Spring Game Thought...

[cocoem]

Linebackers:
**With Mends going down with the ACL that puts the LBer group in flux. I have always thought that Hockaday would have a say so in the lineup this year anyway. When Josey got ejected a few years back for the helmet to helmet..Hockaday stepped in and had a very productive game. Nagging injuries have just held him back.
**Amani Jones reminds me so much of Abdul Hodge in the middle and it isn't just because his number. He is full of energy and is an obvious leader out there.
**Dillion Doyle is a monster physically. Not sure if his old man had him bench pressing at the age of 5 but he looks the part.
** Neimann, Welch, and Wade are specimens and will be very productive.
OVERALL-- I really think Iowa is fine at the linebacker position for years to come. There will be some growing pains early but I think this will be a very productive group.

Seconday: Other than not having "THE DUDE" right now it will be really good. Remember no one thought Josh Jackson was "THE DUDE" at this time last year. Gervase is a ball hawk and just one of those guys that is always where the ball is...show his football smarts make up for his lack of speed. As the coaches said earlier this week...some young bucks are going to play this year. Iowa will play a lot of kids back there and that is not a bad thing. When you face the some of these pass happy teams Iowa will need to play a lot more Nickel and Dime groups.
OVERALL-- Could be a hit and miss at the corners but overall this should be a group that can have some fun. When you are getting picks and breaking up passes it is more what is happening in the front 7...so the secondary needs those guys to cause havoc and then go get the ball.

DLINE: Iowa is on the verge of having some difference makers up there. When Iowa was rolling for that stretch they dominated O-lines with 4 players. Epenesa will be a stud this year...just watching him last night I do not think he was going balls-out. He could be a mess for a opponent this year if he gets one-on-ones. Played almost exclusively on the left side last night...which I think is his natural spot. Iowa will plug and play up there just like they have...running the ball against them will be a problem as it traditionally has been.
OVERALL-- Iowa has some big boys on the edges and will rotate just like in the past. Think Brincks will have a break out year up front. He is very athletic for 6'5" 285lb DT. Epenesa will be as good as he wants to be...which should be fun to watch.

Special Teams: Iowa will be fine at the placekickers spot. The 8th grader they rolled out in Shudak has a cannon for a 5'8" dude. What is funny... I thought that Duncan was small but he is a monster next to that kid. Punter is what everyone is concerned about. Gersonde got dinged up last year or he would of been the guy. Rastetter had a rough go of it and the poor kid got booed by the home fans....actually so bush league by the fans. When you look at the NET PUNTING ( the stat that really matters) Rastetter was right in the mix with every other punter in the BIG 10. Average fans think that smacking it out there 50+ yards should be the norm...net punting over 40 yards is very good. Gersonde will be the guy I am assuming.
OVERALL-- Definitely not a fan of the BULLDOZER protection formation...hopefully they are just tinkering with it...if you don't have a huge high punt it is a problem covering.

QB: Stanley is a stud...he should have a huge year if he can get some dudes with confidence on the outside. Scheme dictates a lot of his throws and will keep him successful. Another QB will not play unless something awesome happens in a game or something awful. Petras is the future...huge kid with a perfect release. He is the reason that Iowa bailed somewhat on Duggan...at 6'5" he is a perfect fit for the scheme and Duggan at 6' wasn't going to be a fit at all.
OVERALL-- Iowa will have the best QB in the B10 if they can keep him clean.

RB: Iowa again will have a number of dudes carry the rock. Young is a 1000+ yard back barring injury...runs hard and is a load. There will be a young player make some eyes pop...not sure who but it will happen.
OVERALL-- Iowa is in good hands here...don't have a Wadley type home run guy right now but a solid run game wins football games.

