OL outlook and Spring/Fall shuffling

[BigOHawk]

Given James Daniels jump to NFL, what do you foresee potentially happening on Oline?

• Render did play Center during a game last fall IIRC, wonder if he'll go back there?
• More on the Center position...Duwa practiced there as did Banwart and Williams as well, so obviously Polasek and company trying options there
• Kallenburger surged late in season in practice per reports and had solid bowl prep, I wonder if Wirfs or Jackson move inside to a Guard and Big Mark is tried perhaps at RT?
• As someone stated, we used to have a "Tackle" problem, now it seems maybe we could have just the opposite, gotta love college football with graduation, turnover, transfers and early jumps to the NFL
• At least we have 9 months until the opener, we are going to need it to establish the OL again, although I bet Wirfs, Kallenbruger and all others have a great winter conditioning and we create the Bullies of the B10 again!

 

[Dick Rambone]

I bet the tackles stay the same and Kallenberger winning a Guard spot . that 3 talented Young OL

 

[TKingpin]

My guess:
Jackson, Render, Banwart or Williams, Reynolds, Wirfs.

Sounds to me like it is a battle between Banwart and Williams for the center spot.

If Kallenberger can push for either side guard, then maybe Render does move over to Center. Always good to have experience st Center. That would be fantastic.

Obviously I am guessing Alaric stays at LT, and Wirfs stays at RT.

Then our depth looks to be made up of Levi & whichever of these 3 don’t win a starting job: Banwart, Williams and Kallenberger.

Guessing that is your top 8. Does Dalton Ferguson re-surface at tackle?

 

[MWardT]

LT: Jackson (he played on the left last year)
LG: Reynolds (he rotated with Render at this same spot last year)
C: Render (he played this position when Daniels was out)
RG: Paulsen (started RT in bowl game but may be more of a guard anyway. Get best 5 on field)
RT: Wirfs (he played on the right side majority of last year)

Wasn't Dalton Ferguson in the mix before an injury? Perhaps he could be the third tackle? He'll be a senior.

Also not sure what happened to LeGrand, but he could play center as well. He'll be a senior.

Didn't Jake Newborg move to OL and was playing center? Is he still playing OL?

Cole Banwart and Spencer Williams are some of the young names, but we know little about them.

Kallenberger and Kirkpatrick look to be the young guys of the future at tackle, but they may not be ready from a physical standpoint yet.

Regardless, after next year, we'll lose Reynolds, Render, Paulsens, LeGrand, and Ferguson (not sure if he is on scholarship). Thus, we need to take about 5 OL in the 19' class, IMO.

 

[DutchyFunStar]

For some reason I feel that Wirfs has better feet and is more nimble that might be more of a benefit at LT. Jackson is a beast too so it may not matter.

 

[RogerKint]

LT: Jackson (he played on the left last year)
LG: Reynolds (he rotated with Render at this same spot last year)
C: Render (he played this position when Daniels was out)
RG: Paulsen (started RT in bowl game but may be more of a guard anyway. Get best 5 on field)
RT: Wirfs (he played on the right side majority of last year)

Wasn't Dalton Ferguson in the mix before an injury? Perhaps he could be the third tackle? He'll be a senior.

Also not sure what happened to LeGrand, but he could play center as well. He'll be a senior.

Didn't Jake Newborg move to OL and was playing center? Is he still playing OL?

Cole Banwart and Spencer Williams are some of the young names, but we know little about them.

Kallenberger and Kirkpatrick look to be the young guys of the future at tackle, but they may not be ready from a physical standpoint yet.

Regardless, after next year, we'll lose Reynolds, Render, Paulsens, LeGrand, and Ferguson (not sure if he is on scholarship). Thus, we need to take about 5 OL in the 19' class, IMO.

I believe Paulsens will be juniors next year.

