Plewa and Cox

[GarryO37]

You know, I've seen a little bit on this board about who we are losing next year. Not a lot, if any, has been spent on our two senior fullbacks.

I know the position of fullback is generally the most under appreciated position in the game, but these guys have been a huge part of our run games success this year. They have flat out been devastating run blockers for us this year. It really has been a pleasure watching them blow up opposing linebackers and defensive linemen this year.

I bet these two are the two most comfortable players on the team when reviewing the previous game's film. It just seems that they never miss a block and they are always where they need to be. Cox and Plewa just love to hit players and will be sorely missed next year. I don't have a clue as to who is going to fill their shoes next year.

This is really just more of an appreciation thread for the unsung heroes of the Iowa offense.

 

[hoffmkr]

I 100% agree that these two do not get near enough credit. Watch EVERY big run Iowa had this year, and you will almost always see one of these guys Destroying atleast one or two defenders. How often had you ever seen a FB drive block a defender 5-10 yards down field before these guys?

 

[DutchyFunStar]

We used to just call fullbacks dumb guards. But these two have been solid all year. I think Drake Kulick is next in line. But its a physical position so he may need a running mate. Steve Manders or Austin Kelly will probably get reps.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Yep, we're in store for a transition at FB next year. There will definitely be a learning curve to ascend. Unfortunately, we may not see quite as many big runs next season because of the graduation of all the quality blockers from this year's squad.

 

[C/Seahawk]

Yep, we're in store for a transition at FB next year. There will definitely be a learning curve to ascend. Unfortunately, we may not see quite as many big runs next season because of the graduation of all the quality blockers from this year's squad.

+1 the loss of Plewa, Cox, Hillyer, TSmith and HKC will have a huge impact on the running game next year, will really need some guys to emerge and fill their spots in the run game. Not impossible, but it will be a tall order for a lot of unproven players. That applies to special teams as well, new PK and P. Overall we look good on paper, but a lot of things will have to happen for us to have a similar season next year.

 

[theIowaHawk]

Agreed. We were without them last year and you can see the impact.

 

[MVPFAN]

We used to just call fullbacks dumb guards. But these two have been solid all year. I think Drake Kulick is next in line. But its a physical position so he may need a running mate. Steve Manders or Austin Kelly will probably get reps.

Brady Ross could be a name to watch here.

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

They have been fantastic!

 

[legion_of_doom]

Beasts, hopefully the underclass men will step up.

 

[yerpHAWK]

For as much we potentially return on defense, we sure lose a lot on offense.

 

[theIowaHawk]

For as much we potentially return on defense, we sure lose a lot on offense.

Returning tackles is always important, but losing Blythe and the fullbacks will seriously hurt the rungame. Hopefully Daniels steps right in, he looked great in run-blocking, seemed very agile. I can never tell with fullbacks, they either do it and do it well so that you rarely notice them, or they don't (last year without these guys) and the run game just seems like terrible play calling.

The offense does return a helluva lot of experience: 3 rbs, qb, 4 wrs, TE, 2 Ts, G, backup center (well, guard). That is a great amount of experience.

But as usual, our best 11 are on defense.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

+1 the loss of Plewa, Cox, Hillyer, TSmith and HKC will have a huge impact on the running game next year, will really need some guys to emerge and fill their spots in the run game. Not impossible, but it will be a tall order for a lot of unproven players. That applies to special teams as well, new PK and P. Overall we look good on paper, but a lot of things will have to happen for us to have a similar season next year.

The style of the O will likely have to adjust for the personnel. We'll likely have to lean more heavily on the pass to set up the run. On the flip side, Kittle has developed favorably and Outsey got a lot of quality work early in the season. Thus, I'd look for the outside zone to be more of a strength in '16 as compared to how the interior runs were pretty big for us in '15. Also, I'm be curious to see if we up the number of counters we run. I was genuinely surprised how relatively infrequently we ran counters given the success that they had. I suppose that the coaches didn't want tip our blocking looks too much to opposing Ds.

Anyhow, if you look at the personnel at TE, WR, and RB ... it looks like we could be fielding even more team speed at the skill positions. Furthermore, Iowa's OTs are going to continue to improve ... I look for their edge blocking on runs to improve and for the pass pro to significantly take a step forward. Thus, there will be trade-offs. CJ Beathard will be a more experienced guy and he'll have a whole off-season to work in the "newer," younger guys.