WR/TE: Iowa has more TE's that can play than the rest of the B10 put together. They will catch the majority of the balls this season. The receiver position is still the weakest part of the Iowa football team. Was hoping Brandon Smith would show out this year, but if last night was an indication---not good. He look terribly out of shape...not sure why but he was down on one knee and gasping most of the night. Love the Cooper kid...looks like a kicker out there..not big and wears soccer type cleats. But he is a quick slot type player that should be productive on catch and run short stuff. I really think the Tracy kid coming in this summer will have a say so this fall at the WR position.
OVERALL--Iowa will need average production on the outside to be successful. Nothing crazy just solid. Scheme will always dictate but being able to use every inch of the field will be key. Got really excited with I heard BF talk about how he is enthralled with the Mike Leach offense. I think if Iowa can implement some of his schemes with the Iowa running game it could be really exciting.

Oline: Wirfs is and NFL All-Pro in the making. Jackson on the other side will have a little trouble with the smallish quick guy but is mammoth and will be really good. The 3 inside are the spots that will be the key to the offense not going backwards.
OVERALL--It might be a game or two but this group will be really good.

This team will look very similar to any team KF has coached. I am old school and love the controlled game. Most fans wants the track meet games for their entertainment...problem with that is the Iowa scheme does not produce those type of games much....and that is ok. When Iowa can turnover the opponent and get a short field that is when it happens. The base position defense will be the standard again this year. Be in the right position and DO YOUR JOB is the mantra that Iowa has lived by for a long time. I believe that defensively Iowa will be really really good again this year. Can't wait for it to begin... just enjoy it for what it is. Remember kids like Mends when you are bitching and moaning about a kid dropping a pass...these kids live for this everyday. You as a fan should never "live it"...enjoy it because it means way more to the players and coaches than you think it does to you.

 

[anon_2zMXH429BhxV1Npk]

Rastetter was 11th in the Big Ten in net punting at 37 yards. His average punt was 37.4 yards was easily worst in conference. He had only 11 punts put inside the 20, by far the fewest in the conference. To say any part of his stats were right in the mix when he's bottom 3 in like everything is really disingenuous.

Iowa's game depends so much on field positioning that the occasional 30 yard point is absolutely worthless. Rastetter is probably a nice kid, but if he's our best option we're screwed given what Iowa needs from a punter. Net yardage means nothing when you point from your 25 and basically give the other team the ball almost at midfield.

 

[hawkeye bb n fb fan]

Saw on twitter that Gersonde's first 2 punts were 52 and 51 yards. That's encouraging

 

[HawkLogic]

Rastetter was 11th in the Big Ten in net punting at 37 yards. His average punt was 37.4 yards was easily worst in conference. He had only 11 punts put inside the 20, by far the fewest in the conference. To say any part of his stats were right in the mix when he's bottom 3 in like everything is really disingenuous.

Iowa's game depends so much on field positioning that the occasional 30 yard point is absolutely worthless. Rastetter is probably a nice kid, but if he's our best option we're screwed given what Iowa needs from a punter. Net yardage means nothing when you point from your 25 and basically give the other team the ball almost at midfield.

I don't think Rastetter was blessed with a huge leg but he did walk on and play out of love for the game, so he deserves credit for his effort. If our offense had been better, the punt game wouldn't have been getting so much attention.

 

[HawkSTL]

Defense will be interesting. I think we have more depth at many positions than typical. I wonder if see a few more sub packages.

I also think Snyder, Gervase, and Hooker are 3 of our 11 best defensive players, so I’m curious how we get them on the field.

I think Amani Hooker and Amani Jones will be our Back 7 playmakers this year too.

I think Doyle is our starting middle linebacker once Jones graduates. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the back up after fall camp and Hockaday is playing Will.

 

[kcgolfer]

I don't think Rastetter was blessed with a huge leg but he did walk on and play out of love for the game, so he deserves credit for his effort. If our offense had been better, the punt game wouldn't have been getting so much attention.

If recruiting had been better. There, fixed it for you.