 

[Harbinger273]

LT: Jackson (he played on the left last year)
LG: Reynolds (he rotated with Render at this same spot last year)
C: Render (he played this position when Daniels was out)
RG: Paulsen (started RT in bowl game but may be more of a guard anyway. Get best 5 on field)
RT: Wirfs (he played on the right side majority of last year)

Wasn't Dalton Ferguson in the mix before an injury? Perhaps he could be the third tackle? He'll be a senior.

Also not sure what happened to LeGrand, but he could play center as well. He'll be a senior.

Didn't Jake Newborg move to OL and was playing center? Is he still playing OL?

Cole Banwart and Spencer Williams are some of the young names, but we know little about them.

Kallenberger and Kirkpatrick look to be the young guys of the future at tackle, but they may not be ready from a physical standpoint yet.

Regardless, after next year, we'll lose Reynolds, Render, Paulsens, LeGrand, and Ferguson (not sure if he is on scholarship). Thus, we need to take about 5 OL in the 19' class, IMO.

PAULSEN twins were sophomores this past season. Man alive this OL business has me concerned for next year.

 

[dbrocket]

Given James Daniels jump to NFL, what do you foresee potentially happening on Oline?

• Render did play Center during a game last fall IIRC, wonder if he'll go back there?
• More on the Center position...Duwa practiced there as did Banwart and Williams as well, so obviously Polasek and company trying options there
• Kallenburger surged late in season in practice per reports and had solid bowl prep, I wonder if Wirfs or Jackson move inside to a Guard and Big Mark is tried perhaps at RT?
• As someone stated, we used to have a "Tackle" problem, now it seems maybe we could have just the opposite, gotta love college football with graduation, turnover, transfers and early jumps to the NFL
• At least we have 9 months until the opener, we are going to need it to establish the OL again, although I bet Wirfs, Kallenbruger and all others have a great winter conditioning and we create the Bullies of the B10 again!

Most likely to me is Jackson and Wirfs at tackle, Banwart at C, and Reynolds and Render at guard. That said, I think the inside 3 positions are a scrum with Render, Reynolds, Kallenberger, Banwart, Williams, the Paulsens* and possibly others fighting for a spot. I think the best C plays there, then the next two best linemen slot into the guard spots.

*I'm aware that only one of them has made a real push. But this is the time when people can come out of the woodwork. I really think a lot of guys will get a shot. Who seizes the opportunity?

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Spencer Williams was the next center against North Texas

 

[Auger]

Next season will likely have a lot of growing pains on the OL which could be worse than this last year. the Daniels news really stinks. while Daniels had a very up and down year because of injuries he is a top 5 center when healthy and his experience would have been a huge help next year. The center is basically the QB of the Iowa OL.

Jackson and Wirfs showed promise but both are still a long ways away from being consistent above average B1G linemen. They still lack a lot of technical and physical traits that guys like Scherff, Bulaga and Reiff showed early in their careers.

Kallenberger- I have heard similar that he is on the rise and actually could be the best of the current guys on the roster when it is all said and done. Has a lot more natural talent then Jackson and Wirfs. I have heard him compared to Gallery by a guy I know that is involved with Iowa football. wouldn't be surprised to see him start at LG next year. However like Gallery he will struggle early in his career but may show dominance every once an awhile.

The other guys are your typical fillers on the Iowa OL. Upside being Solid B1G OL, downside being slightly below avg. The majority of OL's KF has had during his time are overall average talent but he typically has had a 1st Rd Draft type guy with another above avg guy or two that make the OL seem top notch. The 1st Rd guy has been missing lately and may not even be in the system right now. Next year we will lack that type of talent and maybe even a 1st, 2nd or 3rd team All B1G type as well. Daniels would have been that 1st Team type of talent. In 2 years however we could have 2-3 guys that make All-B1G teams. The talent is there its just how talented and just how long before it develops.

 

[HawkTex]

Most likely to me is Jackson and Wirfs at tackle, Banwart at C, and Reynolds and Render at guard. That said, I think the inside 3 positions are a scrum with Render, Reynolds, Kallenberger, Banwart, Williams, the Paulsens* and possibly others fighting for a spot. I think the best C plays there, then the next two best linemen slot into the guard spots.

