Kids Day Recap



I suspect that Gronoski's performance today will dilute the Hawkeye Kool-Aid a bit, which I think is a good thing. The young man has enough pressure on him -- he doesn't need 70,000 fans in Kinnick predicting he's going to be the next Chuck Long. Watching some of his SDState games, he seems like a solid QB -- no more and no less -- and that's where my expectations will be.
On another note, Fr RB #25 McNeil looks like he could be the 2nd coming of Wadley! Even wears the same #25. Great offenses get the ball into their playmakers' hands. Let's hope Lester and Gronoski accomplish that.
 


I suspect that Gronoski's performance today will dilute the Hawkeye Kool-Aid a bit, which I think is a good thing. The young man has enough pressure on him -- he doesn't need 70,000 fans in Kinnick predicting he's going to be the next Chuck Long. Watching some of his SDState games, he seems like a solid QB -- no more and no less -- and that's where my expectations will be.
On another note, Fr RB #25 McNeil looks like he could be the 2nd coming of Wadley! Even wears the same #25. Great offenses get the ball into their playmakers' hands. Let's hope Lester and Gronoski accomplish that.
The internet is much more excited about Gron's performance on Saturday than it seems you are. The hype train is already well down the track. And, given that the kid threw for over 10,000 yards in basically 3 seasons, and lead his team to a couple natties, I suspect his SDSU tape is a bit more than "solid." Whether his skill set will translate to this level remains to be seen, but I like what I have seen and heard so far. We don't need him to be Long, but something approaching a Beatherd would be nice.
 


Gronkowski on Saturday during 11 on 11 was unofficially 10-20, 134 yds and a likely pick-6 INT.
Granted, the defense is usually ahead of the offense at this point in fall camp, the defense knows the offense's plays by this time, etc. But the defenses Gron faced for most of his career at SDState are much weaker than the defenses he'll face this season.
 




Gronkowski on Saturday during 11 on 11 was unofficially 10-20, 134 yds and a likely pick-6 INT.
Granted, the defense is usually ahead of the offense at this point in fall camp, the defense knows the offense's plays by this time, etc. But the defenses Gron faced for most of his career at SDState are much weaker than the defenses he'll face this season.
Yep, I hear that argument a lot. And yes, the defenses in the Big 10 are far more talented than the FCS level. That said, the offensive players supporting him are also an upgrade. He has at least three future NFL lineman playing in front of him, and the skill players are assuredly better than who he was throwing to in Brookings. I don't know anything about his OC at SDSU, but I have to believe that Lester is an upgrade there as well.

I don't care too much about his stats during the scrimmage. The D knows Iowa's offense nearly as well as the O knows the offense. But, I saw some throws that have not been made by an Iowa QB in a decade. He has an NFL arm. I also saw a big body who has athleticism. If he stays healthy, this kid will be productive. Others may disagree, but I think Nate Stanley type production is his floor. I am trying not to consider what his ceiling could be right now. Its August.
 


Yep, I hear that argument a lot. And yes, the defenses in the Big 10 are far more talented than the FCS level. That said, the offensive players supporting him are also an upgrade. He has at least three future NFL lineman playing in front of him, and the skill players are assuredly better than who he was throwing to in Brookings. I don't know anything about his OC at SDSU, but I have to believe that Lester is an upgrade there as well.

I don't care too much about his stats during the scrimmage. The D knows Iowa's offense nearly as well as the O knows the offense. But, I saw some throws that have not been made by an Iowa QB in a decade. He has an NFL arm. I also saw a big body who has athleticism. If he stays healthy, this kid will be productive. Others may disagree, but I think Nate Stanley type production is his floor. I am trying not to consider what his ceiling could be right now. Its August.
"Others may disagree, but I think Nate Stanley type production is his floor."
I'd be thrilled if you're correct. I hope you are.
 


"Others may disagree, but I think Nate Stanley type production is his floor."
I'd be thrilled if you're correct. I hope you are.
SDSU plays teams like North Dakota, UNI, North Dakota State. Ya know, teams that have taken Iowa to the mat a few times. Hell SDSU almost beat us a few years back. There is good football being played at that level. I find it hard to believe that a kid who is that dominant at that level cannot play really good football at this level. I am not expecting a Heisman run, but a top end conference QB is not unrealistic at all.

Plus, this kid has an NFL body and arm. If he has a productive season at Iowa, after the numbers he put up at SDSU, he may be a Day 2 pick in April. Maybe even Day 1! This kid has millions of bucks on the line this year. We will get his best.
 




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