Is the 2018 recieving core the best unit on the Iowa football team?

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out.

Running back= the 2 guys returning have less than 500 yards and 4 TDs combined. Fant alone trumps that.

OLINE, replace 2 or 3 interior linemen, including a very skilled center. Nod WR/TE.

Dback, safety is set, but who even knows who the CB's will be? We could start true freshman.

LB=no.

So its Dline or Wr/TE.

We have stud DE's but with Nixon not making it, and the young heavyweights being freshman, there are some serious questions about run stuffing on the inside.

With what we have seen from Easley, Ism, Fant, Hock, and the addition of T. Tracy, you could make a serious argument for the recieveing group being the best unit on the team.

What say you?

 

[Noble Hawk]

I say your crazy.

Not so much because what you said is crazy, it is. I just want someone to correct my spelling/grammar.

 

[Bonerfarts]

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

Since you're including the TEs, perhaps.

But there is a lot of experience and talent on that D-Line.

I would add the chances of the QB position being one of strength are also good.

If Fant and TJ are the duo we expect and someone like a Brandon Smith or ISM emerges as a consistent playmaker then you have a compelling case.

As it is right now, though, the D-Line is Iowa's best.

 

[Harbinger273]

Since you're including the TEs, perhaps.

But there is a lot of experience and talent on that D-Line.

I would add the chances of the QB position being one of strength are also good.

If Fant and TJ are the duo we expect and someone like a Brandon Smith or ISM emerges as a consistent playmaker then you have a compelling case.

As it is right now, though, the D-Line is Iowa's best.

Great point including the QB position. I'll have to go with D-line and then QB after that. Coming in behind those 2 I'd have to say RB, one of the 2 (IKM or Young) is going to burst on the scene in 2018!

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Since you're including the TEs, perhaps.

But there is a lot of experience and talent on that D-Line.

I would add the chances of the QB position being one of strength are also good.

If Fant and TJ are the duo we expect and someone like a Brandon Smith or ISM emerges as a consistent playmaker then you have a compelling case.

As it is right now, though, the D-Line is Iowa's best.

Don't forget they are returning 50 catches in N.E.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

You could argue we are going to have some of the best DEnds in the B10 but you could also argue we are going to have the best TE duo in the country.

 

[3buzzmable]

My vote is for D-Line and then secondary. Iowa regularly played 8 guys on the DL, 7 are back. There will be a really good football player at safety who will not start this season, just not sure who that will be. OJ, Manny, and Hankins have all started games at Iowa. Plus serious talent coming in the freshman class. Competition will be fierce and will be coached by one of the best.

 

[DaCDiggity]

Can't wait to watch Tyrone tracy

 

[goodbyebobby]

You could argue we are going to have some of the best DEnds in the B10 but you could also argue we are going to have the beat TE duo in the country.

Does any team truly come close? I have no idea but find it hard to believe.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

You could argue we are going to have some of the best DEnds in the B10 but you could also argue we are going to have the beat TE duo in the country.

Some competing teams would claim that Iowa's #1 WR is about as scary as their #3 WR. Thus, while the Hawks may have the best TE duo in the nation ... at this current juncture, it would appear as though Iowa has one of the least intimidating WR groups of P5 programs. Thus, there is a balancing in that sobering fact. Don't get me wrong ... as the season progresses, I'm cautiously optimistic about the prospects of our WR corps. However, they're far from "there" yet.

In contrast, lest we forget, Cedrick Lattimore is 295 lbs and started for nearly half the season. Matt Nelson's name is written with a sharpie on the depth chart ... and he's a 290 lb guy and also started for nearly half the season. By the end of the season, Matt Nelson's play was excellent. When you also consider how productive Brady Reiff was ... I would think that it is somewhat foolish to sell Iowa's DTs short. Last year, the only guy who saw extensive prior reps at DT was Bazata. Now, as we enter 2018, we return 3 guys who saw extensive quality reps. Those guys are a year stronger, a year more experienced, and, perhaps more importantly, a year more confident.

If there are any worries about "lack of beef" at DT ... that will be compensated by the fact that Brincks, Golston, and Hesse will also rotate in on the interior and help ensure that the primary DTs are fresh.

