Kyle Penniston - UW Grad Transfer TE

[NikeHawk21]

Former 4* recruit who played in Under Armour All American Game just entered the transfer portal and has left the UW football program. Was behind Fumagali for two years and expected a bigger role this year but was beat out by Barry’s nephew Ferguson (who is a stud).

Wisconsin doesn’t employ a ton of two TE sets. Supposedly he’s a solid receiver. 4 career TDs in fairly limited action.

As a grad transfer I’m pretty sure UW can’t restrict where he goes, but I could be wrong on that.

If possible I wonder if KF & Co will take a look. We certainly have play time available and a pedigree with TEs.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Former 4* recruit who played in Under Armour All American Game just entered the transfer portal and has left the UW football program. Was behind Fumagali for two years and expected a bigger role this year but was beat out by Barry’s nephew Ferguson (who is a stud).

Wisconsin doesn’t employ a ton of two TE sets. Supposedly he’s a solid receiver. 4 career TDs in fairly limited action.

As a grad transfer I’m pretty sure UW can’t restrict where he goes, but I could be wrong on that.

If possible I wonder if KF & Co will take a look. We certainly have play time available and a pedigree with TEs.

Interesting... Were we in on him at all when he came out of HS? I don't know anything about the kid

 

[NikeHawk21]

Interesting... Were we in on him at all when he came out of HS? I don't know anything about the kid

Just looked it up and appears he went to Mater Dei in California. Wisconsin was his only offer in the Midwest and he also held offers from Oklahoma, Florida State, and Miami. Geographically that might make this a little more difficult if he wants to get closer to home or something.

Again our pedigree with TE’s might help us but we shall see if Iowa even pursues.

 

[Xerxes]

Just looked it up and appears he went to Mater Dei in California. Wisconsin was his only offer in the Midwest and he also held offers from Oklahoma, Florida State, and Miami. Geographically that might make this a little more difficult if he wants to get closer to home or something.

Again our pedigree with TE’s might help us but we shall see if Iowa even pursues.

With Iowa's pedigree with TEs they probably shouldn't be looking at grad transfer options. That's a waste of their time. If he's not good enough to play at Wisconsin, he shouldn't be good enough to play at Iowa.

They should be out recruiting the elite high school TEs in the nation.

 

[NikeHawk21]

With Iowa's pedigree with TEs they probably shouldn't be looking at grad transfer options. That's a waste of their time. If he's not good enough to play at Wisconsin, he shouldn't be good enough to play at Iowa.

They should be out recruiting the elite high school TEs in the nation.

We just did bring in two very good high school prospects at TE. However, normally that’s not a position that true freshman make an impact at.

A grad transfer can help us for the 2019 year. I’m not saying we absolutely need to go for it I’m just bringing up the idea as an option.

Penniston was recruited by the prior regime’ at UW and was behind Fumagali who's in the NFL and Ferguson who tore it up this year as a redshirt freshman.

So to answer your question Iowa did just land two very good looking TE prospects however they will likely make their impact in 2020 and the following years. This move would be about improving our team next year.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

We just did bring in two very good high school prospects at TE. However, normally that’s not a position that true freshman make an impact at.

A grad transfer can help us for the 2019 year. I’m not saying we absolutely need to go for it I’m just bringing up the idea as an option.

Penniston was recruited by the prior regime’ at UW and was behind Fumagali who's in the NFL and Ferguson who tore it up this year as a redshirt freshman.

So to answer your question Iowa did just land two very good looking TE prospects however they will likely make their impact in 2020 and the following years. This move would be about improving our team next year.

If the kid shows an interest in us we'd be foolish to not bring him in.. We only have one TE coming back with any significant amount of experience and he's hardly been a receiving option in Wieting. We should easily have a scholly available. I'm with you it's worth exploring and entertaining the thought. He may not want anything to do with Iowa and like you said wants to go closer to home. We'll know soon enough.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

With Iowa's pedigree with TEs they probably shouldn't be looking at grad transfer options. That's a waste of their time. If he's not good enough to play at Wisconsin, he shouldn't be good enough to play at Iowa.