*I'm aware that only one of them has made a real push. But this is the time when people can come out of the woodwork. I really think a lot of guys will get a shot. Who seizes the opportunity?

Who ever plays OG needs to play more physically than our LG tandem this past year.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Next season will likely have a lot of growing pains on the OL which could be worse than this last year. the Daniels news really stinks. while Daniels had a very up and down year because of injuries he is a top 5 center when healthy and his experience would have been a huge help next year. The center is basically the QB of the Iowa OL.

Jackson and Wirfs showed promise but both are still a long ways away from being consistent above average B1G linemen. They still lack a lot of technical and physical traits that guys like Scherff, Bulaga and Reiff showed early in their careers.

Kallenberger- I have heard similar that he is on the rise and actually could be the best of the current guys on the roster when it is all said and done. Has a lot more natural talent then Jackson and Wirfs. I have heard him compared to Gallery by a guy I know that is involved with Iowa football. wouldn't be surprised to see him start at LG next year. However like Gallery he will struggle early in his career but may show dominance every once an awhile.

The other guys are your typical fillers on the Iowa OL. Upside being Solid B1G OL, downside being slightly below avg. The majority of OL's KF has had during his time are overall average talent but he typically has had a 1st Rd Draft type guy with another above avg guy or two that make the OL seem top notch. The 1st Rd guy has been missing lately and may not even be in the system right now. Next year we will lack that type of talent and maybe even a 1st, 2nd or 3rd team All B1G type as well. Daniels would have been that 1st Team type of talent. In 2 years however we could have 2-3 guys that make All-B1G teams. The talent is there its just how talented and just how long before it develops.

Oddly enough, almost every year a younger guys seems to "emerge" for the Hawks. Part of it is the coaches seeing potential ... and trying to make sure that they cultivate it early ... another part of it is the need to develop depth (especially considering that a number of years back, we had some recruiting "whiffs").

Here's the historical "trend:"
'09: Reiff (RS FR)
'10: J. Ferentz (RS SO), MacMillan (RS FR ... injuries ultimately derailed his career)
'11: Scherff (RS FR)
'12: Blythe (RS FR)
'13: Walsh (RS SO)
'14: Welsh (RS FR)
'15: Daniels (TR FR)
'16: Render (RS SO)
'17: Wirfs (TR FR), Jackson (RS FR)

So who are the young guys to step up in '18?

Possible and/or likely candidates:
RS SO: Banwart, Williams
RS FR: Kallenberger, Kirkpatrick
TR FR: Ince, Jenkins

Also, while the coaches gave Render reps at C this past year ... with an eye towards the '19 season, I'm inclined to believe that the coaches may opt to start a younger guy at C in '18. That will necessarily imply that we'll have a bigger transition on the OL in '18 ... but it may ultimately lead to a smoother transition in '19.

A poster on this board who apparently knows some guys on the DL has claimed that Kallenberger may be further from being game-ready than many of us suppose. However, I'm not certain how much I believe such a contention because I know that he was running with the #1s and #2s quite a bit during fall-camp. I do know that Mike Riley's staff at Nebraska really had Kallenberger targeted as being among one of their "top wants" on the OL a few years back ... so the kid clearly was viewed as having a pretty high potential.

Levi Paulsen worked a lot on special teams (presumably kick protection) ... and has seen quality positional snaps in at least 3 games during his career (including something like 2 starts). Thus, while he might be one of the "meh" players on the OL (as described in Auger's post) ... he might also take really positive steps in his development and develop into the next Tobin or Van Sloten. Not to be over-dramatic about it ... but I was genuinely heartened to see Levi rise to the challenge when he's been put in high pressure situations. From my perspective ... at least having one of the Paulsen brothers emerge and maintain some consistency is pretty critical as it relates to the depth of the OL (heading into '18 and '19).

