Let’s go in reverse, let’s say he did end up as a Hawkeye ... would he be playing outside LB or on the edge as a Defensive End? But would he even be able to start with our current DE’s in Eppy and A Nelson? Definitely at LB I would say
Van Ginkle
- Thread starter Hawkeyeinsoutherncalifornia
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Take a page from the movie " Hoosiers" ... this is your team. Don't live in the what if world. Reality is enough.
I get that the Johnston kid wanted to play football with his brother (I guess). But giving up the opportunity to have a legitimate shot at a starting position in the Big Ten so that he can have those 8 tackles vs North Alabama A&M is a head scratcher.
As much as I hate to say it, he fits much better in the 3-4. Hate to see him at Wisky, but it fits his size and skill set better.
Kendrick Green was one, and Daniels from Texas. I think Michigan State snagged a couple we were after as well.
And just think what could have been with this young man. 
WR 6'1" 198 lbs
2
Oliver Martin
Sophomore Coralville, Iowa West Senior
Full Bio
WR 6'1" 198 lbs
2
Oliver Martin
Sophomore Coralville, Iowa West Senior
Full Bio
Part of what I heard led Van Ginkel to eliminate Iowa was simply that his style of play didn't fit at Iowa at LB ... because there is too much reading and reacting. Thus, if he would have come to Iowa, it would have been at DE ... however, as we've all seen, Iowa is relatively stacked at DE.
I think that Van Ginkel is a fabulous player - however, he would have fit best for the Hawks if they would have caught him before he slipped through the proverbial cracks (before he went to South Dakota). If we had him 5 years to play 4 ... he would have developed great at any number of positions (likely either LEO or DE). However, with only 2 years to play 2 ... Wisconsin's attacking scheme is a much better fit to his skill set.
Van Ginkle is a funny sounding name. That's all I have to add to this thread.
Personally, I think he was bitter that the Hawks & Clowns didn't offer him in HS. Regardless, he's talented, and could make an NFL roster. Win some; lose some.
As other have said, he's much a better fit for a 3-4 scheme, where he can play as a stand-up edge player near the line of scrimmage with occasional coverage responsibilities typically in short zone drops. He certainly isn't a LEO in our scheme, which are essentially LB/S hybrid types. Maybe he could have projected as MLB or Will, but those positions typically still require a great deal of lateral agility and coverage abilities in space. At DE, he's essentially an undersized specialty player who plays in pass rush situations.
And just think what could have been with this young man.
WR 6'1" 198 lbs
2
Oliver Martin
Sophomore Coralville, Iowa West Senior
Full Bio
Herk you be a troublemaker.
Van Ginkle is going to be drafted, possibly in the first round. Having said that, he was never going to shine at Iowa. He is a speed rush specialist. As good as AJE is, he is having to adapt his game to Iowa's demands for the position. Two-gap responsibility isn't as fun as pinning your ears back and going after people. That is why Hesse played the majority of snaps at the position last year-he knows the system and does it well. Fortunately for AJ, he has the size to develop into a strong edge presence. Van Ginkle is going to be a 3-4 OLB or a 3rd down specialist in the NFL and he will make a lot of money doing it. I think there was never more than a 10% chance he was coming to Iowa.
Excellent post - describes the situation pretty perfectly!
And just think what could have been with this young man.
WR 6'1" 198 lbs
2
Oliver Martin
Sophomore Coralville, Iowa West Senior
Full Bio
Has he seen the field yet?
A lot of Michigan people are predicting him to start in the slot this year. He had to deal with injuries last year.
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