They should be out recruiting the elite high school TEs in the nation.

Referencing the bolded part above, why? What is the point of going all-out for a guy who will leave early, versus getting the guy you know has the skills and is already predestined for just one or two years as a grad transfer?

 

[Xerxes]

Referencing the bolded part above, why? What is the point of going all-out for a guy who will leave early, versus getting the guy you know has the skills and is already predestined for just one or two years as a grad transfer?

1. Because elite high school TEs are probably better than him right now anyway. If Iowa is as good as producing TEs as we all think they are they should easily be able to recruit the elite players at the position.

2. High school players are locked into the program for at least 3 seasons. Grad transfers are most often one season.

3. Hockenson and Hooker both went pro early and neither was highly recruited. So did Josh Jackson. It appears, for Iowa at least, 1 good year with NFL measurables and you're gone unless you're not allowed to go (AJ). The only guys who are going to stay for their SR years are probably guys the NFL isn't all that interested in.

4. Kirk Ferentz is not big on grad transfers. He's said so publicly. No reason to deviate from what they're doing if you're satisfied with the current product. And Kirk appears very satisfied with where Iowa is at the moment.

 

[NikeHawk21]

1. Because elite high school TEs are probably better than him right now anyway. If Iowa is as good as producing TEs as we all think they are they should easily be able to recruit the elite players at the position.

2. High school players are locked into the program for at least 3 seasons. Grad transfers are most often one season.

3. Hockenson and Hooker both went pro early and neither was highly recruited. So did Josh Jackson. It appears, for Iowa at least, 1 good year with NFL measurables and you're gone unless you're not allowed to go (AJ). The only guys who are going to stay for their SR years are probably guys the NFL isn't all that interested in.

4. Kirk Ferentz is not big on grad transfers. He's said so publicly. No reason to deviate from what they're doing if you're satisfied with the current product. And Kirk appears very satisfied with where Iowa is at the moment.

Wow. So much dumb in one post.

1. You have a very limited understanding of football if you think a HS Senior is ahead of a guy who has four college seasons at UW. This kid was an “elite” recruit you speak of. It didn’t work out for him and he’s likely not as good as his ranking but that goes to show you that you don’t know what you’re going to get from a HS kid.

Also do you understand that the 2019 recruiting cycle is nearly over? Over 80% of the players are already committed. It’s not like there are just 5 star TEs sitting around.

2. Correct he’s a one year guy to fill the void of two early draft entrants, thus allowing our two big TE recruits to develop a year in the system before 2020.

3. Desmond King says hello. Although I don’t really care about this argument or want to go down the path.

4. It sounds like Iowa is bringing in a grad transfer punter. We have a visit set up with a grad transfer DT from Rice. We brought in a grad transfer James Butler a couple years ago. KF recently stated they are looking to instantly upgrade our roster for next year whether it be grad transfers or other.

Again, nobody is saying this kid is a must get and that he’s even that good, but your logic and arguments are just plain silly.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

1. Because elite high school TEs are probably better than him right now anyway. If Iowa is as good as producing TEs as we all think they are they should easily be able to recruit the elite players at the position.

2. High school players are locked into the program for at least 3 seasons. Grad transfers are most often one season.

3. Hockenson and Hooker both went pro early and neither was highly recruited. So did Josh Jackson. It appears, for Iowa at least, 1 good year with NFL measurables and you're gone unless you're not allowed to go (AJ). The only guys who are going to stay for their SR years are probably guys the NFL isn't all that interested in.

4. Kirk Ferentz is not big on grad transfers. He's said so publicly. No reason to deviate from what they're doing if you're satisfied with the current product. And Kirk appears very satisfied with where Iowa is at the moment.

Yeah, I will NEVER forgive Ron Colluzzi for transferring in for the 2016 season

 

[RobHowe]

I haven't heard much buzz about Iowa looking for a grad transfer at TE. It was alerted to UConn's Tyler Davis but didn't really pursue it. He ended up at Georgia Tech.

