Got to take in the spring practice today, and also was at the Coach's Clinic weekend a month ago and posted on that experience and shared my perspective. I've seen them on the bookends of their spring camp.
As a general observation, the offense has made decent strides since March 26. It was evident on the field. There is still a lot of learning going on, and it will continue through the summer. They've had 15 practices to install 85% of a new offense with new language, and a TON of mental reps throughout (field, classroom). They appeared to be on schedule in terms of what one would realistically expect at this stage. Still plenty of work to put in.
I learned that the staff is actively mining the transfer portal for a QB, not necessarily to compete with Cade but rather to strengthen the room and compete for #2. The QB will have to fit Tim's eyes and what he is looking. If there is not a fit to be found, then so be it. If there is, then summer work will be more dynamic. You know that Cade, once cleared, will be leading the charge daily to nail everything down prior to fall camp - and the other QBs and skill players will need to keep pace.
Keep in mind that the offense is going up against a legit top 5 defense that shows no mercy. Phil runs his show hardcore and is out to win every single play in practice. I'm pretty sure Iowa will face only one top 5 defense in the '24 regular season - @ Ohio State (5th game, 6th week).
Other notes and thoughts from today:
DB
As a general observation, the offense has made decent strides since March 26. It was evident on the field. There is still a lot of learning going on, and it will continue through the summer. They've had 15 practices to install 85% of a new offense with new language, and a TON of mental reps throughout (field, classroom). They appeared to be on schedule in terms of what one would realistically expect at this stage. Still plenty of work to put in.
I learned that the staff is actively mining the transfer portal for a QB, not necessarily to compete with Cade but rather to strengthen the room and compete for #2. The QB will have to fit Tim's eyes and what he is looking. If there is not a fit to be found, then so be it. If there is, then summer work will be more dynamic. You know that Cade, once cleared, will be leading the charge daily to nail everything down prior to fall camp - and the other QBs and skill players will need to keep pace.
Keep in mind that the offense is going up against a legit top 5 defense that shows no mercy. Phil runs his show hardcore and is out to win every single play in practice. I'm pretty sure Iowa will face only one top 5 defense in the '24 regular season - @ Ohio State (5th game, 6th week).
Other notes and thoughts from today:
- Far more open receivers than at any point last season. Refreshing to see open options. Now progression development needs to catch up.
- Quick dump passes were effective , averaging around 4-5 yards a pop. As designed. This will keep opposing defenses more honest.
- Kaleb Johnson was impressive. Beat the edge quite a few times. Looks like his burst has improved. Also better blocking and going up against new edges.
- Rhys has a VERY big leg for a 19 year old. Has distance and touch, just needs more reps to gain greater consistency. Give him a break when he shanks one here and there, and he will, when the first bullets start flying. Tough kid with a strong mind, so expecting him to adapt fairly quickly.
- Dayton Howard had a bit of a rough day, Can get open with scheme and speed/quick cuts. Fairly wide open on a couple plays but had the dropsies today. Needs to get the hands and route work in this summer. Definitely a keeper.
- Hoffman looks the part at TE, and is working on playing the part. Had a drop for a would-be TD (great separation), which looked to be over-trying or overthinking. He has the tools and should improve nicely.
- Kaleb Brown is a level above where he was last year, and he is certainly a very talented WR and a legit threat. He's the kinda guy that defenses need know where he is and account for. This offense is a great fit for his skill set. He is looking like he could have a big year.
- Washington could the next best threat we have. His orientation to the WR position is improving, and if he gets an open crease he most likely is gone. Excellent speed and open field awareness. Had a long TD, should have been tackled, but outran good angles.
- Nestor and Lutmer are flashing brightly. Good to see the added depth and the building of a succession plan.
- Lainez has improved, but still has more work ahead of him to get to #2. He's young and working with a new offense. Lots of thinking out there. Not yet comfortable enough with everything being thrown at him.
- Motions, concepts and schemes tripped up the defense quite a few times. Both sides of the ball are learning and improving with this offense installation. It's good news for the O when you fool the eyes of a top defense that is known for its structure and discipline.
- The defense is what you would expect minus a couple of hiccups. Lester's offense is keeping them honest, so they have to work like they haven't had to the past few years. All good, all around for the Hawks.
DB