HN: Iowa Running Back Analysis

JonDMiller

JonDMiller

Publisher/Founder
With so many football players getting drafted from the last two or three Iowa teams, including some of the best players at their positions of the Kirk Ferentz era, combined with less than spectacular outside expectations for this year's team, depth is going to be be a bigger than normal focus this year. We begin analyzing Iowa's depth with the running back position.

If Not, Who: Running Backs | Hawkeye Nation
 










Any word on Rogers? Sounded like they were hopefull. I think when McCall hits his stride (a year or two), he could be VERY good, takes alot of work and if he is up for it, he might very well be the highest drafted rb we have ever put out. The rb position will have some fierce competition for awhile now and your right it all starts with Coker. Cokers ability will elevate the other rb's talent, if they want to see any amount of play time before he graduates. Wiskey may have more experience at back, but if you say they have more talent, you are not looking very close.
Good write up Jon!!
 


olddude said:
Any word on Rogers? Sounded like they were hopefull. I think when McCall hits his stride (a year or two), he could be VERY good, takes alot of work and if he is up for it, he might very well be the highest drafted rb we have ever put out. The rb position will have some fierce competition for awhile now and your right it all starts with Coker. Cokers ability will elevate the other rb's talent, if they want to see any amount of play time before he graduates. Wiskey may have more experience at back, but if you say they have more talent, you are not looking very close.
Good write up Jon!!
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Wow. I hope you are right but with the first point you just said that about a kid that stepped foot on campus less than a week ago. A lot of work is right.

As for your second point i have highlighted. We have a lot of unknowns and potential, they have proven backs. Wisky has the advantage for now.
 


Didn't even mention Jordan Canzeri? Huh....I'll take that bet.

Given Iowa's entire lack of depth at the RB position, and our recent injury history there, I see no way Iowa red shirts either McCall or Canzeri.

De'Andre Johnson is essentially a true freshmen with regard to playing experience - he missed all of last season. He certainly benefits from being in the Iowa S&C program for a year, but in terms of learning the playbook, he won't be that much further ahead of McCall or Canzeri.

I could see any of McCall, Canzeri, or McCall taking over the #2 RB spot, because one thing is for certain when speaking of the Iowa RB situation: injuries happen. Jason White is not a FBS RB - I'd be shocked to see either McCall or Canzeri RS this season.

If I had to rank the RB's based on potential/talent, I'd rate them like this:

1. McCall
2. Canzeri
3. Johnson
4. White
 




MoseSchrute said:
^I don't think you're giving Johnson enough credit.^
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I think you have a short memory with regard to the relationship between Iowa RB's & ACL's. ;)

Until I see DeAndre Johnson prove he can stay healthy, I'm not terribly confident that he will....which is what really eats into his "potential" score for me.

Basically, all we have to go on with all three of these players is HS tape. And I think Mccall's and Canzeri's better than Johnson's. I'll say this though, I really do think McCall is going to be special, and if Johnson is as good, or better, than McCall, I'll be ecstatic.
 


I was also surprised by the lack of Canzeri in this writeup, but I wouldn't be surprised if they do redshirt him. Even with Coe not coming in this year, we have a full class of running backs coming in. After all Torrey Campbell and Bullock also have the possibility of playing the position.

But this all could be just talk if Coker stays healthy. My best friend was able to go to a private supper with Kirk, and he was telling me that Coach didn't give more praise to any of his players more than he did with Coker. Saying all he does is work hard and never complains.

If we can figure out the running back situation, with the great line we should have, we could run real far (pun intended).
 


I think any of the back ups will be able to pick up yards after Coker wears down the D. It will probably come down to which one can best protect JVB.
 


I would say 1 year in Iowa's system learning the playbook and practicing against the #1 defense would give Johnson a pretty nice advantage. Not like he was sitting around on his butt recovering.

Also, Canzeri is pretty small right now, he could put some muscle on with a reshirt but could see some playing time, though I doubt it is much unless there are significant injuries.

I see McCall as a similar back to Coker, maybe a little more quicks, but Johnson would definately be the change of pace guy and Canzeri would be too.

I doubt Campbell sees time as an RB unless it is dire as the coaches want him learning corner while they want Bullock at safety.
 




I watched Johnson at one of the scrimmages before last season and he broke off at least two runs where he did not get touched for 15 yards downfield. That was against the Starting D.
 


BabcockIC said:
I watched Johnson at one of the scrimmages before last season and he broke off at least two runs where he did not get touched for 15 yards downfield. That was against the Starting D.
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I was at kids day last fall and noticed the same thing. I was surprised that he wasn't "healthy" because he reminded me a lot of Fred Russell.


After typing this, I googled to see what he was doing today

In 2010 Fred Russell won the flag football Championship in Ann Arbor, MI against Godek Dream Team. :)
 


Yeah, barring to many injuries or such, I cant see any of the new guys getting alot of play time. Just the way it is. As mentioned there are people with more experience learning the plays ect. But yes I do have high hopes for McCall :) just pry not this year. With some work and blocking work, I am betting he will shine, in a year or two.
 


Johnson doesn't make me think of Fred Russell. But that is just me.

I loved Canzeri's tape more than any other last year, and it's neck and neck with Brandon Wegher's as my favorite ever for an incoming Iowa player.

I think Canzeri could see time on special teams in the return game if he comes in and shows good hands...which means he would be available if need be, to carry the ball. But I don't think he is ready for any sort of load this year.

Here is that highlight reel again

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0ODXDNylRE]YouTube - ‪Jordan Canzeri 2010 Offensive High School Highlights‬‏[/ame]
 


I figured that Johnson was getting the full year to rehab considering he was wearing Greenwood's number. I think that he could be a change of pace but I was sitting in the south endzone so I only saw him once he was past the D-Line.

I showed the Canzeri highlight reel to half of my family. I think he will find the field in some capacity.
 


History is stacked against Canzeri making it through two years at Iowa let alone playing meaningful minutes as a true FR.
 


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