on a lot of transfers. Williams last year...Jones the year before...so one a year basically. Does that seem adequate to you? Especially when you had the worst OL in the league this past year...and that's with an all-American at center. One a year seems like the absolute least we should do.

It's funny, that's what you focused on in the post. If you read the second paragraph, I'm complimenting the coaches on knowing their personnel. The point I was making, is that based on the number of transfers teams are taking and some high quality transfers that are making an immediate impact (MSU, Minnesota, etc)...we need to step up our game. We've had a few impact transfers over the past 3-4 years...and i'm hoping we are strategizing on ways to maximize transfers to cover our recruiting misses and add much needed depth. I'd say there is some room for improvement.

 

[Frosty7130]

Zone blocking probably narrows the available portal players as well.

You do realize virtually every football team employs at least some form of zone-blocking, right?

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Many times when you bring in a transfer, you are recruiting over the top of some guy that came in as a freshman. That may not mean anything to fans, but it can be hard on players that had hopes of playing.

It's not wrong to get transfers, it's not wrong to be careful with your existing roster.

Different coaches handle it differently.

 

[denmar81]

You do realize virtually every football team employs at least some form of zone-blocking, right?

So every o-lineman in the portal would fit right into Iowa’s blocking scheme? Iowa’s scheme is far from simple to learn and not every team runs the variants that Iowa does.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

Many times when you bring in a transfer, you are recruiting over the top of some guy that came in as a freshman. That may not mean anything to fans, but it can be hard on players that had hopes of playing.

It's not wrong to get transfers, it's not wrong to be careful with your existing roster.

Different coaches handle it differently.

Yeah, being hesitant to bring in solid, proven talent to fill gaps on your roster because you don't want to hurt some project 2-star walk-on's feelings is about as "Iowa" as it gets...

 

[Frosty7130]

So every o-lineman in the portal would fit right into Iowa’s blocking scheme? Iowa’s scheme is far from simple to learn and not every team runs the variants that Iowa does.

Not what I said.

But zone-blocking is not some mythical form of blocking that requires high-tier instruction. The vast majority of time spent on transfers is gonna be teaching them the offensive system, terminology, calls, and developing chemistry with everyone else.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Yeah, being hesitant to bring in solid, proven talent to fill gaps on your roster because you don't want to hurt some project 2-star walk-on's feelings is about as "Iowa" as it gets...

Well, that's not what I said, but ok.

Iowa has a lot of talent. If you have a 7 at some position and go get a 10, that's an easy call. Getting an 8 might not be as easy a decision.

 

[KuwaitHawk]

You forgot qb

People wish they could forget QB.

 

[CO_hawk]

Charlie Jones
ZVV
Coy Cronk
Jack Heflin
James Butler

Sargent and Easley were both JUCO players.

People hear transfer and think "surefire success", but that's absolutely not the case.

Did you just name almost all the transfers lately? Most of them being successful? And then say that's not the case?

 

[Frosty7130]

Did you just name almost all the transfers lately? Most of them being successful? And then say that's not the case?

The guy I was replying to wanted a list of transfers.

Recent transfers that didn't work out for Iowa:

Jack Combs
Coy Cronk
Matt Lorbeck
Matt Quarrels
Oliver Martin
Xavior Williams (so far)

Can Butler really be called a success for Iowa when he missed a majority of the season? And while ZVV is a solid DE, he's not the pass-rusher some make him out to be.

 

[sober_teacher]

I’m curious how many transfers the average school takes every year? Iowa normally takes a couple, probably could be a bit more proactive here just because of how many transfers there are every year. Even 5 years ago the number was a lot smaller than it is now.

I think it’s chancy to rely on a large number of transfers year in and year out. Sparty did this year out of necessity and it worked out, but that’s not a sustainable model for succcess imo. They hit on just about every transfer they had and I just don’t know if you can rely on doing that every year.

I think OL is an area they’ve identified, rush end might be another need, and also QB of course - if only because you have to expect one more transfer there I think.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

If you're wishing they would use the portal more, I suspect you'll continue to be disappointed.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Unpopular stance.

I respect KF for NOT giving into the portal. This staff has always been about development. As frustrating as it us for fans at times, he has never sugar coat this. He expects his guys to grow and compete. That's what he sells players and their parents on. I respect that.

 

[sober_teacher]

Unpopular stance.

I respect KF for NOT giving into the portal. This staff has always been about development. As frustrating as it us for fans at times, he has never sugar coat this. He expects his guys to grow and compete. That's what he sells players and their parents on. I respect that.

It also ignores that Kirk DOES use the portal, just not to the extent that some want him to.

 

[lonewolf52]

As you indicated, the coaches know the composition of their roster better than we do.

