How big of a loss is Austin Blythe?

[nu2u]

Blythe was a multi-year starter who anchored Iowa's OL the last couple of years. By "anchored" I mean that he was not only a very effective Center, itself a VIP position, but was also entrusted to lead that unit on the field. He is a consensus NFL draft pick. Obviously, a considerable position and player to replace.

Sean Welsh is listed as starting C this Spring. As far as I know, he has never played that position. I do believe Welsh was a solid player at OG.

Few questions: Is the move for Welsh permanent? Will James Daniels also compete at C this Fall? Finally, how big of an initial drop-off in performance is expected from Blythe to Welsh / Daniels(?) / Ferentz, if any, at the Center position next season? I have visions of LB blitzes causing possible havoc early next season.

 

[ichawk24]

You would have to think it will be a big loss.

I don't think they'd play Welsh there this Spring unless they thought he had a shot to win the job in the Fall. Kirk said recently that Welsh graded out in 2015 as good as any player on the team.

I'm not a D1 football coach, but Daniels looks like he may be too big for C, and maybe they prefer him elsewhere.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Just pure speculation but I think Kirk and Brian having Welsh play C in Spring is to get more experience in case Daniels gets hurt they have a great OL moving from G to C who is better than backups they have right now at C. Sounds like come Fall practice Daniels will be back with First team when healthy. Easier to move Welsh to C and plug in a quality backup at G instead of our backup centers right now. Plus KF has always said he wants the 5 best OL on the field and we saw that first hand last year when Welsh moved to T for N'western game and had a great game.

 

[SLarew]

My thinking is that if Welsh does well this Spring, he will stay at Center and Daniels will play OG where he did well last year. Blythe is loss for his experience but even with him at Center, Iowa had problems with blitz. I think coaches would prefer the more experienced OL at Center and Welsh will be one getting reps this Spring.

Either way, Daniels and Welsh are most probably among the 5 best OL so they will be starting. just not sure where they will play.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

About 295 pounds.

 

[icwesthawk]

I played one year of organized football, but I would think that next to qb, center might be the most important position on the field. Touches the ball every time on offense, usually seems to call out blocking assignments, I think very important.

 

[ukiddinme]

Blythe is HUGE loss. He's the QB of Oline. Center & QB have to be on same page as far as all blitz pick ups & other calls go. It's not easy getting the snap perfect & making the correct block. Centers & left tackles are highly coveted guys & need to be trusted that's why Sean will start @ center this year. Experience trumps all.

 

[Gridiron24]

I thought our line last season was the worst we've had since those 6-6 seasons in the mid-2000s.

Hopefully some of the younger guys can pick up the slack.

 

[ukiddinme]

I thought our line last season was the worst we've had since those 6-6 seasons in the mid-2000s.

Hopefully some of the younger guys can pick up the slack.

I think a lot of it starts w being less predictable on offense. "Shotgun", we're passing & certain personnel groupings we're running for sure. That makes it hard on an o line. Our OC, w KFs blessing needs to try to kp more Ds on their heals.

 

[Curt Furence]

I thought our line last season was the worst we've had since those 6-6 seasons in the mid-2000s.

Hopefully some of the younger guys can pick up the slack.

There were definitely times in pass protection that they were pretty terrible. I think a lot of that had to do with the revolving door due to injuries. Guys were playing tackle when they should not have had to ideally. Daniels didn't look so hot his first time at right tackle, but he is used to being an interior guy

 

[hexumhawk]

Having a QB that is mobile and actually knows when to scramble makes the OL look good sometimes in pass situations.

 

[Herkmeister]

We lost 2 NFL tackles the year before. Blythe's graduation hurts as well. There is substantial optimism that the line will be better in 2016. Certainly we have more talent than experience. Time will tell.

 

[EvilMonkeyInTheCloset]

I thought our line last season was the worst we've had since those 6-6 seasons in the mid-2000s.

Hopefully some of the younger guys can pick up the slack.

Which should make Iowa's performance all the more impressive to you, considering that we ran the ball infinitely better last year than we did the year before with a much better offensive line.

 

[millhawk]

Pass pro from our tackles was a problem, no doubt. That should be better this year...Croston added some muscle. That itself will help him a ton. Ike, if he stays healthy should be pretty good.
I'd love to get Waechter some pt this year. Looks like he is the heir apparent at lt for '17. He needs to get bigger tho. I have a feeling Welsh will be our center all year. Natural position for him, he will be a good one. I don't think it's a sure thing Daniels wins the rg spot. Render is a good one just needs experience. It might be a great battle in August.

 

[SigMaintHawk]

Lucas LeGrand was moved to the C position last year...He might eventually be in the rotation there, as they sort things out....