This week the Iowa media spoke with Iowa running backs Coach Ladell Betts. Here's a summary of the session (not a transcript).
Asked about run game and seeming that there is one small detail that is missing?
Betts says every game is tricky. Some games you need to run and other games it's the pass. As the RB coach, we need to be more productive. Everyone shares in that responsibility.
What is the fine line of waiting and trying to hit a bigger run or just hitting and keeping the chains moving?
There is a tempo and pace to it. He preaches patience to the hole and power through it. Try to work on that each and every day in practice so it shows up in the game.
Asked about IKM and his conversations with him? Fumbles?
Nothing has changed. He is a pro on and off the field. Always does what he is asked. He had a couple fumbles two weeks ago. It wasn't that he was careless. Just great plays by the defense. He said he knows those things happen and they are out of his control.
Asked about Gavin Williams?
Impressed by him since Day One. He takes his craft very seriously. He got into the game two weeks ago and he showed us and the coaches that he was ready to step up. His confidence is growing and the coaching staff is growing in confidence with him.
Does Goodson have what it takes to play in the NFL?
He thinks so. He is an every down back. Will be about staying healthy, continuing to work, and being a good teammate. Sees no reason why he wouldn't make it in the NFL.
What are you looking for in terms of players gaining trust to get on the field?
He said continuing to grow as a player and being coachable. Have to be willing to put in the work and show the effort.
On the outside slant what do you tell your guys in trying to find the right hole?
Said some aim two yards out of the TE. He said they try to read just outside the butt of the TE. The flow will tell you what to do and the tape will as well. You can tell what opposing teams like to do. Some teams try to set a hard edge, there might be more cutbacks, but you have to read it out and see how it plays out.
On what he sees from Maryland?
They are a good team. They present a challenge because they are a 3-4 team and they have big bodies. Have to be detailed in what we do. Have to run through some arm tackles.
Tyler and his growth and path?
Said he has to continue to work. He does that already. He has a feel for it. The more game experience means he will get better because he has that mindset.
On being back at Iowa?
It's been fun for me. Some of the coaches were familiar to me. Said what better way to enter the coaching world here than with wins.
On the development of Hilson so far?
Been on scout team. Caught hold of the way we work and he has done well. Said he was scout team player of the week for two weeks this season, which is a good sign.
How do you feel about the trajectory of the younger backs?
They are really talented, but unfortunately there are only so many carries out there. I know it's tough that they don't get the carries that they want, but they come to work each and every day. Going to need them at some point so they have to be ready.
How much of a challenge is it to keep those guys engaged when they aren't getting carries?
He can relate to it because he had to wait his turn. He knows the feeling of practice reps and game reps. Continue to work and there will a day when your number is called. They have to continue to work and their time will come.
On teams stacking the box?
Have to be able to go over the top and we do that. Whatever they are taking away, we have to battle that too.
On Leshon Williams and his development?
Thinks he will be a major contributor to this team as long as he continues to keep focused. He is ready to contribute now. Think he is quicker than people realize and he can make people miss. Has quick feet.
That's it for today for the coach interview.
Asked about run game and seeming that there is one small detail that is missing?
Betts says every game is tricky. Some games you need to run and other games it's the pass. As the RB coach, we need to be more productive. Everyone shares in that responsibility.
What is the fine line of waiting and trying to hit a bigger run or just hitting and keeping the chains moving?
There is a tempo and pace to it. He preaches patience to the hole and power through it. Try to work on that each and every day in practice so it shows up in the game.
Asked about IKM and his conversations with him? Fumbles?
Nothing has changed. He is a pro on and off the field. Always does what he is asked. He had a couple fumbles two weeks ago. It wasn't that he was careless. Just great plays by the defense. He said he knows those things happen and they are out of his control.
Asked about Gavin Williams?
Impressed by him since Day One. He takes his craft very seriously. He got into the game two weeks ago and he showed us and the coaches that he was ready to step up. His confidence is growing and the coaching staff is growing in confidence with him.
Does Goodson have what it takes to play in the NFL?
He thinks so. He is an every down back. Will be about staying healthy, continuing to work, and being a good teammate. Sees no reason why he wouldn't make it in the NFL.
What are you looking for in terms of players gaining trust to get on the field?
He said continuing to grow as a player and being coachable. Have to be willing to put in the work and show the effort.
On the outside slant what do you tell your guys in trying to find the right hole?
Said some aim two yards out of the TE. He said they try to read just outside the butt of the TE. The flow will tell you what to do and the tape will as well. You can tell what opposing teams like to do. Some teams try to set a hard edge, there might be more cutbacks, but you have to read it out and see how it plays out.
On what he sees from Maryland?
They are a good team. They present a challenge because they are a 3-4 team and they have big bodies. Have to be detailed in what we do. Have to run through some arm tackles.
Tyler and his growth and path?
Said he has to continue to work. He does that already. He has a feel for it. The more game experience means he will get better because he has that mindset.
On being back at Iowa?
It's been fun for me. Some of the coaches were familiar to me. Said what better way to enter the coaching world here than with wins.
On the development of Hilson so far?
Been on scout team. Caught hold of the way we work and he has done well. Said he was scout team player of the week for two weeks this season, which is a good sign.
How do you feel about the trajectory of the younger backs?
They are really talented, but unfortunately there are only so many carries out there. I know it's tough that they don't get the carries that they want, but they come to work each and every day. Going to need them at some point so they have to be ready.
How much of a challenge is it to keep those guys engaged when they aren't getting carries?
He can relate to it because he had to wait his turn. He knows the feeling of practice reps and game reps. Continue to work and there will a day when your number is called. They have to continue to work and their time will come.
On teams stacking the box?
Have to be able to go over the top and we do that. Whatever they are taking away, we have to battle that too.
On Leshon Williams and his development?
Thinks he will be a major contributor to this team as long as he continues to keep focused. He is ready to contribute now. Think he is quicker than people realize and he can make people miss. Has quick feet.
That's it for today for the coach interview.
