Position by Position Thoughts-2018

[CJSHawk]

QB- Stanley exceeded all my expectations last year. He'll continue to have growing pains, but his future is bright.

RB- Iowa fans have good reasons to be worried here. Young has shown flashes, and the coaches must like Kelly-Martin or they wouldn't of burned his redshirt. Bryan has been hurt since he's been on campus, and who knows what to expect from Toks. Does it bother anyone else that we have two RBs(Young, Geil) on our roster from Wisconsin that the Badgers didn't think were good enough to offer? Hawks need to be heavily involved in the grad transfer market here!

TE- Noah Fant is the type of player we rarely have at Iowa. He's a true difference maker, and a matchup nightmare. Hockensen is a stud too. If Fant keeps progressing he'll have a decision to make next winter.

OL- I'm looking forward to watching Jackson and Wirfs after another offseason under their belts. They both have very high ceilings! We'll miss Daniels, but I think Render will be adequate. Reynolds is a 5th year player and should be ready to go. This is a big offseason for the Paulsens. It's time they live up to the promise as we need depth. If OL underperforms this year it's time to question our new OL coach.

WR- Who knows what to expect from this group? I don't. Maybe Kelton Copeland can cobble together a mediocre group, but that's a tall task.

P/K- Punting can only get better, as it can't get any worse. Recinos was more than adequate last year. Strong leg!

DL- A lot of depth here, which is unusual in the Ferentz era. I can't wait to watch Epenesa! Like Noah Fant, he's the type of talent that is rarely seen on an Iowa roster. Gholston got some snaps in the bowl game so the coaches must see a role for him in 2018. A lot of moving parts here which will make this group fun to watch!

LB- This is the group I'm most worried about. I think a common theme to post game radio call-in shows this fall will be poor LB play. Iowa simply doesn't recruit LBs at a level to lose three multi-year starters and not feel it. Hopefully a strong DL will help here.

DB- While this group has to replace a likely 1st round pick, I'm optimistic. If any coach can get Rugamba back on track it's Phil Parker. I look for Snyder to come back from injuries/OWI with extra motivation. Hooker is a future pro, and Hankins should be better. We've recruited this position really well too.

 

[Stanzi]

RB is the easiest position to replace on offense, and I like what I saw from Young and IKM last season. I'm not too worried about that position.

LB is definitely the position I'm most worried about. If our LB's are poor we will need our defensive line to be dominant otherwise our defense could be in trouble.

 

[4thngoal]

QB- Stanley exceeded all my expectations last year. He'll continue to have growing pains, but his future is bright.

RB- Iowa fans have good reasons to be worried here. Young has shown flashes, and the coaches must like Kelly-Martin or they wouldn't of burned his redshirt. Bryan has been hurt since he's been on campus, and who knows what to expect from Toks. Does it bother anyone else that we have two RBs(Young, Geil) on our roster from Wisconsin that the Badgers didn't think were good enough to offer? Hawks need to be heavily involved in the grad transfer market here!

TE- Noah Fant is the type of player we rarely have at Iowa. He's a true difference maker, and a matchup nightmare. Hockensen is a stud too. If Fant keeps progressing he'll have a decision to make next winter.

OL- I'm looking forward to watching Jackson and Wirfs after another offseason under their belts. They both have very high ceilings! We'll miss Daniels, but I think Render will be adequate. Reynolds is a 5th year player and should be ready to go. This is a big offseason for the Paulsens. It's time they live up to the promise as we need depth. If OL underperforms this year it's time to question our new OL coach.

WR- Who knows what to expect from this group? I don't. Maybe Kelton Copeland can cobble together a mediocre group, but that's a tall task.

P/K- Punting can only get better, as it can't get any worse. Recinos was more than adequate last year. Strong leg!

DL- A lot of depth here, which is unusual in the Ferentz era. I can't wait to watch Epenesa! Like Noah Fant, he's the type of talent that is rarely seen on an Iowa roster. Gholston got some snaps in the bowl game so the coaches must see a role for him in 2018. A lot of moving parts here which will make this group fun to watch!

LB- This is the group I'm most worried about. I think a common theme to post game radio call-in shows this fall will be poor LB play. Iowa simply doesn't recruit LBs at a level to lose three multi-year starters and not feel it. Hopefully a strong DL will help here.

DB- While this group has to replace a likely 1st round pick, I'm optimistic. If any coach can get Rugamba back on track it's Phil Parker. I look for Snyder to come back from injuries/OWI with extra motivation. Hooker is a future pro, and Hankins should be better. We've recruited this position really well too.

Qb. Agree.
Rb, not worried. They didn't need to flash much to see they are very talented. Plus Wadley himself spoke very highly of them and he should know. As for freshman, it may have not been a position of need for Wisconsin. If nothing else you would think that they would have a bit of a chip on their shoulders about it.
TE. Agree.
OL. I'm a little worried, due to all the shuffling the last couple of years. Is this the season it all comes together and pays off? We hope.
WR. I think a breakout freshman and two sophomores emerge. It would be nice to have 4 or 5 just to keep them fresh, but after the last 5 years, I'll take 3 really good ones.
P/K agree.
DL agree and with some incoming talent, that group should be a terror, as they should play long enough to have a rhythm but never be gassed. Rotated correctly and seemlessly they have a chance to be not just good, but stellar.
LB is tough. I agree that the line will help. All I can say is the ability to recover is just as important as not having to recover as often when starting 3 new ones. Growing pains are growing pains.
DB is much like LB. Lots of talent, less room for growing pains with all new backers. Absolutely love that one we picked up, that one already hits hard, imagine some time in the program. I would about lay $100 bill right now that he will be playing on Sundays and that's just watching HS tape.