The coaches like Shaun Beyer a lot and feel very comfortable with Nate Wieting, who has already shown he can block and has flashed some ability in the passing game as well. Drew Cook also has had a year now at the position and will go through his second spring. Ben Subbert is a solid walk-on from Williamsburg who turned down an offers from Northern Illinois, NDSU, UNI and others. Plus, Logan Lee looks physically ready to contribute and so might Miamen.

I think there are bigger needs.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

I haven't heard much buzz about Iowa looking for a grad transfer at TE. It was alerted to UConn's Tyler Davis but didn't really pursue it. He ended up at Georgia Tech.

The coaches like Shaun Beyer a lot and feel very comfortable with Nate Wieting, who has already shown he can block and has flashed some ability in the passing game as well. Drew Cook also has had a year now at the position and will go through his second spring. Ben Subbert is a solid walk-on from Williamsburg who turned down an offers from Northern Illinois, NDSU, UNI and others. Plus, Logan Lee looks physically ready to contribute and so might Miamen.

I think there are bigger needs.

I guess to me the question is if this kid had an interest in Iowa would the coaches reciprocate it with a scholly? We may very well be fine at TE. No way to know for sure. But we just had 2 under classman leave early so what'd be the harm in having him come in if he wanted?

 

[guffus]

As a grad transfer I’m pretty sure UW can’t restrict where he goes, but I could be wrong on that.

I have heard that the Big Ten has a rule, or maybe it's just the commissioner that has the power, to block any grad transfers within the conference, unless the school losing that player grants a waiver. I wish somebody official would confirm that.

I believe Iowa granted a waiver for Rudock going to Michigan because they had no expection that Iowa would be playing Michigan that season.

But if that is the rule, I can not see Wisconsin ever letting one of its grad transfers to go to Iowa.

 

[RobHowe]

I guess to me the question is if this kid had an interest in Iowa would the coaches reciprocate it with a scholly? We may very well be fine at TE. No way to know for sure. But we just had 2 under classman leave early so what'd be the harm in having him come in if he wanted?

What do we know about this kid that would have you offer him a scholarship because he's interested in Iowa? I know he was heavily recruited but he hasn't been able to do much in Madison despite being in the program for four years.

Last season, he started 10 games and caught 3 passes for 18 yards. He wasn't playing behind Hockenson and Fant.

 

[Xerxes]

Wow. So much dumb in one post.

1. You have a very limited understanding of football if you think a HS Senior is ahead of a guy who has four college seasons at UW. This kid was an “elite” recruit you speak of. It didn’t work out for him and he’s likely not as good as his ranking but that goes to show you that you don’t know what you’re going to get from a HS kid.

Also do you understand that the 2019 recruiting cycle is nearly over? Over 80% of the players are already committed. It’s not like there are just 5 star TEs sitting around.

2. Correct he’s a one year guy to fill the void of two early draft entrants, thus allowing our two big TE recruits to develop a year in the system before 2020.

3. Desmond King says hello. Although I don’t really care about this argument or want to go down the path.

4. It sounds like Iowa is bringing in a grad transfer punter. We have a visit set up with a grad transfer DT from Rice. We brought in a grad transfer James Butler a couple years ago. KF recently stated they are looking to instantly upgrade our roster for next year whether it be grad transfers or other.

Again, nobody is saying this kid is a must get and that he’s even that good, but your logic and arguments are just plain silly.

Didn't I lose all credibility awhile back for saying that this year's Nebraska's team was the worst I've ever seen for their program?

So why are you still reading my posts that have no credibility?

My inferior opinions should not have any effect on someone as enlightened as you.

 

[NikeHawk21]

Didn't I lose all credibility awhile back for saying that this year's Nebraska's team was the worst I've ever seen for their program?

So why are you still reading my posts that have no credibility?

My inferior opinions should not have any effect on someone as enlightened as you.

To be quite honest I didn’t even know that was you who made the Nebraska comment. That was a dumb comment trying to strengthen your argument as were a few you made above.

That doesn’t mean I’m going to ignore you or come at every comment you make. People say my comments on here are dumb all the time. It’s a message board, no sweat.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

What do we know about this kid that would have you offer him a scholarship because he's interested in Iowa? I know he was heavily recruited but he hasn't been able to do much in Madison despite being in the program for four years.

