TE such a difficult position to cover

[HawkNole09]

i love that Brian is making our offense TE-centric.

It just puts so much stress on a defense, especially with the size speed ratio we have at TE, and the fact we utilize a ZBS.

LB are rarely athletic enough to cover.
S have speed, but are rarely in good position to defend the route tree for a TE.

When our running game is churning out 4 yards a pop then there’s always that moment of conflict when the TE releases and they’re not sure whether they’re coming to block or heading out for a route.

We’re seeing the development of an offense. Pair that with a stout defense and I think we’re looking good for the years coming. Futures bright guys!

 

[paladinhawk]

What are peoples thoughts about who is likely to replace Fant next year? Is Wieting a good receiver?
Will L Lee be ready to play?

 

[DutchyFunStar]

Cook and Beyer are probably next in line for athletic pass catching TEs. I'm a little surprised there isn't more TE recruitment activity. I know we have 2 verbals for 2019 but only one offered for 2020. If this is a position of emphasis I would think there might be a little more activity.

 

[20Hawkeye14]

Beyer is probably the closest athletically we have to Fant at tight end.

 

[HawkNole09]

Beyer is probably the closest athletically we have to Fant at tight end.

I love that we have the ability to got out and get the traditional Y TE, or with Fant’s productivity we can sell a flex TE.

Seriously, with the players going pro the last few years, being productive in the league...and the guys we have slated to be “draftable” this is going to be the Goldenish era of Hawkeye Football.

I’m so optimistic that I think if Fant stays we’ll see a top 10 ranking and a run to the playoffs. ;P

 

[Barney9060]

Beyer is probably the closest athletically we have to Fant at tight end.

Absolutely, don’t forget a Beyer was placed as a wide receiver his red shirt year. Needed to BULK up, Then moved to TE last year. Weight is up, speed is still there. He’s got leapers too. He will surprise Hawkeye fans in the near future.

 

[Crazy Hawk]

The thing about how Iowa is able to recruit/develop/use the tight end position is extremely unique.

What makes them extremely unique and difficult to defend is that teams in today's college football world have spent the better part of 10 years recruiting linebackers that can defend a spread first, run second. Then there are the teams who have the personal that can stop the run (or the pass) but need to substitute to get those guys in and are extremely vulnerable to one phase or the other (pass/run). Iowa on the other hand does not need to substitute to be able to have their best 11 on the field to do one or the other.

That is one reason why you have seen Iowa's offense have success this year, but another is the emergence of ISM/Smith/Iowa RBs. Having those three guys (positions) step up means Iowa now has to make the defense account for every zone on the field as they all are now showing that if you don't respect them, Stanley will find them and they will make you pay.

I was truly hoping when BF took over the offense that Iowa would resemble a New England type of offense. There is a little doubt in my mind that Iowa is well on their way to doing that.....and doing it well.