 

[ICWestfan]

I don't think Rastetter was blessed with a huge leg but he did walk on and play out of love for the game, so he deserves credit for his effort. If our offense had been better, the punt game wouldn't have been getting so much attention.

Special teams is part of the game. It doesn't matter if the O is clicking or not, you rely on the punter to at least help flip the field. Too many times that didntd happen last year, hence the criticism. You could almost blame the punt game for the woes the offense had at times.

 

[Dick Rambone]

Special teams is part of the game. It doesn't matter if the O is clicking or not, you rely on the punter to at least help flip the field. Too many times that didntd happen last year, hence the criticism. You could almost blame the punt game for the woes the offense had at times.

punt game alone basically cost Iowa the MSU game

 

[cocoem]

Rastetter was 11th in the Big Ten in net punting at 37 yards. His average punt was 37.4 yards was easily worst in conference. He had only 11 punts put inside the 20, by far the fewest in the conference. To say any part of his stats were right in the mix when he's bottom 3 in like everything is really disingenuous.

Iowa's game depends so much on field positioning that the occasional 30 yard point is absolutely worthless. Rastetter is probably a nice kid, but if he's our best option we're screwed given what Iowa needs from a punter. Net yardage means nothing when you point from your 25 and basically give the other team the ball almost at midfield.

If you want to bag on a kid for being at 37yards per net punt when the leading punter in the conference was at 41 then that is on you.

He also had the third least amount of punts from anyone that matter in the conference. He also had the 3rd least amount of punts returned...see it works both ways.

KF was more aggressive than he has ever been last year going for it on 4th down across the 50...therefore less punts inside the 20. The rugby punt was something that was going to hinder the statistics in about every manner...that wasn't the punter deal. He would of never been out there but had to because of injury. It was not great but it also wasn't way out of whack like some think.

Maybe for you if his net punting was 1.5 yards better he would be in "the mix"....everyone thought Coluzzi was awesome and he had much more talent than Rastetter....he was a 0.9 net yards per punt better. I tend not to boo a kid when he makes a bad play, that is my choice. You can do what you wish if it makes you feel better.

 

[cocoem]

punt game alone basically cost Iowa the MSU game

19 yards rushing and 2 fumbles probably had a much bigger impact on the outcome as anything. Punting was way down the list other than they did it a lot

 

[luvmyhawks]

Special teams is part of the game. It doesn't matter if the O is clicking or not, you rely on the punter to at least help flip the field. Too many times that didntd happen last year, hence the criticism. You could almost blame the punt game for the woes the offense had at times.

This is true. Sometimes you need the special teams to bail you out and to help your offense get out of a hole. Very rarely did that happen last season. As you said, quite the contrary.

 

[hawkeye bb n fb fan]

Defense will be interesting. I think we have more depth at many positions than typical. I wonder if see a few more sub packages.

I also think Snyder, Gervase, and Hooker are 3 of our 11 best defensive players, so I’m curious how we get them on the field.

I think Amani Hooker and Amani Jones will be our Back 7 playmakers this year too.

I think Doyle is our starting middle linebacker once Jones graduates. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the back up after fall camp and Hockaday is playing Will.

How did Stone play last night? I would say Hooker and Stone should start with Gervase at that linebacker spot where they talked about putting a safety

 

[nu2u]

How did Stone play last night? I would say Hooker and Stone should start with Gervase at that linebacker spot where they talked about putting a safety

I don't know how you can start Stone over Gervase. Gervase has much more game experience, has started, and he played very well down the stretch last year. One of the better playmakers in the secondary. Nothing against Stone at all but Gervase is set for a fantastic season.

 

[Dick Rambone]

19 yards rushing and 2 fumbles probably had a much bigger impact on the outcome as anything. Punting was way down the list other than they did it a lot

You do remember the 30 yard duck from inside the 5 that set MSU up for a scoring drive, as well as another soon after that put most of MSUs scoring for the day on the board . Punting really hurt Iowa in that game.