 

[Harbinger273]

I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out.

Running back= the 2 guys returning have less than 500 yards and 4 TDs combined. Fant alone trumps that.

OLINE, replace 2 or 3 interior linemen, including a very skilled center. Nod WR/TE.

Dback, safety is set, but who even knows who the CB's will be? We could start true freshman.

LB=no.

So its Dline or Wr/TE.

We have stud DE's but with Nixon not making it, and the young heavyweights being freshman, there are some serious questions about run stuffing on the inside.

With what we have seen from Easley, Ism, Fant, Hock, and the addition of T. Tracy, you could make a serious argument for the recieveing group being the best unit on the team.

What say you?

Truth be told WDDT, I have 5 position groups that I predict to be better but that includes the TE's stand alone and not a part of the WR's. However, if the WR's make a marked improvement and we see another TE season comparable to last or even better, and I include the TE's which technically are a part of the receiving corp they may well come out on top. Tough competition here tho. Man that DL could be world beaters, and our secondary is in reload mode at this point. So now I see I come full circle and realize this team may be a damn good one if the "stars align"! If the RB's can feed off an improved passing game and the defense makes up for the new LB corp. things could get real good. Gotta reign in my optimism tho. Alot would have to go right.

 

[desihawk]

If the DL turns out to be the best unit, I worry about this season s record ecause at this point I'm feel like the DTs won't be stout against the run.
So my hope is that the OL will be the best unit. The offense is going to have carry the load this fall and hope the OL plays a big part in maximizing TOP and keeping that DL effective late in games.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Truth be told WDDT, I have 5 position groups that I predict to be better but that includes the TE's stand alone and not a part of the WR's. However, if the WR's make a marked improvement and we see another TE season comparable to last or even better, and I include the TE's which technically are a part of the receiving corp they may well come out on top. Tough competition here tho. Man that DL could be world beaters, and our secondary is in reload mode at this point. So now I see I come full circle and realize this team may be a damn good one if the "stars align"! If the RB's can feed off an improved passing game and the defense makes up for the new LB corp. things could get real good. Gotta reign in my optimism tho. Alot would have to go right.

All good things sir. I'm putting the numbers in my favor by including the TE's for sure, but that is all part of the passing game. It is DL vs receiving core 100% Imo. Some are bullish on the DL, I think if "we" get ANYTHING out of the X it's the WR's. Easley is a safety net Nate S. will now have had for 2 years. Noah. Hock and cook are going to each get a couple. Smith-Marsette is one one of the most dynamic players we have had in a long time. He had some freshman w.t.f's but he also showed up a couple times(see 45 sec and 70 sec below).

 

[spbc7]

WR is a lot closer to worst position group than best position group

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Some competing teams would claim that Iowa's #1 WR is about as scaring as their #3 WR. Thus, while the Hawks may have the best TE duo in the nation ... at this current juncture, it would appear as though Iowa has one of the least intimidating WR groups of P5 programs. Thus, there is a balancing in that sobering fact. Don't get me wrong ... as the season progresses, I'm cautiously optimistic about the prospects of our WR corps. However, they're far from "there" yet.

In contrast, lest we forget, Cedrick Lattimore is 295 lbs and started for nearly half the season. Matt Nelson's name is written with a sharpie on the depth chart ... and he's a 290 lb guy and also started for nearly half the season. By the end of the season, Matt Nelson's play was excellent. When you also consider how productive Brady Reiff was ... I would think that it is somewhat foolish to sell Iowa's DTs short. Last year, the only guy who saw extensive prior reps at DT was Bazata. Now, as we enter 2018, we return 3 guys who saw extensive quality reps. Those guys are a year stronger, a year more experienced, and, perhaps more importantly, a year more confident.

If there are any worries about "lack of beef" at DT ... that will be compensated by the fact that Brincks, Golston, and Hesse will also rotate in on the interior and help ensure that the primary DTs are fresh.

Words of wisdom. I just worry about wiscy just having enough weight, no matter, to push them back. I agree 100% rotation is going to be "our" best friend. Like last year if "we" get in games late we will win games later due to the waves of DL.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

WR is a lot closer to worst position group than best position group

Not if you include TE.