If you remember at the beginning of the '15 season, Duzey was completely out and Kittle was dinged. Thus, we were playing Krieger-Coble at the move TE spot (he's previously played the in-line spot more) and Outsey was handling the in-line TE spot. Thus, there was quite a lot of "newness" at TE for us entering the '15 season. I really like the base-line talent that we have between Kittle, Outsey, and Wisnieski entering the '16 season. However, there will be a learning curve to ascend there for the younger guys.

Lastly, to not lose focus on the fact that this is a thread originally about the FBs ... let's not forget that Plewa and Cox were strong leaders on the team. I'm willing to bet that they've positively influenced the younger up-and-coming FBs in the RB room. They know of the standard that they must uphold ... and they know how the FBs actually helped to set the pace and attitude for the whole team in practice. They saw that ... and experienced it first hand. Thus, as an added appreciation of Plewa and Cox ... I'll be excited to see the impact of their residual influence on guys like Kullick.

 

[yerpHAWK]

Returning tackles is always important, but losing Blythe and the fullbacks will seriously hurt the rungame. Hopefully Daniels steps right in, he looked great in run-blocking, seemed very agile. I can never tell with fullbacks, they either do it and do it well so that you rarely notice them, or they don't (last year without these guys) and the run game just seems like terrible play calling.

The offense does return a helluva lot of experience: 3 rbs, qb, 4 wrs, TE, 2 Ts, G, backup center (well, guard). That is a great amount of experience.

But as usual, our best 11 are on defense.

I do think it's important to note we do return a lot of guys with experience. Canzeri is our best back, but we return 3 with significance. We maintain the quarterback and a high level one that should be healthy is the biggest key. Walsh was sooooo good, but we did have to throw some linemen in the fire this year, and it should benefit them, and maybe our o line is even better. Wide receivers are probably gonna be the biggest question mark. Not a lot played this year besides Vandeburg. Jermenic Smith looks to be one of the go to guys, as he did have an 100 yard game. Maybe we finally see some of Scheel as well. Definitely talent there, but unproven talent. Also we lose HKC, but return Kittle, and have a plethora of high level recruits to go for that spot.

 

[Biggus Blockus]

I would expect to see both of those young men in an NFL city near you next year. Two of the best blocking FBs we have had in awhile. Will be missed and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

 

[ping72]

I would expect to see both of those young men in an NFL city near you next year. Two of the best blocking FBs we have had in awhile. Will be missed and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Years ago, yes. But there are very few blocking fullbacks in the NFL anymore.

 

[Kinnick 4 Prez]

I hope Plewa or Cox OR BOTH get in the endzone during the Rose Bowl. That would be very cool and a great gift for blocking for 99.99% of their careers.

 

[Old_wrestling_fan]

A well deserved shout out to the excellent FB's AND also the hard blocking WR's on this years Iowa team. As well, the TE's and OL were very good in this area too, but it is nice to see the normally unsung heroes get some recognition too.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I do think it's important to note we do return a lot of guys with experience. Canzeri is our best back, but we return 3 with significance. We maintain the quarterback and a high level one that should be healthy is the biggest key. Walsh was sooooo good, but we did have to throw some linemen in the fire this year, and it should benefit them, and maybe our o line is even better. Wide receivers are probably gonna be the biggest question mark. Not a lot played this year besides Vandeburg. Jermenic Smith looks to be one of the go to guys, as he did have an 100 yard game. Maybe we finally see some of Scheel as well. Definitely talent there, but unproven talent. Also we lose HKC, but return Kittle, and have a plethora of high level recruits to go for that spot.

Consistency tends to be an issue for WRs ... particularly those who are sophomores or younger. Thus, I'd share your concern about Iowa's WRs. However, with that said, I expect that VandeBerg and McCarron will be able to provide the group with some foundations of consistency. Jerminic really saw quite a lot of reps ... so I think that he could prove more an exception to the rule ... I think that we could really see a big year out of him. Also, I wouldn't be shocked if Parker continues to make strides in his development at WR. Lastly, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw some nice flashes coming out of the group of Falconer, Scheel, and Ogwo. In fact, I'm really excited about Darby (from the '16 class) ... but I anticipate that he'll redshirt.

 

[scotthawk1964]

Fullbacks, yes, quite an unappreciated field of endeavor. Great to give them a shout out, and I'm not just saying that because I played Fullback in High School.

 

[starbrown]

We used to just call fullbacks dumb guards. But these two have been solid all year. I think Drake Kulick is next in line. But its a physical position so he may need a running mate. Steve Manders or Austin Kelly will probably get reps.

I have a feeling Drake is gonna be good

 

[modeba2004]

Offense has a solid core of players coming back that got valuable gametime experience. Will only get better as the season goes on. Defense again will be stout. Recinos will take over both kicking and punting duties.