Hawkeyes Have Plug-n-Play LBs

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

How many teams could replace three outstanding senior LBs the way Iowa has this year...and not just once, but almost game after game? Not many, of course.

Yet it seems that whoever they send out there does a solid job. The defense has continued to be outstanding. I just wanted to emphasize the point since it's easy to forget about how Iowa has overcome all kinds of injuries and adversities at LB on top of having to replace three starters. Pretty impressive.

 

[BioHawk]

And it's not like Indiana's offense was terrible

 

[QChawks]

I agree it’s impressive how we recruit LB. we take 2 star athletes and build them into all big ten players. Find kids who have some speed and like to fight and bam you have a gamer.

 

[HawkLogic]

alabama

 

[Bulldog64]

Its a lot easier to replace LBs when you have an active and physical line

 

[anon_i8nzeu2gbf0ba]

I said "not many," but yes, maybe Alabama is one. Maybe.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

They still look pretty inexperienced at times, especially in coverage. But they have a damn high ceiling and I have a feeling Doyle is going to be an absolute stud when he gets his shot.

 

[bphawkeye_Rivals]

alabama

Alabama does gather a bunch of 5 stars and turn many of them into 1 star ability.

 

[m.stoops2013]

The d-line & back 4 might have just a little bit to do with it.

 

[hawkosx]

Alabama does gather a bunch of 5 stars and turn many of them into 1 star ability.

Exactly, Alabama gets a bunch of 4-5 stars that never even sees PT

 

[td77]

Our Dline has been the best it’s been in years. Big assist to them.

 

[hawkeyeinmo]

There is not near the drop off in talent when this team goes to backups as in past Hawkeye teams. One of the biggest differences in talent in past when Iowa played against a “blue blood” was depth. Injuries were devastating and they were able to sub and wear down the thinner Iowa team.

 

[michael.nelson311]

Its cuz of the dline experience...we saw in 05 the opposite when Hodge and greenway couldn't keep guys off them...

 

[Harbinger273]

The LB's are doing a decent job despite the obvious adversity. And pointing out the experienced DL and back 4 being there to help is right. It would be great to build quality depth at LB the way we have at DL and we may be doing just that.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

With a top 20 dline, good safeties, and above average corners the LB group is getting a lot of support on that D.
They are doing a serviceable job, which is just fine all things considered.

 

[BioHawk]

Alabama does gather a bunch of 5 stars and turn many of them into 1 star ability.

Attitude has a lot to do with that. Many of those 5 stars aren't used to having to work very hard to get what they want then they get to a program like Alabama and get eaten alive.

 

[bphawkeye_Rivals]

The LB's are doing a decent job despite the obvious adversity. And pointing out the experienced DL and back 4 being there to help is right. It would be great to build quality depth at LB the way we have at DL and we may be doing just that.

back 4 has 2 trFR playing. Hooker was practically doing everything today - and did anyone else notice that they deliberately went away from him? That won't happen with better LBs!

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

With a top 5 dline.

Fify

 

[TKingpin]

I agree on Hooker. I know Eppy and Nelson get the sacks and publicity and Hesse is monumentally under-rated, but Hooker might be the MVP of the defense.

 

[millhawk]

They still look pretty inexperienced at times, especially in coverage. But they have a damn high ceiling and I have a feeling Doyle is going to be an absolute stud when he gets his shot.

According to coach Wallace in a recent podcast you could be right about Doyle.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

According to coach Wallace in a recent podcast you could be right about Doyle.

Don’t forget about Jayden McDonald when he is healthy and back as I believe he is going to be a beast out there for the Hawks with his athleticism. Back seven is pretty loaded for the Hawks with those two, DJ Johnson, Craddieth, and the incoming players too. Love what we are seeing for the future of the program.

 

[kceasthawk]

With a top 20 dline, good safeties, and above average corners the LB group is getting a lot of support on that D.
They are doing a serviceable job, which is just fine all things considered.

Its interesting we can say that about the CB's though don't you think, since we have basically turned over that position TWICE, since the end of last season as well. Future studs at LB, Doyle, and Benson, who have received much mention from the staff, haven't even been forced into regular snaps as they would most certainly have in previous years after being decimated by graduation at this key position. Cudos to the staff for quietly bringing in quality depth, and getting them ready to contribute early. Just a PS, but does anyone want to still bring up the young talented players never see the field at Iowa tripe?

 

[kceasthawk]

I agree on Hooker. I know Eppy and Nelson get the sacks and publicity and Hesse is monumentally under-rated, but Hooker might be the MVP of the defense.

Once again Saturday, all Parker Hesse did was make plays..........

 

[nu2u]

They still look pretty inexperienced at times, especially in coverage. But they have a damn high ceiling and I have a feeling Doyle is going to be an absolute stud when he gets his shot.

The coaches are really high on freshmen Doyle and Benson. Benson in particular has really risen since he arrived in June ….from late scholarship offer to the two-deeps in a few months. McDonald is another LB in that class and we all know about his talent. The future at LB looks very bright indeed.