Last season, he started 10 games and caught 3 passes for 18 yards. He wasn't playing behind Hockenson and Fant.

I'm not sure I'd never even heard of him till now. But I'd say for the same reasons anyone recruits anyone. Potential. If the coaches do their homework on him and think he'd fit then for one season what would it hurt? We can't sit here and say he wouldn't be any better or worse than Beyer or Cook who have hardly played for us either right? Good players get buried on depth charts behind others all over the country. I think he'd be worth a look if he is interested that's all.

I would argue we could use a TE more now than we did when we brought in Butler at RB that year... Butler was a luxury pickup. This would be a depth chart securing get that may allow us to redshirt our incoming TEs and not have to burn any of theirs if they aren't ready..

 

[NikeHawk21]

What do we know about this kid that would have you offer him a scholarship because he's interested in Iowa? I know he was heavily recruited but he hasn't been able to do much in Madison despite being in the program for four years.

Last season, he started 10 games and caught 3 passes for 18 yards. He wasn't playing behind Hockenson and Fant.

To answer your question we don’t know anything, maybe he’s simply not that good.

From what I’ve read he was recruited by Gary Andersen who wanted to do more spread type stuff with him maybe standing up more in a slot role. He’s not a great blocker but supposedly decent receiving skills. He got passed by last offseason by Barry Alverez’s nephew for the receiving TE role, and that kid had a very strong year. Again this is just what I’ve read.

As far as Iowa goes I could see him more in Fant type role, doing more motion, standing up more and leave the blocking to the proven Weiting. If the coaches are comfortable with Beyer and Cook then no worries.

 

[uihawk82]

I wonder with these grad transfers if the transfer can ask the school they are leaving for video of their play or if schools interested in them can ask for and get video tape on these players.

If this TE didnt play much how do the coaches know? I suspect that the hawk coaches know if they are solid with Weiting, beyer, and cook.

The Hawks will take a grad transfer if it looks like they will get a good result. If Wadley wasnt playing when Butler came in Butler would have got a lot more carries as long as he didnt get hurt as he was definitely above average, not great but very serviceable. But one could say that running backs do not need to learn a lot of plays in the running game but it is more important they can pick up blitzes and learn pass routes.

Coluzzi really fit the bill at punter and it has been a struggle there since.

I dont think they would go for a 1 year grad transfer offensive lineman but Dback and DLine could be a one year player.

 

[RobHowe]

I'm not sure I'd never even heard of him till now. But I'd say for the same reasons anyone recruits anyone. Potential. If the coaches do their homework on him and think he'd fit then for one season what would it hurt? We can't sit here and say he wouldn't be any better or worse than Beyer or Cook who have hardly played for us either right? Good players get buried on depth charts behind others all over the country. I think he'd be worth a look if he is interested that's all.

I would argue we could use a TE more now than we did when we brought in Butler at RB that year... Butler was a luxury pickup. This would be a depth chart securing get that may allow us to redshirt our incoming TEs and not have to burn any of theirs if they aren't ready..

Fair enough. I thought you were saying if he wants to come to Iowa, offer him a scholarship. Maybe that's what you are saying. I wouldn't do that before doing extensive homework on the kid.

There are a lot of highly recruited kids that don't work out in college for various reasons. Sometimes it's dedication, toughness, etc. Sometimes they're just overrated. Wisconsin and Iowa are pretty similar programs in how they're built. And he didn't do much in Madison.

Again Beyer was playing behind two potential first-round picks in his class. He still was emerging as early as last bowl prep, when he played early in the Pinstripe and was targeted in the end zone. Then he got hurt this season. Wieting also made a huge play in the Pinstripe and his a strong blocker. And these guys know the Iowa system as does Cook, who was a really good athlete in high school. Lee is a high-end recruit himself as is Miamen.

Tight end is a tough position for a GT to come in for one season and get acclimated, harder than running back.

Maybe this kid ends up being a fit, although like Guffus mentioned, Wisconsin could block him from Iowa anyway. Oklahoma blocked the QB from going to WVU before relenting.