 

[Harbinger273]

All good things sir. I'm putting the numbers in my favor by including the TE's for sure, but that is all part of the passing game. It is DL vs receiving core 100% Imo. Some are bullish on the DL, I think if "we" get ANYTHING out of the X it's the WR's. Easley is a safety net Nate S. will now have had for 2 years. Noah. Hock and cook are going to each get a couple. Smith-Marsette is one one of the most dynamic players we have had in a long time. He had some freshman w.t.f's but he also showed up a couple times(see 45 sec and 70 sec below).

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Already seen ISM. If he makes the kind of jump Fant did from year to year that will certainly contribute to receiving "core" being the best group. Could really stand to have B. Smith step up a little too. Of course, thats been covered already. Technically Easley will not have been here for 2 years til aft the season. Was here here for spring ball last season. Maybe more like a year and a half. Anyway, I'd like to have 5 groups hitting on all cylinders and be unable to tell who was best.

 

[3buzzmable]

I think Brincks sticks at DT and will fill a nice role there. Golston will take his reps at DE. I thought Lattimore took a big step this spring. Matt Nelson will be in year two at DT, a full offseason for AJE, Hesse will be an anchor, and Anthony Nelson will be a star. I loved Bazata, but this DL will be better.

 

[anon_gjzkhykcp9iuj]

I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out.

Running back= the 2 guys returning have less than 500 yards and 4 TDs combined. Fant alone trumps that.

OLINE, replace 2 or 3 interior linemen, including a very skilled center. Nod WR/TE.

Dback, safety is set, but who even knows who the CB's will be? We could start true freshman.

LB=no.

So its Dline or Wr/TE.

We have stud DE's but with Nixon not making it, and the young heavyweights being freshman, there are some serious questions about run stuffing on the inside.

With what we have seen from Easley, Ism, Fant, Hock, and the addition of T. Tracy, you could make a serious argument for the recieveing group being the best unit on the team.

What say you?

I see you and raise you a "a defensive lineman will lead the team in points".

 

[Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia]

Well said ... I think this is the most “complicated unit” of receivers which includes the TE’s we have had since Hayden Fox was around..

I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out.

Running back= the 2 guys returning have less than 500 yards and 4 TDs combined. Fant alone trumps that.

OLINE, replace 2 or 3 interior linemen, including a very skilled center. Nod WR/TE.

Dback, safety is set, but who even knows who the CB's will be? We could start true freshman.

LB=no.

So its Dline or Wr/TE.

We have stud DE's but with Nixon not making it, and the young heavyweights being freshman, there are some serious questions about run stuffing on the inside.

With what we have seen from Easley, Ism, Fant, Hock, and the addition of T. Tracy, you could make a serious argument for the recieveing group being the best unit on the team.

What say you?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Words of wisdom. I just worry about wiscy just having enough weight, no matter, to push them back. I agree 100% rotation is going to be "our" best friend. Like last year if "we" get in games late we will win games later due to the waves of DL.

The beauty of the physics of line-play is that a D-lineman, with excellent bend, can remain very low and still exert a substantial force. The D-lineman's low pad level only supplies the opposing O-lineman a very small lever-arm unless the O-lineman can find some purchase under the D-lineman's pads. If the D-lineman is using his hands well - it will be hard for the O-lineman to get the right hand positioning.

Consequently, without the benefit of a longer lever-arm - the O-lineman has to push with several times the force to counter the D-lineman's torque. The O-lineman could then hope to simply drive the D-lineman backwards (apply a force for the purpose of translation rather than rotation) - but the D-lineman has the benefit of the traction that friction supplies him. If the D-lineman plays low ... that potentially forces the O-lineman to apply a force that is partially downward on the D-lineman. If that's the case, that only increases the normal force exerted on the D-lineman by the ground ... and that further increases the maximum possible frictional force.

 

[unoHawkeye]

I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out.

Running back= the 2 guys returning have less than 500 yards and 4 TDs combined. Fant alone trumps that.

OLINE, replace 2 or 3 interior linemen, including a very skilled center. Nod WR/TE.

Dback, safety is set, but who even knows who the CB's will be? We could start true freshman.

LB=no.

So its Dline or Wr/TE.