My guess is that the coaches probably would have attempted to get a transfer OT if we found one who fit LAST YEAR because they likely didn't anticipate that Kallenberger would have left early.

Richman got thrown into the deep end ... and, should he not be too scarred as a result ... will probably come out next year an improved player. Colby obviously will as well ... and he might be able to slide out to OT (should that be something the coaches choose).

As we look to '22 (and beyond) ... I'm more than happy with the promise and upside of Richman and Coby at OT (wishful thinking there). I also like guys like Elsbury and Davidkov ... we have guys who can and will continue to develop. Thus, for '22, I'm not certain if I'm convinced that we need a transfer OT. At this stage, a transfer OT might do more harm than good (as it relates to impeding the development of guy who are already on the roster).

Also, I think that fans have a tendency of wanting to "chase stars." However, I think that the Iowa coaches are wise to not try to take another team's "sloppy seconds." I think that a lot of guys are leaving their teams because they weren't good enough to make it to the field on their own team. If the Hawks are to field a high-achieving team ... do we really want guys who weren't good enough on their original team?

Thus, the sort of transfer Iowa IS likely willing to go after are guys who EXCELLED at their prior school ... and are now looking for a new challenge ... looking to prove something more.

Frankly, of the guys out there fitting this latter description ... they might be more in the minority.

Furthermore, the Hawks are all about development and playing complementary football AS A TEAM. Some of the guys who are going out to the transfer portal ... some of them are going out there with only themselves in mind and not a concept of team. For a program like Iowa, it's critical about getting guys who are "fits." We don't just want some loose assemblage of individuals. That sort of collection of folks tends to deleteriously impact the locker room.

Anyhow, I expect that you can expect the Hawks to hit the portal just like they hit the recruiting game ... in a meticulous fashion. If they assess that they need a guy who can fill a hole on the roster ... you better believe that they're going to be extremely thorough in checking out the background of any guy whom they're interested enough to reach out to. Thus far, the main transfer guy I know that we're currently looking at is Jared Verse (a rush-end). We might be checking out some JUCO guys too. Beyond that ... I dunno ...

Hopefully you will eventually see a OL lineup of

LT: Proctor
LG: Stephens
C : Milynski
RG: Colby
RT: Davidkov

Wouldn't mind throwing Green in there for good measure either....

 

[hawkandroll]

I think there's a lot that goes on in the portal that we'll never know about, but there are definitely some success stories as mentioned above

 

[CO_hawk]

The guy I was replying to wanted a list of transfers.

Recent transfers that didn't work out for Iowa:

Jack Combs
Coy Cronk
Matt Lorbeck
Matt Quarrels
Oliver Martin
Xavior Williams (so far)

Can Butler really be called a success for Iowa when he missed a majority of the season? And while ZVV is a solid DE, he's not the pass-rusher some make him out to be.

For they record I think they use it just fine. For some I think its just obvious they missed out on an O Line transfer last year. Maybe they misjudged that need, I don't know. But, as a whole. They welcome in good transfers that show interest.

 

[WinOneThisCentury II]

Hopefully you will eventually see a OL lineup of

LT: Proctor
LG: Stephens
C : Milynski
RG: Colby
RT: Davidkov

Wouldn't mind throwing Green in there for good measure either....

Richmond is going to be really good. He was clearly the best left tackle as a redshirt freshman. It's doubtful both Proctor, if he comes, and Davidikov beat him out after the experience he's gained this year. He's got a serious upside. It's likely Davidikov ends up inside somewhere. The future looks bright...it's just a few years away.

A solid OT transfer adds depth and if you are fortunate, they prove to be what Jack Heflin was...a big time player who controlled the line of scrimmage...and he made plays. There is a reason he hung on with the Packers. Dude was really underappreciated by the fan base.

 

[sober_teacher]

Hopefully you will eventually see a OL lineup of

LT: Proctor
LG: Stephens
C : Milynski
RG: Colby
RT: Davidkov

Wouldn't mind throwing Green in there for good measure either....

Don’t forget Ince and Britt returning, they had rotten luck with nagging injuries this year. Have also heard Colby might be best at tackle.

For they record I think they use it just fine. For some I think its just obvious they missed out on an O Line transfer last year. Maybe they misjudged that need, I don't know. But, as a whole. They welcome in good transfers that show interest.

OLine got hurt by injuries a lot this year and Kallenberger leaving affected the depth chart as well. I think both the coaches, and us, have been spoiled by better line play the past few years and just expected the guys to come along faster than they did this year.

 

[cleotishaywood]

Unpopular stance.

I respect KF for NOT giving into the portal. This staff has always been about development. As frustrating as it us for fans at times, he has never sugar coat this. He expects his guys to grow and compete. That's what he sells players and their parents on. I respect that.