 

[Johnsoda123]

I don't know how you can start Stone over Gervase. Gervase has much more game experience, has started, and he played very well down the stretch last year. One of the better playmakers in the secondary. Nothing against Stone at all but Gervase is set for a fantastic season.

Stone is a really sure tackler and probably a better athlete than Gervase. But I agree with you, Gervase's experience always keeps him around the ball and he should start.

 

[General Tso]

7-5

 

[Herkmeister]

Poor #80.

Does he stay or transfer? Seems he gets less attention as time passes.

 

[anon_2zMXH429BhxV1Npk]

If you want to bag on a kid for being at 37yards per net punt when the leading punter in the conference was at 41 then that is on you.

He also had the third least amount of punts from anyone that matter in the conference. He also had the 3rd least amount of punts returned...see it works both ways.

KF was more aggressive than he has ever been last year going for it on 4th down across the 50...therefore less punts inside the 20. The rugby punt was something that was going to hinder the statistics in about every manner...that wasn't the punter deal. He would of never been out there but had to because of injury. It was not great but it also wasn't way out of whack like some think.

Maybe for you if his net punting was 1.5 yards better he would be in "the mix"....everyone thought Coluzzi was awesome and he had much more talent than Rastetter....he was a 0.9 net yards per punt better. I tend not to boo a kid when he makes a bad play, that is my choice. You can do what you wish if it makes you feel better.

Good job assuming I boo college players, let alone Hawks. *Eye roll*

I simply corrected you when you implied he's just as good as the average punter in the Big Ten when he's not and no stats show that. I have no issues with any player that suits up for the Hawks, quite the contrary I appreciate all that so. But there's nothing wrong with calling a spade a spade, and our punting last season left A LOT to be desired.

If you want to think the punting last year was good enough to make you feel better, go right ahead.

 

[Harbinger273]

How did Stone play last night? I would say Hooker and Stone should start with Gervase at that linebacker spot where they talked about putting a safety

From what I saw on a few plays Stone was in on the tackle but failed to wrap up on a few of them. On one he kind of got worked and shoved aside. He'll need to tune up his fundamentals and know that he cant necessarily rock somebody and have them hit the ground. I hope he gets the necessary amount of reps this year to improve markedly and be a real force in 2019. Gervase is solid.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

From what I saw on a few plays Stone was in on the tackle but failed to wrap up on a few of them. On one he kind of got worked and shoved aside. He'll need to tune up his fundamentals and know that he cant necessarily rock somebody and have them hit the ground. I hope he gets the necessary amount of reps this year to improve markedly and be a real force in 2019. Gervase is solid.

I really think that Phil likes his safeties this year. Phil seems to be the sort of guy who is willing to play to his strengths. The Hawks ought to be pretty strong on the DL and at S. That's not to say that we don't have excellent players at other positions ... but there is already the groundwork for trust amongst the D-linemen and safeties. Thus, given this observation ... I think that he finds ways for guys like Snyder, Gervase, Stone, and Hooker to be on the field whenever it's prudent.

 

[cocoem]

Good job assuming I boo college players, let alone Hawks. *Eye roll*

I simply corrected you when you implied he's just as good as the average punter in the Big Ten when he's not and no stats show that. I have no issues with any player that suits up for the Hawks, quite the contrary I appreciate all that so. But there's nothing wrong with calling a spade a spade, and our punting last season left A LOT to be desired.

If you want to think the punting last year was good enough to make you feel better, go right ahead.

I can appreciate the blunt opinion...it is warranted because Iowa was not great in the punting game. My point is that most of his punts were schemed to go be about the 35-40 yard variety with the rugby style punting. That was not his choice and again he shouldn't of been out there anyway. I know Iowa is recruiting a couple of really well regarded kids this year for next.

My father coached for over 40 years and he always said the best punt is the one that never happened.

 

[HawkSTL]

Poor #80.

Does he stay or transfer? Seems he gets less attention as time passes.

