When Iowa was 2-0 with the ISU game ahead, this was written in HawkCentral:
Sep 12, 2019
Some insight into Oliver Martin’s usage
Copeland’s position group has been one of the many bright spots in Iowa’s 2-0 start. His top five receivers each have at least four receptions, and they’ve accounted for all six of Nate Stanley’s touchdown passes. Historically a position of weakness, wide receiver now looks like a Hawkeye strength.
Copeland, who deserves a lot of credit for turning that room around, said he wasn’t surprised at the production of Ihmir Smith-Marsette (a team-high eight catches for 148 yards and three touchdowns), Brandon Smith (5-48-1), Nico Ragaini (4-66-0), Tyrone Tracy Jr. (4-64-1) and Martin (4-24-1).
But …
“It’s a typical coach’s answer,” he said. “but I’m not satisfied. We can do better in a lot of different areas.”
On the topic of Martin,
the Michigan transfer and Iowa City West product,
we asked Copeland about why his snap count is in the low 30s (against an average of 76.5 for the other four) in the early going.
“That’s a really fair question,” Copeland said.
“The thing that people don’t realize, when a young man comes into a program … it takes time to learn the system. I explain to people who don’t follow college football and who aren’t in our building every day, when you learn a system it’s literally like learning a new language. Different words mean different things in the playbook. Just that in of itself, it takes time. You’re not going to learn a new language overnight.”
Iowa is teaching Martin all three receiver positions, which adds to the redshirt sophomore’s learning curve. We haven't seen a ton of Martin so far, but that doesn't mean we won't see him play an increasingly important role as his season (and career) progresses.
“He’s doing a really good job. He really is. That’s why you have seen him
have plays and productivity and touches with the football,” Copeland said. “The last thing you’ve got to realize is
we’ve got some really good players already in the receiver room.
“And there’s only one football on each play.”
LINK:
https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/s...e-hawkeyes-kirk-ferentz-receivers/2299350001/