We have stud DE's but with Nixon not making it, and the young heavyweights being freshman, there are some serious questions about run stuffing on the inside.

With what we have seen from Easley, Ism, Fant, Hock, and the addition of T. Tracy, you could make a serious argument for the recieveing group being the best unit on the team.

What say you?

Iowa’s WR’s are annually one of its weakest groups, so the TE’s are really carrying the entire unit here.

Top to bottom, I like the defensive backs better

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

The beauty of the physics of line-play is that a D-lineman, with excellent bend, can remain very low and still exert a substantial force. The D-lineman's low pad level only supplies the opposing O-lineman a very small lever-arm unless the O-lineman can find some purchase under the D-lineman's pads. If the D-lineman is using his hands well - it will be hard for the O-lineman to get the right hand positioning.

Consequently, without the benefit of a longer lever-arm - the O-lineman has to push with several times the force to counter the D-lineman's torque. The O-lineman could then hope to simply drive the D-lineman backwards (apply a force for the purpose of translation rather than rotation) - but the D-lineman has the benefit of the traction that friction supplies him. If the D-lineman plays low ... that potentially forces the O-lineman to apply a force that is partially downward on the D-lineman. If that's the case, that only increases the normal force exerted on the D-lineman by the ground ... and that further increases the maximum possible frictional force.

 

[Herkmeister]

I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out.

Running back= the 2 guys returning have less than 500 yards and 4 TDs combined. Fant alone trumps that.

OLINE, replace 2 or 3 interior linemen, including a very skilled center. Nod WR/TE.

Dback, safety is set, but who even knows who the CB's will be? We could start true freshman.

LB=no.

So its Dline or Wr/TE.

We have stud DE's but with Nixon not making it, and the young heavyweights being freshman, there are some serious questions about run stuffing on the inside.

With what we have seen from Easley, Ism, Fant, Hock, and the addition of T. Tracy, you could make a serious argument for the recieveing group being the best unit on the team.

What say you?

You my friend, are the man! This bored is boring as hell this time of year and you have the courage to disrupt it.

Well done.

 

[Hawkdome]

I say that are cheerleaders are the best unit on the field this year.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

About 25 messages into this thread and no one has pointed out the WOB on the subject line?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Iowa’s WR’s are annually one of its weakest groups, so the TE’s are really carrying the entire unit here.

Top to bottom, I like the defensive backs better

Given the heights demonstrated by Rugamba in flashes ... given the flashes we saw last year from Hankins ... and given how relatively steady Ojemudia was ... assuming that each of those guys makes improvements, I could definitely understand folks being excited about our CB situation. Furthermore, when you add recruits to the mix like Roberts, Johnson, and Brents ... I can understand how folks might, in fact, be quite excited about our CB situation.

Mind you, I'm only talking about CB play above. I'd argue that our CB situation seems "more solid" than our WR situation. And, I'd bet that more folks probably feel justifiably excited about our CBs compared to our WRs. After all, Phil Parker is also a proven commodity ... and since 2015, he's coached up 2 award winning CBs.

Then, when you add our safeties to the mix ... with an emerging star like Amani ... and 2 veteran stalwarts in Gervase and Snyder ... then you know to expect a high level of play. And, mind you, that's not even counting the excitement generated by Stone ... who had once heck of a game against Nebraska last year!

 

[Dick Rambone]

Roberts will come in way ahead of a typical Freshman CB, He has already had years of practice and coaching of how Iowa's CBs operate and if You watch His tape He backpedals and gets jumps and reads on balls like a college CB. Thanks Javon .

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Roberts will come in way ahead of a typical Freshman CB, He has already had years of practice and coaching of how Iowa's CBs operate and if You watch His tape He backpedals and gets jumps and reads on balls like a college CB. Thanks Javon .

With Jovon's "insider knowledge" of how Phil does things ... that certainly gives Roberts a little bit of an edge. However, Brents has an impressive frame ... and Johnson was pretty much the Hawks top CB target from the get-go. Thus, it will be interesting to see how the competition among our CB depth ends up shaking out.

 

[Quintana]

About 25 messages into this thread and no one has pointed out the WOB on the subject line?

not a true WOB. must be a different pronunciation.