Good point. Young wasn’t even out there to my recollection and no indication he was hurt. Suggests he’s leaving the program.

 

[N.Legend]

Linebackers:
**With Mends going down with the ACL that puts the LBer group in flux. I have always thought that Hockaday would have a say so in the lineup this year anyway. When Josey got ejected a few years back for the helmet to helmet..Hockaday stepped in and had a very productive game. Nagging injuries have just held him back.
**Amani Jones reminds me so much of Abdul Hodge in the middle and it isn't just because his number. He is full of energy and is an obvious leader out there.
**Dillion Doyle is a monster physically. Not sure if his old man had him bench pressing at the age of 5 but he looks the part.
** Neimann, Welch, and Wade are specimens and will be very productive.
OVERALL-- I really think Iowa is fine at the linebacker position for years to come. There will be some growing pains early but I think this will be a very productive group.

Seconday: Other than not having "THE DUDE" right now it will be really good. Remember no one thought Josh Jackson was "THE DUDE" at this time last year. Gervase is a ball hawk and just one of those guys that is always where the ball is...show his football smarts make up for his lack of speed. As the coaches said earlier this week...some young bucks are going to play this year. Iowa will play a lot of kids back there and that is not a bad thing. When you face the some of these pass happy teams Iowa will need to play a lot more Nickel and Dime groups.
OVERALL-- Could be a hit and miss at the corners but overall this should be a group that can have some fun. When you are getting picks and breaking up passes it is more what is happening in the front 7...so the secondary needs those guys to cause havoc and then go get the ball.

DLINE: Iowa is on the verge of having some difference makers up there. When Iowa was rolling for that stretch they dominated O-lines with 4 players. Epenesa will be a stud this year...just watching him last night I do not think he was going balls-out. He could be a mess for a opponent this year if he gets one-on-ones. Played almost exclusively on the left side last night...which I think is his natural spot. Iowa will plug and play up there just like they have...running the ball against them will be a problem as it traditionally has been.
OVERALL-- Iowa has some big boys on the edges and will rotate just like in the past. Think Brincks will have a break out year up front. He is very athletic for 6'5" 285lb DT. Epenesa will be as good as he wants to be...which should be fun to watch.

Special Teams: Iowa will be fine at the placekickers spot. The 8th grader they rolled out in Shudak has a cannon for a 5'8" dude. What is funny... I thought that Duncan was small but he is a monster next to that kid. Punter is what everyone is concerned about. Gersonde got dinged up last year or he would of been the guy. Rastetter had a rough go of it and the poor kid got booed by the home fans....actually so bush league by the fans. When you look at the NET PUNTING ( the stat that really matters) Rastetter was right in the mix with every other punter in the BIG 10. Average fans think that smacking it out there 50+ yards should be the norm...net punting over 40 yards is very good. Gersonde will be the guy I am assuming.
OVERALL-- Definitely not a fan of the BULLDOZER protection formation...hopefully they are just tinkering with it...if you don't have a huge high punt it is a problem covering.

QB: Stanley is a stud...he should have a huge year if he can get some dudes with confidence on the outside. Scheme dictates a lot of his throws and will keep him successful. Another QB will not play unless something awesome happens in a game or something awful. Petras is the future...huge kid with a perfect release. He is the reason that Iowa bailed somewhat on Duggan...at 6'5" he is a perfect fit for the scheme and Duggan at 6' wasn't going to be a fit at all.
OVERALL-- Iowa will have the best QB in the B10 if they can keep him clean.

RB: Iowa again will have a number of dudes carry the rock. Young is a 1000+ yard back barring injury...runs hard and is a load. There will be a young player make some eyes pop...not sure who but it will happen.
OVERALL-- Iowa is in good hands here...don't have a Wadley type home run guy right now but a solid run game wins football games.

