Stone and Hankins

[Layoutman]

Was impressed with Geno Stone and Matt Hankins they have bright futures. Stone tied Jewell with 8 tackles and was solid in pass coverage. Did a really nice job of reading the pass to Stanley Morgan and an even better tackle to force a turnover on downs.

Hankins got beat a couple of times but his run support was refreshing. Kid can play.

Would like to see Hooker and Stone at safties for the bowl game. Gervase does a lot of good things on the field. Without crazy athletic ability, an over achiever like Gervase, needs to makes reads faster and get himself into better position.

Should be an interesting fall camp to determine who starts at safety (Stone, Hooker, Snyder).

 

[mstp1992]

I was hard on them in the first half, but they played well in the 2nd.

 

[mplshawkeye21]

I️ was just coming in to post the exact same thing. Both seem like ball hawks. Next year’s secondary could be ridiculous if Jackson sticks around. Jackson, Hankins, Hooker, Stone would have the potential to be a special secondary.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

Future looks good with these guys. Stone is thicker than I remember.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Was impressed with Geno Stone and Matt Hankins they have bright futures. Stone tied Jewell with 8 tackles and was solid in pass coverage. Did a really nice job of reading the pass to Stanley Morgan and an even better tackle to force a turnover on downs.

Hankins got beat a couple of times but his run support was refreshing. Kid can play.

Would like to see Hooker and Stone at safties for the bowl game. Gervase does a lot of good things on the field. Without crazy athletic ability, an over achiever like Gervase, needs to makes reads faster and get himself into better position.

Should be an interesting fall camp to determine who starts at safety (Stone, Hooker, Snyder).

I have been BEGGING for Stone and Hooker to play together since about week 2. That was before I even knew if Stone could play. He just did a nice job on special teams and I thought Gervase and Taylor were both struggling.

 

[bigfridaynite]

If they stay focus and working hard in offseason they will be fine just remember a year ago what was being said about Rugamba.

 

[SansSouci]

Iowa with a good secondary? Prolly not.

 

[hawk_it]

Good to see them both get quality playing time and some experience. Will make a difference in the off-season. Could be some good battles at corner and safety next year. Brents, Johnson, and Roberts are coming in also.

 

[kwik44]

Greeted Stone as they were walking out. Asked him if he's ready for 3 more years of this. Nodded his head proud and said Ohh Yeah.

 

[TouchdownMyPants]

Geno Stone had 17 interceptions in high school, 10 his senior year. TEN. That is a big number in HS especially when you add 34 TD’s during that senior campaign.

Dochterman wrote a great story on him if you missed it.

https://www.landof10.com/iowa/next-...all-uncovers-gem-new-castle-safety-geno-stone

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Geno Stone had 17 interceptions in high school, 10 his senior year. TEN. That is a big number in HS especially when you add 34 TD’s during that senior campaign.

Dochterman wrote a great story on him if you missed it.

https://www.landof10.com/iowa/next-...all-uncovers-gem-new-castle-safety-geno-stone

10 picks in a season? That's crazy!

 

[hawkblood]

Geno Stone had 17 interceptions in high school, 10 his senior year. TEN. That is a big number in HS especially when you add 34 TD’s during that senior campaign.

Dochterman wrote a great story on him if you missed it.

https://www.landof10.com/iowa/next-...all-uncovers-gem-new-castle-safety-geno-stone

Wow great article... thx for sharring. Kid looks to be a stud and has NFL written all over him.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

I thought Stone was one of the best freshman tacklers I've seen on the team in a while. Great to see someone wrapping up and getting his guy down in the open field and not allowing extra yards. I hope he continues that solid technique as his responsibilities grow, and that he is a role model for many Iowa defenders who's tackling leaves something to be desired.

 

[spiderland]

Both had solid games, but remember this was against Nebraska. I’ll reserve final judgment until I see them in action against an opponent like a Northwestern or Minnesota.

 

[Harbinger273]

Future is bright for the hawks in the secondary. The real concern is the linebackers. We have tough athletes waiting in the wings, but they have very little experience. Secondary will be making up for the backers on numerous instances next year.

 

[And1Hawk]

I thought Stone was one of the best freshman tacklers I've seen on the team in a while. Great to see someone wrapping up and getting his guy down in the open field and not allowing extra yards. I hope he continues that solid technique as his responsibilities grow, and that he is a role model for many Iowa defenders who's tackling leaves something to be desired.

Stone has flashed on special teams all year and then got an immediate pick against IL in garbage time. Was hoping for a Hooker & Stone safety duo this season to emerge but they went back to Gervase and Taylor after injuries. I understand giving Taylor a nod as a senior and Jake has been ok but there's something about Hooker and Stone that pop out on the field.