 

[Layoutman]

Want to preface my statement by saying I appreciate all of the hard work the kids and staff put in. From in season/camp activities through the grind of off season weight training and spring ball.

With that said, the depth and experience of the OL unit is thin at best and will be a limiting factor in next seasons success. With little depth and experience staying healthy is crucial....we can't lose 2 Tackles like we did in the 2017 season.

Another year within the Doyle system and the maturation of the OL group will offset some of the following concerns.

Center: True the Iowa centers read and signal assignments based upon defensive alignments. I'm not concerned with the collective intelligence of the OL group. These kids are sharp and this should be a non issue. My concern, Iowa's centers pull frequently and it takes a real athlete with agility to snap and pull with authority. As good as Daniels was at C he still got beat and sometimes frequently...This position, more so than the G and T positions concern me the most.

Guard: The rotating of Williams and Render at LG this season will pay dividends this coming year. Provided one is not moved to Center. Le Paulsen should be in the mix as well but I have reservations about his performance. His performance in the Pinstripe bowl and against Michigan in 2016 was abysmal he was beaten repeatedly both pass and run blocking. Someone from the OL group really needs to step up and be the next man in if Render goes to center.

Tackle: Wirfs and Jackson grew up in a hurry this season. The coaches will get them into correct alignment LT or RT. Hope Kallenberger is ready to be the next man in. The cupboard is pretty lean after the three I mentioned.

Avoiding injury is going to be key along with some internal growth/development following closely. We simply can't withstand losing 2 tackles again.

Lack of development and injuries to Tackle will manifest itself in several ways. The most serious is getting your skill position people hurt.

 

[anon_8rcdnbko1jbe0]

Oddly enough, almost every year a younger guys seems to "emerge" for the Hawks. Part of it is the coaches seeing potential ... and trying to make sure that they cultivate it early ... another part of it is the need to develop depth (especially considering that a number of years back, we had some recruiting "whiffs").

Here's the historical "trend:"
'09: Reiff (RS FR)
'10: J. Ferentz (RS SO), MacMillan (RS FR ... injuries ultimately derailed his career)
'11: Scherff (RS FR)
'12: Blythe (RS FR)
'13: Walsh (RS SO)
'14: Welsh (RS FR)
'15: Daniels (TR FR)
'16: Render (RS SO)
'17: Wirfs (TR FR), Jackson (RS FR)

So who are the young guys to step up in '18?

Possible and/or likely candidates:
RS SO: Banwart, Williams
RS FR: Kallenberger, Kirkpatrick
TR FR: Ince, Jenkins

Also, while the coaches gave Render reps at C this past year ... with an eye towards the '19 season, I'm inclined to believe that the coaches may opt to start a younger guy at C in '18. That will necessarily imply that we'll have a bigger transition on the OL in '18 ... but it may ultimately lead to a smoother transition in '19.

A poster on this board who apparently knows some guys on the DL has claimed that Kallenberger may be further from being game-ready than many of us suppose. However, I'm not certain how much I believe such a contention because I know that he was running with the #1s and #2s quite a bit during fall-camp. I do know that Mike Riley's staff at Nebraska really had Kallenberger targeted as being among one of their "top wants" on the OL a few years back ... so the kid clearly was viewed as having a pretty high potential.

Levi Paulsen worked a lot on special teams (presumably kick protection) ... and has seen quality positional snaps in at least 3 games during his career (including something like 2 starts). Thus, while he might be one of the "meh" players on the OL (as described in Auger's post) ... he might also take really positive steps in his development and develop into the next Tobin or Van Sloten. Not to be over-dramatic about it ... but I was genuinely heartened to see Levi rise to the challenge when he's been put in high pressure situations. From my perspective ... at least having one of the Paulsen brothers emerge and maintain some consistency is pretty critical as it relates to the depth of the OL (heading into '18 and '19).