I think every coach in America hopes or even expect that their players come into their programs and excel and grow but unfortunately that doesn't always happen. Kirk has a pretty decent track record running a developmental program but should not be above looking outside the box to see if he can increase his chances of bettering his team.
His recruits are told that they will be given a chance to come in and compete but there are no guarantees. The portal has become a fact and there is no shame in taking it into consideration.

 

[Kinnick.At.Night]

Your first impulse is to tell the Iowa coaches to 'wake the hell up' even though you admit you have NO idea what they are/aren't doing? These boards are utterly amazing sometimes.

Couch turds screaming between wings and farts about how incredibly obvious it is to "fix" Iowa football.

 

[Hawk68]

Unpopular stance.

I respect KF for NOT giving into the portal. This staff has always been about development. As frustrating as it us for fans at times, he has never sugar coat this. He expects his guys to grow and compete. That's what he sells players and their parents on. I respect that.

You can respect KF all you want; I do. However, he has been here over 20 years using his development system. The portal has been around a couple. KF has to keep up with the major changes. If you can get a developed player from the portal, why not take years to develop one? I would think taking four or five players a year from the portal that the position coaches want would be about the right %.

 

[WinOneThisCentury II]

Couch turds screaming between wings and farts about how incredibly obvious it is to "fix" Iowa football.

What would you expect on a football board, dude? No, people voicing their opinions on a message board...get out of here. Would you rather talk about the wings and farts?

 

[Kinnick.At.Night]

What would you expect on a football board, dude? No, people voicing their opinions on a message board...get out of here. Would you rather talk about the wings and farts?

I guess I hold out hope for something intelligent. What's your favorite color?

 

[CO_hawk]

I guess I hold out hope for something intelligent. What's your favorite color?

Drive down to the store and count the amount of intelligent people you see/find/meet on the way.
Are you surprised it would be any different on the internet?
Not saying I'm intelligent.

 

[farina1]

I'm hoping our recruiting coordinators wake the hell up. If you look at teams like Michigan State and Minnesota, they are actively seeking to fill holes in their depth chart...and it's a vital part of their recruiting strategy. I know Iowa has taken a few in recent years...Van Valkenburg (kind of), Heflin, Cronk, and Williams...but it just doesn't seem like we are active enough based on the landscape changes in college football. If they are active...you certainly don't hear too much about it.

Listen, I don't think the transfer portal is the end all, be all, for our recruiting needs. Iowa is a developmental program at its heart. I will also say, the coaches know what they have and act accordingly. Let's face it, how many people were disappointed we didn't pick up a DT in the portal last year? I sure was...but the coaches knew (or hoped) the rotation of Shannon, Lee, Black, Van Ness, and Jones was going to be pretty good. They were right...and not disrupting that was a pretty good move as those guys are going to be nasty next year.

However, they have to be painfully aware we need help at the OT position. Have Richmond, Plumb & DeJung reached their peak, probably not, certainly not Richmond, but we were clearly suspect and struggled against the top teams in the league with great edge players. Attacking Iowa on the edge is the number one defensive strategy of every D-coordinator we will face.

Top tier OTs aren't exactly a volume commodity in the portal...but I think, based on what we saw this year...you have to hedge your bets. If we do nothing...we are banking another year on really young OL players...Richmond, Colby, etc. You will also need a few of the highly recruited guys that redshirted to step in. Once again...I think we will face serious consistency issues like we did this year due to the inexperience.

We also should be looking at RB (with Goodson leaving), and WR. We need depth and another big play guy.

Since Richman is a RS Freshman playing his first year I doubt he is anywhere near his peak. The other two are more disappointing from the standpoint that they have been in the program several years.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Iowa is following no less than 4 grad transfer OL right now. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it's not happening.

Kaden Lyles (Wisconsin transfer)
WKU RT
An All-American FCS OT
Another G5 OG who's name escapes me.

Yeah why do people assume that Iowa coaches aren't actively going after guys in the portal? For really good players in the portal - who haven't already made decisions before they enter the portal -- their recruitment can be even more competitive than high school players. The players Iowa has been interested in all are getting offers from other P5 teams. It's a 2-way street, the player in the portal has to be interested in Iowa too.

Like high school recruiting, there is going to be hits and missed in transfer recruits as well. Indiana brought in a bunch of transfers this year and everyone thought they would be great. They didn't win a Big 10 game.

MSU brought in a lot of transfers, they won 10 games. Seems like heavy transfer route might be good for programs trying to get established/building quickly. At more established programs, seems wise to go the transfer route to fill needs. Iowa should be in market for OL. I would also argue they should for WR and RB. WR room is now very thin with Ragaini, Bruce and Johnson being the guys (I suppose Ritter also).

 

[BigDelHawk]

Transfer portal is dangerous. Zero net gain when you lose your future to the portal when you bring a guy in for a one-year backfill.