is there any update on this young bulldozer? I know he is nursing that ankle, but I’m curious as to how he’s coming along? I feel like he’s going to be a stud when he’s healthy.
Jayden McDonald
- Thread starter AlabamaHawk
- Start date
I don't know for sure, but believe whatever injury he had might have required surgery. We won't likely hear anything on him until the spring.
He is redshirting and will be back next year ready to tear it up. Same as Sampson Evans who had ankle surgery to clean it up since it was an ongoing nagging injury. Jeff Jenkins is is from the same area as Evans and will be redshirting too.
He and Nixon are a reason I am really excited about next year's defense.
I’d add Shannon to that list. We need more beef in the middle to plug the run and let our DE’s funnel everything inside to them.
I think Nixon sees the field but who do you have McDonald jumping to get any meaningful time? Nieman Colbert Welch Wade all return at outside backer. 3 have performed well and another sounds like will start this weekend.
Seth Benson and Dillon Doyle are a couple of other freshman LBs that have impressed. I believe both of these guys are probably included among the players "swimming in the shallow end" (i.e. a young player close to getting game snaps) that Kirk alluded to in his press conference today.
BTW, Riley Moss is a confirmed "deep end" player now according to KF and IMO clearly the surprise impact player of the 2018 recruiting class.
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I'd have him jumping over Nieman and Welch, possibly Wade. McD is going to be a stud, freaky athlete w great speed. Him and Jestin Jacobs are going to be really fun to watch flying around the field together.
I agree, I can see McDonald, Benson and Doyle being that next Iowa group of amazing linebackers.
Considering this years Defense is top 10 maybe top 5 don't know if next years defense will make a leap up the rankings. God knows Iowa would be unbeatable if the offense made the type of leap you're thinking about.
He may not jump ahead of anybody, but you do not have to start to make an impact. I could see him causing some problems on third down.
So you have them jumping over the starters but not the backups? Don’t see anyone taking Niemans spot when healthy. Welch is the most diverse of the 3 backers. Can play all 3 but the only you don’t think he jumps is Colbert? I think Welch may move back inside next year. I agree that Mcdonald and Jacobs are exciting athletes but we have some good linebackers and good competition. Don’t expect them to just come in and take over cause they’re exciting.
I can agree with this for sure. The adding depth part. I just don’t see them coming in and starting or anything. Agree they will be nice in the rotation. I took it as you were most excited for them like you expected them to come in and start. My bad
No because by season's end I think Colbert will solidify a spot as a starter. If Welch moves inside so be it. Nieman is good but McD is a different level when it comes to athleticism and speed in my opinion. Kid was Georgia HS defensive POY playing against the toughest competition in that state.
Woah slow down, that is not going to happen if those players stay healthy. Niemann is locked in at one spot and Welch will be counted on to be the senior leader. We'll see how Wade performs.
Chad Greenway and Josey Jewell were 1st team All-American LBs for Iowa and neither started as a freshman. McDonald should see some action on ST and games where the contest is decided.
You realize none of us are actually making these decisions, right?
Commit Jestin Jacobs bumped up to 4 star by 247 sports with the comment "his senior tape is some of the more active we’ve watched".
I can agree with Colbert solidifying a starting spot but just don’t see Nieman coming off the field. He’s real good. I think better than his brother and he is doing pretty well these days
I like Niemann a lot. I just think McD has the potential to be a special LB for us.
And that’s cool with me. That’s half the fun of these boards is predicting the future. I think he could be special as well just maybe not as soon as you.
This. Niemann has been without a doubt our best LB this season, and one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.
Yes. Those decisions will be made by the same coaches who prefer to play highly talented freshman sparingly. I like McDonald's potential as much as the next Iowa fan. 2020 will be his best shot at starting
If being "special" got someone a starting nod, then Eppy would be starting right now. Sadly, team politics and other considerations play a role on when and how often someone sees the field.
You think Phil Parker and Reece Morgan are basing their starting personnel and playing time decisions on "politics"?
Also, what specifically do you mean by "other considerations" ?
We'll see of course, but I could see a healthy Niemann joining his brother in the league, so I'd hold off on that one. Funny you said possibly Wade, who we seen little from at this point??????
Seriously? Please enlighten us in regards to AJ Epenesa, and how these are contributing to him not starting. It should be interesting to see how much rope you need to justify that comment........
Yeah that's why I said 'possibly'. I like Niemann I just think McD brings a higher level of athleticism and speed that will make him a special LB for us.
No way anybody will be jumping a healthy Niemann. Besides, McDonald is more of an ILB. Also, I'm as excited about McDonald as anybody ... but I don't know if anybody knows anything about how the speed of our LBs compare. I frankly wouldn't be shocked if he's not even close to being our speediest LB. However, there's a lot more to good LB play than just having speed too.
You have no clue about that.
Agree. I think his awareness and nose for the ball will be just as important.
Niemann grades out pretty highly - you can tell that from breaking down his play in games. Furthermore, he was one of the top LBs coming out of fall-camp ... that was pretty unanimous ... coming from both the coaches and fellow players. Lastly, it's no surprise that he was playing at the level he was ... he was a special teams ace last year AND he had the benefit of being mentored by his brother (who played the same exact position).
Yeah I like Niemann a lot. I think McD could be one of the better LBs we've had in a long time.
I hope you're right ... but Doyle is a talent too .... and who knows if Benson will shock us all and end up being the next Jewell or Angerer? I think that we have some really nice talent at LB ... so it will be intriguing to see how things shake out.
Also, like how Hockaday emerged this year ... I could see Jones having an awfully fine SR campaign next year too. The intangibles of good leadership are huge ... and Jones has it in spades.
Team politics? You are one stupid human.
Before I anoint him awesome I'll wait to see him on the field. Not trying to be a downer but he wasn't all that highly recruited. I haven't watched any video of him, I hope you all are right that he is going to be a good one.
Yeah, coaches often put their jobs/reputations on the line by letting politics and “other” considerations dictate who starts.
His HS tape was pretty sick. HS defensive POY playing against the highest level of competition in Georgia says a lot.
Oh good lord, grow up! Iowa team culture really strong - one of reasons is because the coaches have the players respect by playing the best players now! Not by playing the most stars!
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