Nice post ghost. Lots of competition for the inside spots nothing but a good thing moving forward. Look forward to see you lands

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Who ever plays OG needs to play more physically than our LG tandem this past year.

Tobin and Scherff rotated at OG in '11. In many respects, their play was okay ... but neither was able to wrestle the starting spot outright from the other. Scherff then slid over and won the LT spot in '12. Of course, as we all know, Scherff got injured and lost for the season that year ... so Tobin slid over to LT and played pretty admirably at the spot. Tobin's improvement from '11 to '12 was one of the biggest developmental jumps I've seen for the Hawks. One of the other big leaps was the improvement Calloway had at RT ... he went from being a human turnstile in '07 ... to being a pretty formidable guy in '08.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Want to preface my statement by saying I appreciate all of the hard work the kids and staff put in. From in season/camp activities through the grind of off season weight training and spring ball.

With that said, the depth and experience of the OL unit is thin at best and will be a limiting factor in next seasons success. With little depth and experience staying healthy is crucial....we can't lose 2 Tackles like we did in the 2017 season.

Another year within the Doyle system and the maturation of the OL group will offset some of the following concerns.

Center: True the Iowa centers read and signal assignments based upon defensive alignments. I'm not concerned with the collective intelligence of the OL group. These kids are sharp and this should be a non issue. My concern, Iowa's centers pull frequently and it takes a real athlete with agility to snap and pull with authority. As good as Daniels was at C he still got beat and sometimes frequently...This position, more so than the G and T positions concern me the most.

Guard: The rotating of Williams and Render at LG this season will pay dividends this coming year. Provided one is not moved to Center. Le Paulsen should be in the mix as well but I have reservations about his performance. His performance in the Pinstripe bowl and against Michigan in 2016 was abysmal he was beaten repeatedly both pass and run blocking. Someone from the OL group really needs to step up and be the next man in if Render goes to center.

Tackle: Wirfs and Jackson grew up in a hurry this season. The coaches will get them into correct alignment LT or RT. Hope Kallenberger is ready to be the next man in. The cupboard is pretty lean after the three I mentioned.

Avoiding injury is going to be key along with some internal growth/development following closely. We simply can't withstand losing 2 tackles again.

Lack of development and injuries to Tackle will manifest itself in several ways. The most serious is getting your skill position people hurt.

RE: Guard - Sorry to pick nits ... but it was Reynolds (JR in '17) and Render (JR in '17) who rotated at LG.

RE: Tackle - Ferguson and LeGrand (if he sticks around) could be top back-ups at OT in '18. They've both been in the system a long time and likely could be decent as a next-man-in. While you're clearly critical of Levi Paulsen ... and that is certainly fair ... it's also important to recognize that each of the example you draw upon are cases where he was young and pretty inexperienced. The point concerning Paulsen being ... maybe he takes the next step and can emerge to play with greater consistency in '18? Regardless, Levi is a guy who could be a back-up at either RG or RT. Maybe he surprises and can make a push for the starting spot at RG ... who knows?

As we move forward, guys like Banwart and Williams appear to be "in the picture" as contributors on the interior. Kallenberger is a guy who could make things interesting at OT ... or perhaps push for a spot at OG.

That's part of the fun thing about watching college football ... none of the players are finished products. Guys can and do improve. Some guys jump out of the gates right away ... other guys might be late bloomers. Sometimes a walk-on impresses and helps to make the whole unit better. Who wasn't impressed by Bruggeman's SR campaign in '08?

 

[jdv77]

I think that we need to reserve judgment and hope for health in the spring. There is no doubt that the new center will be less physically talented than Daniels. But if the candidates on the line are all healthy in the spring, there is at least a chance of developing cohesion that was not possible last spring (when Daniels was out due to surgery) or fall (Myers and Boettger both going down, Daniels not being healthy enough to start the season).

I think that I would prefer to see someone else win the C job besides Render, but he did step in and play it one game last fall. He would be better with a whole spring and fall at the position.

