HuckFinn
Well-Known Member
I was just looking at my printed out roster for the Hawkeyes this morning and noticed something of interest, at least to me. I suppose I am looking at the next season more than usual, given the disappointment we are all experiencing with the 2016 version of the Hawks.
First , we have only 14 seniors on the squad. I do not know if this is unusual, but for whatever reason, I expected more.
Secondly, I divided them into 3 groups, just for sake of argument. Group 1 is my estimation of their relatively high value to this year's team. Group 2 is made up of those who play a lot, but are not necessarily key figures...my opinion only. Group 3 are kids who have to be congratulated for four years, or more, of contribution to the team, even though they have not seen much playing time. So...
Group 1: Des King, CJ, LeShun, Kittle, Jaleel, McCarron, Coluzzi
Group 2: Greg Mabin, Faith E., Croston
Group 3: Anthony Gair, Steve Ferentz, Ryan Ward, Mitch Keppy
In short, I guess that means that our defense returns nearly everyone, though we will certainly miss Des and Jaleel. On offense, we have to break in a new QB, which is always problematic. I really think LeShun and George, and often McCarron have been great contributors. But, we have Matt VB coming back and I think we have guys on board who will step up and fill those positions. I am actually more worried about replacing Coluzzi than many of the above.
Now, the counter argument is that we are returning a lot of guys that are playing on a 6-6 team (probably). And, I don't think the schedule gets any easier in 2017. But, with a decent recruiting class coming in, we may see a step up.
I won't get into analyzing who we should be watching closely for next year, but would be interested in hearing from others what they think.
Will see the Hawk basketball team opener Friday night, watch us take a run at Michigan on Saturday with my son and grandson, and then hang around to watch more Iowa BB on Sunday. Love those weekends!
First , we have only 14 seniors on the squad. I do not know if this is unusual, but for whatever reason, I expected more.
Secondly, I divided them into 3 groups, just for sake of argument. Group 1 is my estimation of their relatively high value to this year's team. Group 2 is made up of those who play a lot, but are not necessarily key figures...my opinion only. Group 3 are kids who have to be congratulated for four years, or more, of contribution to the team, even though they have not seen much playing time. So...
Group 1: Des King, CJ, LeShun, Kittle, Jaleel, McCarron, Coluzzi
Group 2: Greg Mabin, Faith E., Croston
Group 3: Anthony Gair, Steve Ferentz, Ryan Ward, Mitch Keppy
In short, I guess that means that our defense returns nearly everyone, though we will certainly miss Des and Jaleel. On offense, we have to break in a new QB, which is always problematic. I really think LeShun and George, and often McCarron have been great contributors. But, we have Matt VB coming back and I think we have guys on board who will step up and fill those positions. I am actually more worried about replacing Coluzzi than many of the above.
Now, the counter argument is that we are returning a lot of guys that are playing on a 6-6 team (probably). And, I don't think the schedule gets any easier in 2017. But, with a decent recruiting class coming in, we may see a step up.
I won't get into analyzing who we should be watching closely for next year, but would be interested in hearing from others what they think.
Will see the Hawk basketball team opener Friday night, watch us take a run at Michigan on Saturday with my son and grandson, and then hang around to watch more Iowa BB on Sunday. Love those weekends!