 

[Pepperman]

The beauty of the physics of line-play is that a D-lineman, with excellent bend, can remain very low and still exert a substantial force. The D-lineman's low pad level only supplies the opposing O-lineman a very small lever-arm unless the O-lineman can find some purchase under the D-lineman's pads. If the D-lineman is using his hands well - it will be hard for the O-lineman to get the right hand positioning.

Consequently, without the benefit of a longer lever-arm - the O-lineman has to push with several times the force to counter the D-lineman's torque. The O-lineman could then hope to simply drive the D-lineman backwards (apply a force for the purpose of translation rather than rotation) - but the D-lineman has the benefit of the traction that friction supplies him. If the D-lineman plays low ... that potentially forces the O-lineman to apply a force that is partially downward on the D-lineman. If that's the case, that only increases the normal force exerted on the D-lineman by the ground ... and that further increases the maximum possible frictional force.

I read this twice and still didn't understand it, but I'm 100% confident it is true. NO MOAR FISIKS, Homer!

 

[David1979]

I don't think a case can be made at all for that.

 

[Chicagohawk2019]

We don’t have a NFL talent WR, but we have a filthy D-line with tons of of talent. So I disagree

 

[Harbinger273]

About 25 messages into this thread and no one has pointed out the WOB on the subject line?

Receiving core(sic)?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I read this twice and still didn't understand it, but I'm 100% confident it is true. NO MOAR FISIKS, Homer!

Open a door by pushing on the outer part of the door .... easy as pie. This is an example where you have more leverage because there is a LONGER lever-arm.

Open a door by pushing on the inner part of the door .... bloody difficult. The lever-arm is far smaller, so you have far less leverage.

If you want to change the motion of the door the same amount in each case - if you push it on the inner part of door, you need to push MUCH, MUCH harder.

If a D-lineman is playing upright, if the O-lineman drives him at shoulder-level ... then he has a long lever-arm and has more leverage. This is like opening the door on the outer edge of the door. The O-lineman will easily win the battle in this case.

If the D-lineman is playing low, then the O-lineman is usually stuck having a much smaller lever-arm to work with (like pushing on the inner part of the door). Consequently, it takes a lot more force to move the D-lineman.

This is but one element of leverage (torque) as it relates to line-play.

 

[Pepperman]

Open a door by pushing on the outer part of the door .... easy as pie. This is an example where you have more leverage because there is a LONGER lever-arm.

Open a door by pushing on the inner part of the door .... bloody difficult. The lever-arm is far smaller, so you have far less leverage.

If you want to change the motion of the door the same amount in each case - if you push it on the inner part of door, you need to push MUCH, MUCH harder.

If a D-lineman is playing upright, if the O-lineman drives him at shoulder-level ... then he has a long lever-arm and has more leverage. This is like opening the door on the outer edge of the door. The O-lineman will easily win the battle in this case.

If the D-lineman is playing low, then the O-lineman is usually stuck having a much smaller lever-arm to work with (like pushing on the inner part of the door). Consequently, it takes a lot more force to move the D-lineman.

This is but one element of leverage (torque) as it relates to line-play.

That does make perfect sense.

Nice use of the door analogy, although I usually just kick doors off their hinge and scream "where is the son of a bitch?" I find people don't challenge me much once they've seen my display of strength and furious anger.

 

[Suterman]

1) Secondary
2) D Line
There are really question marks everywhere else. Tight ends are the best group but if clumped with Wrs become average.

 

[madmax1191]

In addition to the mentioned above. Aside from B. Smith, Groneweg, and even IKM outta the backfield or slot!,
Max Cooper, Beyer, D. Cook, will seriously add to the WR/TE units.
If ISM can man up and mature into a serious player? This WR unit is gonna be very good! Been a while since we could say that.

 

[Suterman]

In addition to the mentioned above. Aside from B. Smith, Groneweg, and even IKM outta the backfield or slot!,
Max Cooper, Beyer, D. Cook, will seriously add to the WR/TE units.
If ISM can man up and mature into a serious player? This WR unit is gonna be very good! Been a while since we could say that.

We can be hopeful that the WR group can be good but the only one who has shown ANYTHING is Easley. The others have done nothing.