I think that Alaric Jackson and Tristan Wirfs can both be very good, this fall. Render and Reynolds are experienced at guard, and if the season started tomorrow I suspect you would see LT Jackson, LG Reynolds, C Render, RG Paulsen, RT Wirfs.

I am not as concerned about how this shakes out, though, because we do not have a shortage of interior options. Tackle is a harder position to find, and we have our tackles set for the next 3 years.

 

[HawkLogic]

Given James Daniels jump to NFL, what do you foresee potentially happening on Oline?

• Render did play Center during a game last fall IIRC, wonder if he'll go back there?
• More on the Center position...Duwa practiced there as did Banwart and Williams as well, so obviously Polasek and company trying options there
• Kallenburger surged late in season in practice per reports and had solid bowl prep, I wonder if Wirfs or Jackson move inside to a Guard and Big Mark is tried perhaps at RT?
• As someone stated, we used to have a "Tackle" problem, now it seems maybe we could have just the opposite, gotta love college football with graduation, turnover, transfers and early jumps to the NFL
• At least we have 9 months until the opener, we are going to need it to establish the OL again, although I bet Wirfs, Kallenbruger and all others have a great winter conditioning and we create the Bullies of the B10 again!

If Kallenberger is a good OT backup, how does having a single backup constitute a wealth of Tackles? There are two Paulson brothers that can play inside and plenty of Center/Guard types. If Kallenberger is a stud, he'll move to guard and swing out to OT if either Wirf or Jackson miss time next year.

 

[nu2u]

2018 OG recruit Jeff Jenkins is physically ready to play right away IMO but I believe he gets pressed into action only if an upperclassman suffers a serious injury.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

 

[TKingpin]

Not sure if our OT is set for the next 3 years. If they improve as freshmen are ought to do, then we may only have these two for another 2 years.

 

[CanadaHawk]

Oddly enough, almost every year a younger guys seems to "emerge" for the Hawks. Part of it is the coaches seeing potential ... and trying to make sure that they cultivate it early ... another part of it is the need to develop depth (especially considering that a number of years back, we had some recruiting "whiffs").

Here's the historical "trend:"
'09: Reiff (RS FR)
'10: J. Ferentz (RS SO), MacMillan (RS FR ... injuries ultimately derailed his career)
'11: Scherff (RS FR)
'12: Blythe (RS FR)
'13: Walsh (RS SO)
'14: Welsh (RS FR)
'15: Daniels (TR FR)
'16: Render (RS SO)
'17: Wirfs (TR FR), Jackson (RS FR)

So who are the young guys to step up in '18?

Possible and/or likely candidates:
RS SO: Banwart, Williams
RS FR: Kallenberger, Kirkpatrick
TR FR: Ince, Jenkins

Also, while the coaches gave Render reps at C this past year ... with an eye towards the '19 season, I'm inclined to believe that the coaches may opt to start a younger guy at C in '18. That will necessarily imply that we'll have a bigger transition on the OL in '18 ... but it may ultimately lead to a smoother transition in '19.

A poster on this board who apparently knows some guys on the DL has claimed that Kallenberger may be further from being game-ready than many of us suppose. However, I'm not certain how much I believe such a contention because I know that he was running with the #1s and #2s quite a bit during fall-camp. I do know that Mike Riley's staff at Nebraska really had Kallenberger targeted as being among one of their "top wants" on the OL a few years back ... so the kid clearly was viewed as having a pretty high potential.

Levi Paulsen worked a lot on special teams (presumably kick protection) ... and has seen quality positional snaps in at least 3 games during his career (including something like 2 starts). Thus, while he might be one of the "meh" players on the OL (as described in Auger's post) ... he might also take really positive steps in his development and develop into the next Tobin or Van Sloten. Not to be over-dramatic about it ... but I was genuinely heartened to see Levi rise to the challenge when he's been put in high pressure situations. From my perspective ... at least having one of the Paulsen brothers emerge and maintain some consistency is pretty critical as it relates to the depth of the OL (heading into '18 and '19).

