Coming Back: Iowa Defense for 2011

Nice column. I know alot of people that I have chatted football with are very nervous about next year. They and I know that we are losing alot of talent. I believe that we wont be half bad. Yes we are losing the big name guys but what an opportunity for the up and comers. Even if this next season has some hits and misses it will be fun watching this new set of gentlemen mesh and bang some heads. I am so impressed with Morris I know he needs to get the technicallity of coverage down but wow was it awesome watching him light up some kids. No matter what happens next year its gona be awesome with the new line up in the big ten. GO HAWKS and is it next season yet
 
I think we will be better next year than this year, and i don't just mean win/loss record. The special teams can't get much worse, although the punting won't be as good, the offense has the potential to be better as the O-Line will be a huge strength and Coker will get to be the man for a full season. I actually think, and I know this paints me as crazy, that the defense will be better next year as well (this statement tentatively assuming that Sash doesn't go pro). The dline will be a slight step down probably. I think Norm has figured out that Morris is a very good blitzer so we'll probably see a little more of that. Speaking of which, Morris, Dibona, and Tanner Miller all who saw significant playing time should be better next year than this year. The linebacking core as a whole, especially with Bruce Davis back, should be better. JVB may not have stanzi's intangibles but he can make throws that stanzi can't (see ohio state game film circa 2009). Why can't we be better? I'm not dooming and glooming i'm excited about next season. Plus, we'll have no expectations nationally which is when Kirk and the boys do their best jobs of coaching.
 
I didn't see Hitchens on the defensive or offensive looks. Where do you think he will be playing?
 
iloveyoularrystation said:
I think we will be better next year than this year, and i don't just mean win/loss record. The special teams can't get much worse, although the punting won't be as good, the offense has the potential to be better as the O-Line will be a huge strength and Coker will get to be the man for a full season. I actually think, and I know this paints me as crazy, that the defense will be better next year as well (this statement tentatively assuming that Sash doesn't go pro). The dline will be a slight step down probably. I think Norm has figured out that Morris is a very good blitzer so we'll probably see a little more of that. Speaking of which, Morris, Dibona, and Tanner Miller all who saw significant playing time should be better next year than this year. The linebacking core as a whole, especially with Bruce Davis back, should be better. JVB may not have stanzi's intangibles but he can make throws that stanzi can't (see ohio state game film circa 2009). Why can't we be better? I'm not dooming and glooming i'm excited about next season. Plus, we'll have no expectations nationally which is when Kirk and the boys do their best jobs of coaching.
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I like your optimism but I'm not sure I agree with you on why you think we will be better next year. I agree with Miller and Morris being better next year, but I dont' think Bruce Davis plays a big role except on special teams to be honest. Nielsen back will be huge. I still think we take a hit at DL, but hopefully it will be more of a group effort than just the big 5. I also dont' think Sash makes or breaks your argument. If he stays we will be better, but it doesn't make us go from average to great. He's good, but I like our young safety talent. I do like Dibona, but another name to watch is Kirksey, he's going to be a good one I think.
 
Foval21 said:
I didn't see Hitchens on the defensive or offensive looks. Where do you think he will be playing?
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My fault- he will definitely be in the mix for safety and has the athleticism to play corner. He played a lot in the bowl game, especially in the second half. I see him most likely a safety and could help replace Sash if he goes.
 
Thanks for your take on Hitchens, I remembered him playing a lot in the 2nd Half and was wondering where we might see him next year. Figured he was a good athlete and smart considering he was jumping between positions all year to help with depth. Players that do that are what allow Iowa to do what they do so well.
 
The D will be fine. Parker is the guy we needed back and he's returning. We couldn't overcome the loss of Greenwood and Hodge but we did. We couldn't survive without King and Kroul but we did. The offensive line will be good which means Kirk can "run" his offensive scheme. All is well from where I'm sitting.
 
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