Ferentz Speak - One thing that was actually important.

[BJHawkstrong]

Scherff
Walsh
Bofelli
Blythe
Van Sloten

No way does Ferentz sit Van Sloten in his senior season after starting all last year. The inevitable "He gives us the best chance to win" quote will surely be heard the second Van Sloten misses a block. I also don't expect Donnal to be 100% this year(physically maybe, mentally I doubt it). I also think Ward still has weight to add before he becomes effective enough to start. I think Jordan Walsh is the surprise contributor this season. Scherff will be the anchor and the biggest battle for a starting job imo is at Center. Simmons, Bofelli, and Blythe all are capable. I almost leaned toward Simmons just because we don't often take juco oline and that leads me to believe Ferentz really saw something he liked from him. That said Bofelli has put in the time and has played well in his brief experience so I am giving him the nod. Either way it should be interesting to see how this unfolds this spring and into the fall practices.

 

[Drakebulldog93]

One major factor in the running game is Brad Rogers taking a medical hardship. We didn't have another FB the coaches had confidence in. Maybe we run a lot of double tight and forget the FB?

 

[CAARHawk]

Explain?

People loved King and he played with an attitude, good technique, quickness and such. But when he was switched for a 300 lb'er we realized the benefits of size in the interior of the line.

 

[BJHawkstrong]

One major factor in the running game is Brad Rogers taking a medical hardship. We didn't have another FB the coaches had confidence in. Maybe we run a lot of double tight and forget the FB?

This is why Weisman will likely move back to his more natural position at Fullback. We have a full stable of capable running backs for the first time in a while. The loss of Rogers stinks but we will be okay with Weisman in that role.

 

[hawkdrummer1]

This is why Weisman will likely move back to his more natural position at Fullback. We have a full stable of capable running backs for the first time in a while. The loss of Rogers stinks but we will be okay with Weisman in that role.

And Wieman's performance last year doesn't hurt. He's a real running threat, not just a blocking FB.

 

[SteveL]

The left side of OL was definitely stronger while Scherff was playing. I hope the experience will help Blythe and BVS do better this Fall. The key is the competition. Iowa doesnt often play more than 6 or 7 OL during game. Blythe, Simmons and Bofelli able to play G or C so there is flexibility there.

With Rogers out, I think we may see alot of one back offense with Weisman, who will also line up as FB with Bullock or other RB in game. May see more of Duzey and HKC as Hback too.

 

[HawkeyeMHA]

One area where I have always been optimistic about and am for this upcoming year as well is the o line. Only trouble though now is I don't think we will rely as much on our line because our new offense will get the ball off faster so they won't be relief on as much. So there goes that

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

One area where I have always been optimistic about and am for this upcoming year as well is the o line. Only trouble though now is I don't think we will rely as much on our line because our new offense will get the ball off faster so they won't be relief on as much. So there goes that

We do run the ball once in awhile you know...we may rely on our oline then, right? The passing game is a different animal, but I'm hoping we get the ball down field this year. It will be interesting to see what happens there. With Canzeri, Bullock and a few others that are undoubtedly going to be used in the passing game in the slot, I'm hoping the short passing game can break a few of those into longer gains.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

This is why Weisman will likely move back to his more natural position at Fullback. We have a full stable of capable running backs for the first time in a while. The loss of Rogers stinks but we will be okay with Weisman in that role.

I doubt Weisman goes back to FB, since we have shown a propensity to insert a non-performing/ineffective defensive scholly player into that spot.

IF Weisman is moved back, it would be a major waste unless he is actually utilized as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher.

 

[HawkeyeMHA]

Yeah, we still run of course. I just don't see our offense the same way as before where we really relied on a good run blocking o line. Of course we still want that and will still need it ehen we run, but I see us now wanting more nimble lineman that can protect quickly to allow us to throw the dangerous three and out.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

Yeah, we still run of course. I just don't see our offense the same way as before where we really relied on a good run blocking o line. Of course we still want that and will still need it ehen we run, but I see us now wanting more nimble lineman that can protect quickly to allow us to throw the dangerous three and out.

"Dangerous" to which team?

 

[HawkeyeMHA]

US! Laffy

 

[doclee]

And Wieman's performance last year doesn't hurt. He's a real running threat, not just a blocking FB.

Next Fall, we are going to see more one back sets, so to argue that Wiesman will be shifted back to FB is kind of silly. He may see a higher percentage of the reps when we are in passing downs, assuming he is a better blocker than some of the other running backs. But, there will be no major change in position for Weisman in 2013. Although, maybe around the goal line...