Is this Normal???

[Baddog-25]

I enjoy following recruiting but it seems like we have an abnormal amount of walkons (17?) this year.
is that a normal amount per year???

 

[42hawk]

It maybe the new norm for Iowa going forward. A few changes make it much more feasible to have more walkons.

Expanded Meal Plan
Greater access to a world class training program
Much better Iowa HS players that have the frame and foot speed to develop into Big Ten players.
Massive increase in FB budget due to TV contract.
More of a focus on getting kids that want to "Attend Iowa" as opposed to just "Play football for Iowa"...less player turnover.
Also, I don't think you will see any more "gray shirts" at Iowa.

 

[spbc7]

No it is not normal

 

[Blair Sanderson]

I think we've seen around 10-12 in the past, so definitely more than normal.

 

[bravehawks1]

For the reasons noted above, having a good walk-on program is a good thing. Shows good interest in the program plus maybe you hit on one or two of this group that become starters but were not identified by other schools. We know guys like Reese Morgan are pretty good at identifying these players (Cole Croston and Josey Jewell are examples). Now, we will never win a NC or even B1G title if we have to rely on walkons, but it can never hurt. And since they may come with the proverbial "chip on the shoulder" since they weren't heavily recruited, they have some motivation. In many cases this will push everyone to improve. Take this to the corporate world, how many companies use volunteers or interns and because they are good, they get a job with the company?

 

[kceasthawk]

For the reasons noted above, having a good walk-on program is a good thing. Shows good interest in the program plus maybe you hit on one or two of this group that become starters but were not identified by other schools. We know guys like Reese Morgan are pretty good at identifying these players (Cole Croston and Josey Jewell are examples). Now, we will never win a NC or even B1G title if we have to rely on walkons, but it can never hurt. And since they may come with the proverbial "chip on the shoulder" since they weren't heavily recruited, they have some motivation. In many cases this will push everyone to improve. Take this to the corporate world, how many companies use volunteers or interns and because they are good, they get a job with the company?

I don't think having two or three or however many of these guys end up being starters is a bad thing if they produce. Iowa would certainly like to emulate Wisconsins success, and they have had many starters who were walk ons, and became all BIG players. Iowa has had a few as well.

 

[cidsports]

Wisconsin has done very well, since 2010. They have a very solid walk-on program.

 

[JBO 7]

When you think about it, walk ons should be a big priority for Iowa. They can’t out-recruit the blue bloods, so why not develop more local 2 stars who have potential? They seem to find a gem or two every year. Love that Bama can’t find a QB in this class...