If a young guy emerges, as this indicates historically will happen, what about Jenkins at Center, a position of need?

 

[Zildjian6868]

I think we see:

LT Wirfs So
LG Reynolds Sr
C Render Sr
RG Paulsen Jr
RT Jackson So

Banwart was listed as back up center, but I still think Render would've moved over if Danels was hurt. The nice thing about this line is the youth is not worried about putting on weight. The only thing they have to do is gain muscle and perfect there footwork. I do hope that Ferguson can stay healthy and also see some time his senior year.

 

[MWardT]

I think we see:

LT Wirfs So
LG Reynolds Sr
C Render Sr
RG Paulsen Jr
RT Jackson So

Banwart was listed as back up center, but I still think Render would've moved over if Danels was hurt. The nice thing about this line is the youth is not worried about putting on weight. The only thing they have to do is gain muscle and perfect there footwork. I do hope that Ferguson can stay healthy and also see some time his senior year.

I agree with this lineup and based upon the bowl game, think Paulsen would be the third tackle if there was an injury, which is similar to what Welsh did.

 

[MitchL]

Sorry to be ignorant if this was posted previously, but are we sure Jackson's absence from the bowl game is only a hiccup and he's still in good standing?

 

[jdv77]

Sorry to be ignorant if this was posted previously, but are we sure Jackson's absence from the bowl game is only a hiccup and he's still in good standing?

Coach Ferentz's comments at the time suggested it was more of a hiccup.
“He’s done a good job in the interim,” Ferentz said. “He’s worked hard so far to meet the goals we’ve put in front of him. As long as he continues to do that, he’ll be with the team but not dressed for the ballgame.”

 

[SLarew]

Sorry to be ignorant if this was posted previously, but are we sure Jackson's absence from the bowl game is only a hiccup and he's still in good standing?

He made Bowl game trip so his status would seem to be positive. If he had been left at home I would be more worried about standing

 

[SLarew]

If a young guy emerges, as this indicates historically will happen, what about Jenkins at Center, a position of need?

Jenkins still on a mall side I think. Linderbaum may be tried at center. Also have Duwa trying the position and may continue if healthy

 

[kceasthawk]

Next season will likely have a lot of growing pains on the OL which could be worse than this last year. the Daniels news really stinks. while Daniels had a very up and down year because of injuries he is a top 5 center when healthy and his experience would have been a huge help next year. The center is basically the QB of the Iowa OL.

Jackson and Wirfs showed promise but both are still a long ways away from being consistent above average B1G linemen. They still lack a lot of technical and physical traits that guys like Scherff, Bulaga and Reiff showed early in their careers.

Kallenberger- I have heard similar that he is on the rise and actually could be the best of the current guys on the roster when it is all said and done. Has a lot more natural talent then Jackson and Wirfs. I have heard him compared to Gallery by a guy I know that is involved with Iowa football. wouldn't be surprised to see him start at LG next year. However like Gallery he will struggle early in his career but may show dominance every once an awhile.

The other guys are your typical fillers on the Iowa OL. Upside being Solid B1G OL, downside being slightly below avg. The majority of OL's KF has had during his time are overall average talent but he typically has had a 1st Rd Draft type guy with another above avg guy or two that make the OL seem top notch. The 1st Rd guy has been missing lately and may not even be in the system right now. Next year we will lack that type of talent and maybe even a 1st, 2nd or 3rd team All B1G type as well. Daniels would have been that 1st Team type of talent. In 2 years however we could have 2-3 guys that make All-B1G teams. The talent is there its just how talented and just how long before it develops.