This is also why I wonder if Synder could play Neimann's spot next year as a hybrid safety / backer. I've always thought Synder is better against the run than the pass. This assumes he can make it back from the 2nd ACL repair too. Just a thought given we lose all 3 backers.

 

[kceasthawk]

I️ was just coming in to post the exact same thing. Both seem like ball hawks. Next year’s secondary could be ridiculous if Jackson sticks around. Jackson, Hankins, Hooker, Stone would have the potential to be a special secondary.

Haven't given up on Rugumba or Michael O yet either. All are still young players who have had their moments.

 

[kceasthawk]

Stone has flashed on special teams all year and then got an immediate pick against IL in garbage time. Was hoping for a Hooker & Stone safety duo this season to emerge but they went back to Gervase and Taylor after injuries. I understand giving Taylor a nod as a senior and Jake has been ok but there's something about Hooker and Stone that pop out on the field.

This is also why I wonder if Synder could play Neimann's spot next year as a hybrid safety / backer. I've always thought Synder is better against the run than the pass. This assumes he can make it back from the 2nd ACL repair too. Just a thought given we lose all 3 backers.

I'll be interested to see if the younger Niemann makes a run at that spot. Also think Welch ends up passing Hockaday at the Mike. He looks the part.

 

[And1Hawk]

I'll be interested to see if the younger Niemann makes a run at that spot. Also think Welch ends up passing Hockaday at the Mike. He looks the part.

You are likely correct on the younger Niemann. It's just a matter of how to get Stone & Hooker on the field at the same time.

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

I was really excited when Stone committed towards the end of last years class wrapping up. He looked like the type of player that could make a quick impact on the program. Hopefully he continues this upward trajectory.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Hawks doing a nice job of filling the D backfield with studs. It's becoming a real team strength.

 

[ctghawk]

I have been BEGGING for Stone and Hooker to play together since about week 2. That was before I even knew if Stone could play. He just did a nice job on special teams and I thought Gervase and Taylor were both struggling.

Agree 100%. It seems ridiculous to put alot of weight on hudl highlights, except theirs stood out soo much. We have missed 27 since his injury. 9s play on Morgan reflected recognition, closing speed and finish. Our safeties are set for the next 2 seasons.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Can Iowa recruit a safety named 'Blow' I want to cheer for Hookers and Blow.

 

[pacnorthhawkeye]

Both had solid games, but remember this was against Nebraska. I’ll reserve final judgment until I see them in action against an opponent like a Northwestern or Minnesota.

 

[wyldhawk9]

Iowa with a good secondary? Prolly not.

Nice...you do realize that IOWA leads the NATION in interceptions and INTs for TD...after 12 games...you need to elevate your troll game bud.
http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/457

 

[pacnorthhawkeye]

That’s great dipshit and it’s a fluke. Teams throw deep balls knowing it’s going to be a big play. You’ll have a a lot of interceptions when teams attack your weak secondary. Dumb F*#*!

 

[SansSouci]

Just proved that you’re low functioning and know nothing about football.

 

[SansSouci]

Nice...you do realize that IOWA leads the NATION in interceptions and INTs for TD...after 12 games...you need to elevate your troll game bud.
http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/457

Another fat bastard that never played football and doesn’t understand the different factors in stats.

 

[Harbinger273]

Yea learn about yer stats pal. Haven't you ever heard of analyticals. Effing high functioning dipstick. Our secondary is super extra world beaters!

 

[SansSouci]

No, no they’re not. You can’t see football, woman.

 

[SansSouci]

Yea learn about yer stats pal. Haven't you ever heard of analyticals. Effing high functioning dipstick. Our secondary is super extra world beaters!

I understand it was just sarcasm now. Secondary is a product of teams not being afraid to throw it up and let their guys grab it or get a PI.

 

[wyldhawk9]

Another fat bastard that never played football and doesn’t understand the different factors in stats.

Well, personal attacks aside, a strong case can be made that Iowa has a good secondary this year (and will have a good one next year). Iowa, of late, has produced some very good defensive backs - a trend that looks like it will continue. Both starting corners from 2016 are playing in the NFL. So Iowa entered 2017 with new starters at both corners and without starting safety Snyder (who is essentially injured all season). Jackson leads the nation in passes defended and interceptions and is absolutely NFL talent. Safety play from Hooker has been pretty good, Snyder (though injured this year) would have been excellent again this year, and what we've seen so far from Stone and Hankins looks very promising. Am I speculating about next season fielding a good secondary? Sure. But based on what I've seen of the players who return - I feel confident that Iowa's secondary will be good next season.

Why do you think otherwise?

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Before the penis comparison charade continues, I'd remind folks that the original premise of the thread was to paint a picture of hope as it relates to the future of our secondary.

