Iowa football recruiting thoughts

[MichiganVictory]

After the 2016 season and early recruiting success in 2017, Kirk has the chance to turn this class into something special for Iowa. But there's a lot that needs to happen. Without question Iowa needs to have a great 2016 season (10 wins) but also their recruiting effort needs to be kicked up.

We saw a lot of talented kids from Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland go to schools outside the B1G last year. I'm not just talking about the elites either. Seems like a good opportunity for a school like Iowa to step forward and sell the program. On the other hand, times have changed with regard to recruiting. Many schools have staffs dedicated to recruiting (outside the coaching staff). Michigan for instance has a director of player personnel and then a team of recruiting coordinators or analysts (whichever you want to call them) and their job is to help manage a national recruiting effort. They aren't the only ones involved in recruiting either, again there is an entire staff involved. It makes we wonder, does Iowa have a staff like this? With the facilities in place I would think it is time to step up recruiting to the modern era as well because I think Iowa could be one of the elites in the B1G West every single year.

 

[Hawkeyefan1234]

Yep, good points. Having an elite Defensive End like A.J. Epenesa is a really good starting point for Iowa's class. Probably starts right away and will be really good.

 

[Hawk68]

I would like to see KF emulate Harbaugh's dedication to recruiting to a larger extent. But, not to the excess of sleeping next to a recruit.

 

[uniFIGHTuniFIGHT]

I'm all for keeping up the honest efforts. But we need to figure out how to pay players and give them steroids and hide all of this from the NCAA.

 

[GunnerHawk]

I'm all for keeping up the honest efforts. But we need to figure out how to pay players and give them steroids and hide all of this from the NCAA.

That is not the Iowa way. I do not want to cheat to win. Without ethics you are nobody.

Eventually it catches up to you, look at Mississippi. They are going to get hammered by the NCAA.

 

[Hawks_Rock_12]

Pretty sure uniFIGHTuniFIGHT was being facetious !

 

[Hawks_Rock_12]

Yep, good points. Having an elite Defensive End like A.J. Epenesa is a really good starting point for Iowa's class. Probably starts right away and will be really good.

While I think AJ could earn some early playing time, I seriously doubt he will start right away. Nelson and Hesse would both be JR's.

 

[Hawkeyefan1234]

While I think AJ could earn some early playing time, I seriously doubt he will start right away. Nelson and Hesse would both be JR's.

One of those guys maybe moves inside to D-Tackle. Epenesa has radar talent. Can be the same kind of difference maker similar to Mylrs Garrett or Joey Bosa.

 

[Hawks_Rock_12]

One of those guys maybe moves inside to D-Tackle. Epenesa has radar talent. Can be the same kind of difference maker similar to Mylrs Garrett or Joey Bosa.

At 6'8" Matt Nelson is NOT moving inside to D-tackle ! That leaves Hesse and he doesn't have the frame to carry 280-290 lbs. Barring injury AJ will not be starting his FR year, again he will see playing time.

 

[Hawkeyefan1234]

At 6'8" Matt Nelson is NOT moving inside to D-tackle ! That leaves Hesse and he doesn't have the frame to carry 280-290 lbs. Barring injury AJ will not be starting his FR year, again he will see playing time.

I think he will start (Epenesa). Iowas has success with the undersized d tackles (Daniels, Trinca-pasta,etc). It's going to be really hard to not start Epenesa. Rare, freakish talent.

 

[Hawk and Awe]

At 6'8" Matt Nelson is NOT moving inside to D-tackle ! That leaves Hesse and he doesn't have the frame to carry 280-290 lbs. Barring injury AJ will not be starting his FR year, again he will see playing time.

And it doesn't matter. Having depth on the d-line is HUGE. If those guys are all that talented theyll all be on the field plenty

 

[Hawks_Rock_12]

And it doesn't matter. Having depth on the d-line is HUGE. If those guys are all that talented theyll all be on the field plenty

Agree !

 

[Buckwatcher]

I think AJ is going to have a shot of coming in and playing right away. Not a knock against Nelson or Hesse but they aren't nearly the talent of AJ. They don't have the explosiveness that AJ shows in his films.

 

[Drew003]

Our new recruiting strategy appears to be to build early, strong relationships before others start recruiting. We are doing some impressive early work with some of these class of 17 and 18 kids. We also appear to be trying to raid the state of Missouri given its proximity and Mizzou's recent fall from grace.

 

[hawkbleeder]

I think AJ is going to have a shot of coming in and playing right away. Not a knock against Nelson or Hesse but they aren't nearly the talent of AJ. They don't have the explosiveness that AJ shows in his films.

No question.

 

[Herkmeister]

Our new recruiting strategy appears to be to build early, strong relationships before others start recruiting. We are doing some impressive early work with some of these class of 17 and 18 kids. We also appear to be trying to raid the state of Missouri given its proximity and Mizzou's recent fall from grace.

You can't discount our 12-0 record either. That is having a significant impact.

 

[whatsup13579er]

Do you care I'm not discount our 12-0 record either. That is having a significant impact.

This. Having the Tigerhawk all over ESPN and Iowa in the discussion for the CFP all year is huge. Combine that with getting in early on recruits, which Iowa seems to always do, and it could all equal a special class. To pull it all together KF needs to put together another successful season this fall. Can't have another 8-5 type season like they did in 2010 after the Orange Bowl. The 3 week stretch where Iowa plays Wisc, @PSU, and Mich is going to be huge as far as national relevance assuming they can take care of business in the first 7 games.

 

[DutchyFunStar]

AJ could be in the raider package but I don't see him starting...

 

[whatsup13579er]

AJ could be in the raider package but I don't see him starting...

I agree with this. AJ probably comes in as a pass rusher in passing situations where his athleticism can really shine. I know he is really, really good but I have no idea if he is a come in right away and start guy.