While I've heard good things as well about Kallenberger, I think your drastically underestimating our two young tackles. Jackson has only been playing football for a couple of years, and the staff was thrilled with his progress from last season. He has tackle size, was a good basketball player. and pretty athletic. Wirfs is a true freak. Great natural size and athleticism. State champion wrestler, and like Epenesa, one of the top shot and discus throwers in the country as a high schooler. Excellent athlete for an 18 year old kid with his frame. A year or so in the weight room and tutelage from the staff, and I'll be shocked if he isn't the next all BIG, possibly All American, 1st round OL before he's done at Iowa. He had his hiccups this year, as a first year starter,(the first OL under KF to start at tackle as a freshman), but was pretty solid overall.

 

[42hawk]

I believe with all the depth at DT, Linderbaum will be moved to Center and will play. We played them a couple of times and IMO he just looks like a kid that BF can mold into a big time center.

 

[LaQuintaHawkeye]

There's no guarantee A-Jack or Wirfs won't head to the league early. Matter of fact, I bet at least one of them does. Luckily they both have at least two years to go before that decision will be considered.

 

[JEDN]

Anyone know Kallenbergers weight at this time? It seems an O-lineman needs to be a minimum of 290 lbs. in this era .

 

[LaQuintaHawkeye]

Anyone know Kallenbergers weight at this time? It seems an O-lineman needs to be a minimum of 290 lbs. in this era .

My sources tell me he's in the 273-277 range, give or take 13 lbs.

 

[HawkNole09]

Bulletin board material — I don’t think this OL has what it takes to get back to an average Iowa OL.

I think the tackles are going to go thru a sophomore slump, and we lack athleticism and flexibilty on the interior.

I hope they work hard to prove me wrong, but I’m not a believer. I have more faith in our receiving corps.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

LT: Jackson (he played on the left last year)
LG: Reynolds (he rotated with Render at this same spot last year)
C: Render (he played this position when Daniels was out)
RG: Paulsen (started RT in bowl game but may be more of a guard anyway. Get best 5 on field)
RT: Wirfs (he played on the right side majority of last year)

Wasn't Dalton Ferguson in the mix before an injury? Perhaps he could be the third tackle? He'll be a senior.

Also not sure what happened to LeGrand, but he could play center as well. He'll be a senior.

Didn't Jake Newborg move to OL and was playing center? Is he still playing OL?

Cole Banwart and Spencer Williams are some of the young names, but we know little about them.

Kallenberger and Kirkpatrick look to be the young guys of the future at tackle, but they may not be ready from a physical standpoint yet.

Regardless, after next year, we'll lose Reynolds, Render, Paulsens, LeGrand, and Ferguson (not sure if he is on scholarship). Thus, we need to take about 5 OL in the 19' class, IMO.

This is likely starting 5 IMO. Although a lot can happen- if kallenberger plays lights out Wirfs will move inside. Jackson is 6’7” and kall is 6’6”. Wirfs is far from short but on short end of for OT at 6’5” (also depends on wingspan)

 

[HawkNole09]

I agree Wirfs is too short and slow to be a high end option at tackle.

 

[jonnyhawk]

Interesting divergence of opinion on our tackles. I am in the optimistic camp. I thought Jackson played really well. There were times he really kicked butt. Wirfs for a true freshman had a lot of promise.

I feel very good about those two. Interior is a big concern though. Even though we have experience in there, they kinda feel like they’re just guys. But as ghost has rightly pointed out, they do continue to develop. Maybe Render takes another step. Maybe Calloway. Maybe one of the two young centers.

I’m still more concerned about WR. And LB.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

I agree Wirfs is too short and slow to be a high end option at tackle.

Not too slow at all, the dude is anthletic freak. Also not like he is short at 6’5”-just short end for tackle. Problem is more so that kall and Jackson are too tall for inside

 

[HawkTex]

2018 OG recruit Jeff Jenkins is physically ready to play right away IMO but I believe he gets pressed into action only if an upperclassman suffers a serious injury.

You aren't serious? Physically ready at 260-270?

 

[IowaNiceHawk]

For some reason I feel that Wirfs has better feet and is more nimble that might be more of a benefit at LT. Jackson is a beast too so it may not matter.

I'd call this a Great problem to have. Go Hawks !