Howe: Kids Day Practice Thoughts, Observations
- Thread starter RobHowe
- Start date
MoseSchrute
Well-Known Member
National Championship.
Clemson won't know what hit them.
My 6 year old and I biked there, caught about 30 minutes of action (he doesn't have much interest yet, so we had to go take the elevator to the 12th floor of the Children's hospital after a bit to spice things up).
In the short time we were there, the thing that jumped out to me was how legit most of the Hawkeye WRs looked out there. This position is in such a different place than 2 years ago.
Beyond that, the interior OL really seemed to get the job done (for the 1s, anyway). Not sure if that should create concern about DTs, or if that is a sign that things are heading in the right direction for the OL.
In the short time we were there, the thing that jumped out to me was how legit most of the Hawkeye WRs looked out there. This position is in such a different place than 2 years ago.
Beyond that, the interior OL really seemed to get the job done (for the 1s, anyway). Not sure if that should create concern about DTs, or if that is a sign that things are heading in the right direction for the OL.
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
I’m starting to wonder if Ragaini will actually be better than Easley. It’s tough to assume that given that Easley was a proven productive player, but this kid has more size, it appears a better burst, and is supposedly a very good route runner.
If that’s the case we just need to replace the TE production in some way which I think we can do with a better run game most importantly, and also improved play by Smith and ISM (maybe Martin too). I believe the new TEs will be at the very least serviceable.
Maybe it’s just that time of the year but I’m starting to get very excited for what this team has in terms of talent. The schedule won’t make it easy however.
If that’s the case we just need to replace the TE production in some way which I think we can do with a better run game most importantly, and also improved play by Smith and ISM (maybe Martin too). I believe the new TEs will be at the very least serviceable.
Maybe it’s just that time of the year but I’m starting to get very excited for what this team has in terms of talent. The schedule won’t make it easy however.
SamBrownlee48
Well-Known Member
Roster is deep, too. We have a lot of depth in the LB/DT positions where attrition often plays a big role. Welch/Colbert/Niemann/Doyle/Benson all seem ready to go, and there's a ton of talent under them all for 2 LB spots.
BILLYBOBSTEXAS
Well-Known Member
Not a word about the freshman running backs, I was hoping that maybe one (or more) would rise up to at least be used at times during games this year.
With three experienced juniors ahead of them it's going to be tough for the freshman to get many carries, but I agree with you, we have some good freshman RBs ready to go when needed.
They are clearly behind the top 3, but they showed flashes. Enough to be excited about the future.
Belton seemed to be the guy among the freshman DBs.
AreWeThereYet
Well-Known Member
I wonder if VanValkenburg and Amani Jones are spending a majority of the time on the second team and Waggoner has been pushed to third team. That would suggest that VanValkenburg is for real, and has a very good shot at the rotation. It also lends more hope that the Jones experiment at DE might turn into something. I don't think they will really know on Jones until he plays.
That wouldn't say anything bad about Waggoner, who is a redshirt freshman. It may be better at this stage to have a stable practice spot while the other two compete for time in the early season rotation.
That wouldn't say anything bad about Waggoner, who is a redshirt freshman. It may be better at this stage to have a stable practice spot while the other two compete for time in the early season rotation.
Worries - no a word about our backup QBs or any TE besides Wieting and if our RB were making ground against our DL... we have DT and LB issues, folks.
If your D isn't dominant against your offense at this point... it's far more likely that you have defensive issues than that you have an offensive juggernaut
If your D isn't dominant against your offense at this point... it's far more likely that you have defensive issues than that you have an offensive juggernaut
NikeHawk21
Well-Known Member
To me Amani Jones is more of a “specialist” at the edge position. I’m speculating, but I don’t think you’d typically want him out there in 1st and 2nd down situations, as he might struggle a bit against the run due to being undersized. Pass rushing situations I think is what the coaches are toying with for him. Again I’m speculating but I still think Waggoner could get a series or two a game to keep Golston and AJE fresh. Jones would be more situationally used to rush the passer.
Or the two NFL bound OTs and the interior OL has made huge strides in their run blocking ... and/or the RBs are getting the whole "vision" thing. The DL is going to be just fine.
RobHowe
Administrator
I actually wrote a couple of sentences about the freshmen RBs and TEs in the piece that is linked in the OP.
Reading is fundamental.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
I was obviously looking for Goodson in Rob’s tape...and frankly...I’m surprised people aren’t more excited about him. He’s going to get his shot in at least four games...but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him move up to the 3rd back.
He made a cut back across the line when nothing was there...first thought...I haven’t seen anyone do that since Wadley. You need backs that can make something from nothing once in awhile.
He looked quick...and finished runs moving forward...and he’s bigger than AK was. I think he sees the field more than people may think right now.
He made a cut back across the line when nothing was there...first thought...I haven’t seen anyone do that since Wadley. You need backs that can make something from nothing once in awhile.
He looked quick...and finished runs moving forward...and he’s bigger than AK was. I think he sees the field more than people may think right now.
WinOneThisCentury
Well-Known Member
A couple of other observations. Lattimore looked like the light has gone off big time. He’s probably seeing the contracts his former teammates are signing...and I don’t think it’s because the interior of our OL is weak. He’s playing like he wants to get paid...that’s a good thing. Nixon and Shannon also showed promise.
Epenesa is just special. KF can talk him down all he wants...but his outside slip is crazy. Alaric has seen it a thousand times by now and still gets beat...and he’s an NFL player. Top 5 pick if he puts up the numbers like last year based on the attention he will get.
This is an intriguing team. Team speed on defense may be as good as I can remember. D.J. showed some burst on blitzing and Merriweather in run support. I think Phil is going to be playing way more aggressive than in years past. If you commit two to Epenesa...most likely you have zero blitz pick up. This is going to be fun to watch.
Epenesa is just special. KF can talk him down all he wants...but his outside slip is crazy. Alaric has seen it a thousand times by now and still gets beat...and he’s an NFL player. Top 5 pick if he puts up the numbers like last year based on the attention he will get.
This is an intriguing team. Team speed on defense may be as good as I can remember. D.J. showed some burst on blitzing and Merriweather in run support. I think Phil is going to be playing way more aggressive than in years past. If you commit two to Epenesa...most likely you have zero blitz pick up. This is going to be fun to watch.
AreWeThereYet
Well-Known Member
That was my understanding as well. The reason I asked if he was practicing with the 2s and sometimes 1s, is because they might want to accelerate his development at DE as much as possible. It's do or die time. Find out what he's got early. I would assume they Jones has shown enough to further pursue this.
NorthKCHawk
Well-Known Member
I read another write-up and the author indicated that Toren Young looked like he had made strides and was ready to potentially challenge for a more prominent role. KF was complimentary towards Young. Rob gave a shout out to IKM. By all accounts Sargeant has looked like a complete back and still in line to be the starter.
I still do not believe we have a star there, but hopefully, the trio stays healthy and fresh and each gets a shot to come in and bust ass for at least 5-10 carries with the hot hand getting more. 35ish carries for 170+ yards as a group with 5 catches to boot. Seems doable.
I still do not believe we have a star there, but hopefully, the trio stays healthy and fresh and each gets a shot to come in and bust ass for at least 5-10 carries with the hot hand getting more. 35ish carries for 170+ yards as a group with 5 catches to boot. Seems doable.