Given the play we've seen by Stone and Hooker - I'd agree that there is definitely some promise there. Given that Rugamba has battled injuries and some consistency issues (potentially attributable to health, in part) ... it's safe to say that his stock is currently on 'hold' right now. Similarly, Hankins finished the season on a stronger note ... but so had Rugamba last year. By most signs, it would appear as if Jackson played himself into the draft. Given how he saw King's draft stock seeming drop last year ... it's very possible that he jumps at the early money rather than cultivating the skills that could help him stick (in the league).

Thus, hedging my bets, the situation for our projected starting cbs looks identical from '17 to '18.

The big negative is that the secondary will have newbie LBs in front of them. On the flip side, Iowa's DL could truly be menacing. What impact will these considerations have on the secondary?

Alright ... resume the standard bs ....

 

[Johnsoda123]

Before the penis comparison charade continues, I'd remind folks that the original premise of the thread was to paint a picture of hope as it relates to the future of our secondary.

Given the play we've seen by Stone and Hooker - I'd agree that there is definitely some promise there. Given that Rugamba has battled injuries and some consistency issues (potentially attributable to health, in part) ... it's safe to say that his stock is currently on 'hold' right now. Similarly, Hankins finished the season on a stronger note ... but so had Rugamba last year. By most signs, it would appear as if Jackson played himself into the draft. Given how he saw King's draft stock seeming drop last year ... it's very possible that he jumps at the early money rather than cultivating the skills that could help him stick (in the league).

Thus, hedging my bets, the situation for our projected starting cbs looks identical from '17 to '18.

The big negative is that the secondary will have newbie LBs in front of them. On the flip side, Iowa's DL could truly be menacing. What impact will these considerations have on the secondary?

Alright ... resume the standard bs ....

You finally weighed in Ghost. Well done. Battling Nebraska fans is beneath you. I understand. It's sport for me. I grew up an Iowa fan in SW Iowa in the 70s. It was brutal. Now I'm retired in CA. Life is good.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Agree 100%. It seems ridiculous to put alot of weight on hudl highlights, except theirs stood out soo much. We have missed 27 since his injury. 9s play on Morgan reflected recognition, closing speed and finish. Our safeties are set for the next 2 seasons.

I hope you are correct but I can't help but think we will see Hooker with Snyder or Gervase. That would be more of a KF move.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Haven't given up on Rugumba or Michael O yet either. All are still young players who have had their moments.

I believe that some of Rugamba's development got hit by a combo of complacency (because he assumed that he'd be "the man") and injuries. That can happen to young guys ... thus, I share your sentiment that Rugamba is a guy who can still get things "turned around."

As for Ojemudia, his play currently reminds me of "early era" Bradley Fletcher. He's a kid who is long and strong ... but he still needs to wrap his mind around the mental side of the game. He needs to recognize things better and more quickly. He needs to learn how to close the window of the zones a bit more abruptly so that he can force more incompletions .... all the while not letting the top get blown out behind him when he gets caught in man coverage. Fletcher is a guy who really slowly progressed ... but he sure put up one hell of a SR campaign when he put it all together.

Also, I'd note that we shouldn't forget that Turner will be a RS FR in '08 and who we really liked in the recruiting game. Furthermore, we have some other nice corner candidates hitting campus in '08 too ... Roberts will be a guy with a chip on his shoulder (he was under-recruited ... largely b/c he's shorty mcshort) ... and we have some nice looking recruits out of Indy too (Johnson and Brents).

The corner situation will be rather interesting through the coming years. Regardless of who plays ... Phil Parker is still impressive as it relates to developing "his guys."

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

I hope you are correct but I can't help but think we will see Hooker with Snyder or Gervase. That would be more of a KF move.

If Snyder is good to go ... we SHOULD go with him. However, by '08, I anticipate that Stone will have passed Gervase ... much like Hooker passed Taylor in '07.

 

[And1Hawk]

I think fans over-reacted to Manny last year after the Michigan game. He did some good things in that game but let's face the fact that Michigan's QB was very marginal. There were at least two times in that game when Manny was toast deep like the Purdue game this year but the Michigan QB flat out missed. If those plays had been made the Michigan game would have been lost and the ctrique of his play would have been much different.

Not saying Manny was not injured some and had some issues with handling success this year but it just might be that he's not as good as many thought he was.

It's up to Manny now to prove who he is as a player as Hankins showed very well, OJ is solid and there are 2 good recruits coming in to battle for spots.

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

The program is only going to benefit from the competition. The defensive backs should be solid for awhile. If we can figure out LB and move thr needle a little more at WR we should be in good shape. We have to figure out how to beat wiscy. I don't care about .500 over 14 years they are about to lap us right now.

 

[terrehawk]

This is also why I wonder if Synder could play Neimann's spot next year as a hybrid safety / backer. I've always thought Synder is better against the run than the pass. This assumes he can make it back from the 2nd ACL repair too. Just a thought given we lose all 3 backers.

This is an excellent call. He has the body type we need at that LB position and need better athletes at safety