WR/TE: Iowa has more TE's that can play than the rest of the B10 put together. They will catch the majority of the balls this season. The receiver position is still the weakest part of the Iowa football team. Was hoping Brandon Smith would show out this year, but if last night was an indication---not good. He look terribly out of shape...not sure why but he was down on one knee and gasping most of the night. Love the Cooper kid...looks like a kicker out there..not big and wears soccer type cleats. But he is a quick slot type player that should be productive on catch and run short stuff. I really think the Tracy kid coming in this summer will have a say so this fall at the WR position.
OVERALL--Iowa will need average production on the outside to be successful. Nothing crazy just solid. Scheme will always dictate but being able to use every inch of the field will be key. Got really excited with I heard BF talk about how he is enthralled with the Mike Leach offense. I think if Iowa can implement some of his schemes with the Iowa running game it could be really exciting.

Oline: Wirfs is and NFL All-Pro in the making. Jackson on the other side will have a little trouble with the smallish quick guy but is mammoth and will be really good. The 3 inside are the spots that will be the key to the offense not going backwards.
OVERALL--It might be a game or two but this group will be really good.

This team will look very similar to any team KF has coached. I am old school and love the controlled game. Most fans wants the track meet games for their entertainment...problem with that is the Iowa scheme does not produce those type of games much....and that is ok. When Iowa can turnover the opponent and get a short field that is when it happens. The base position defense will be the standard again this year. Be in the right position and DO YOUR JOB is the mantra that Iowa has lived by for a long time. I believe that defensively Iowa will be really really good again this year. Can't wait for it to begin... just enjoy it for what it is. Remember kids like Mends when you are bitching and moaning about a kid dropping a pass...these kids live for this everyday. You as a fan should never "live it"...enjoy it because it means way more to the players and coaches than you think it does to you.

Way to much conjecture to be leaned on.

 

[rchawk]

Thanks for the info cocoem, much appreciated.

I read that Mansell had a very good practice, maybe better than Nate. The battle for backup QB could go into late August before the Northern Illinois game. And afterward, for that matter.

Regarding Mends getting hurt, I feel so badly for the young man. This might have been his year to shine. I agree that the talent is there at LB, let them compete. Still think Niemann is set at Leo. Maybe Jones at Will and Hockaday/Welch at Mike?

Thanks again for the report.

 

[thecarls]

Watching that practice I have to say I was more impressed with Wade than Welch or Hockaday. He seemed to run well and always seemed to be around the ball. I think we will be solid at that position.

 

[cocoem]

Way to much conjecture to be leaned on.

Isn't every football team in on the country based around conjecture in the Spring?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Isn't every football team in on the country based around conjecture in the Spring?

Absolutely ... and if N.Legend were to say anything about Nebraska ... our hypocrisy meters would be going crazy (because his/her arguments would be no less full of conjecture).

 

[hawkfeever]

punt game alone basically cost Iowa the MSU game

We need to build a millions of dollars wind tunnel / weather machine for punting practice. Punt and wind and cold combo killed us in Purdue game also.

 

[hexumhawk]

Saw on twitter that Gersonde's first 2 punts were 52 and 51 yards. That's encouraging

Yes, I think when healthy we will be fine. Rastetter had a rough season but he also had some real unlucky bounces toward the end of the year. I think he can still be valuable at times for this team as the rugby style can be really effective if used properly.

 

[BondHawk]

When there is booing after a punt, it is generally not the punter who is being booed - it is the coaching staff for not recruiting and preparing someone capable of getting the job done. Subtle difference, but I think true 99% of the time.

 

[N.Legend]

Isn't every football team in on the country based around conjecture in the Spring?

YES! My point.

 

[IowaNiceHawk]

punt game alone basically cost Iowa the MSU game

Actually, I'd say NOT moving the ball, most of the game COST Iowa the
MSU game. Oh, then there was also the fumble at the 2 yard line...........but, go ahead and blame the punter.

 

[HawkIDrummer]

7-5

so...par for the KFz course