I think it's extremely possible that the Hawkeyes we see suited up this fall will have the highest number of Sunday players as any group in the past and from a wide variety of positions.

 

[NCHawker]

not worried about running back. These 2 look like the best duo I've seen at Iowa, at this stage of their careers...since Sedrick and Tavian. Kelly Martin is big time threat and Toren is going to be better than Daniels was.

Interesting...Parker Hesse has played since he was a Freshman in 2015.

DLine at this point I'm grateful for the way they rotated 8 guys last year.

WR position should improve a bit again, not expecting a huge break through...yet.

Full Back, interesting last year, we saw the FB get more carries and passes than I've seen for a long time.

BF's offense is pretty multiple and I like it. Yes, I'm sure he made some dumb mistakes - his first year out - who wouldn't. I hope

 

[HawkeyeWalker]

I like it. However, while we'll definitely miss a special player like Wadley...I like the RB stable, with better oline play and development from Staley, WR, an our OC...the ground game may actually be better overall.

On Defense, if we don't have a big LB dropoff(which is a concern), the defense could be salty.

 

[ibahawkeye]

Wadley was pretty special and make some big time plays. I think the RB spot is going to have a bigger drop off than most seem to think.

The one thing we haven’t had the last few years is a healthy o-line. If we could get a consistent rotation, I’ll feel better about our RBs

 

[4thngoal]

I like it. However, while we'll definitely miss a special player like Wadley...I like the RB stable, with better oline play and development from Staley, WR, an our OC...the ground game may actually be better overall.

On Defense, if we don't have a big LB dropoff(which is a concern), the defense could be salty.

King and Wadley we're to small, haven't you heard? Lol
I'm have high hopes for KM. From the little I've seen I'm pretty confident. Being young, neither of them had patience. Most don't, because of limited time and they want to bust it open when they do get in.
Young will punish backers, once the OL gets going and his patience develops.
They both have an opportunity to be 1,000 yarders.
On a side note, I've got to say, while inconsistent, it seems like they are starting to game plan better. Yes we ran into stacked boxes to often, but OL and passing issues have not helped the situation.

 

[#1DieHardHawk]

I'm sincerely looking forward to the RBs. I think IKM and Young have a chance to be special, and, assuming he is fully recovered from his injury, Bryan could end up being the most talented of the three. Really liked his tape coming in.

WR could be interesting. By report, Smith has been a workout machine since the season ended, and Cooper is an intriguing player (at the very least I see him him returning punts). I'm also interested to see what happens with Beyer. He could be a real weapon if given the opportunity. ISM also will be a year more mature. The real question is if our offensive scheme will actually allow that group to develop or will they languish yet again?

 

[CJSHawk]

Until I see 2-3 WRs who can consistently create separation, get open, actually catch the ball, and move the chains I'll always be an Iowa WR skeptic. If Stanley is ever going to reach his full potential this needs to happen.

 

[guffus]

I am a little concerned that maybe Stanley has hit his ceiling. His lack of ability to run with the ball limits his choices. Of course, if the young WR step up and show improvement, that could make a difference. Big improvement is expected from Brandon Smith, but we shall see.

Either way, Stanley is going to start taking more chances trying to squeeze a pass into tight spots. That is a more of high risk / high reward approach, with unpredictable results, but Stanley needs to step it up if Iowa is going to improve its passing game.

 

[CJSHawk]

I am a little concerned that maybe Stanley has hit his ceiling. His lack of ability to run with the ball limits his choices. Of course, if the young WR step up and show improvement, that could make a difference. Big improvement is expected from Brandon Smith, but we shall see.

Either way, Stanley is going to start taking more chances trying to squeeze a pass into tight spots. That is a more of high risk / high reward approach, with unpredictable results, but Stanley needs to step it up if Iowa is going to improve its passing game.

Fair point. Poor WR play, which is what Iowa fans are used to, will stunt his growth as a QB.

 

[thefizz]

QB- Stanley exceeded all my expectations last year. He'll continue to have growing pains, but his future is bright.

RB- Iowa fans have good reasons to be worried here. Young has shown flashes, and the coaches must like Kelly-Martin or they wouldn't of burned his redshirt. Bryan has been hurt since he's been on campus, and who knows what to expect from Toks. Does it bother anyone else that we have two RBs(Young, Geil) on our roster from Wisconsin that the Badgers didn't think were good enough to offer? Hawks need to be heavily involved in the grad transfer market here!

TE- Noah Fant is the type of player we rarely have at Iowa. He's a true difference maker, and a matchup nightmare. Hockensen is a stud too. If Fant keeps progressing he'll have a decision to make next winter.

OL- I'm looking forward to watching Jackson and Wirfs after another offseason under their belts. They both have very high ceilings! We'll miss Daniels, but I think Render will be adequate. Reynolds is a 5th year player and should be ready to go. This is a big offseason for the Paulsens. It's time they live up to the promise as we need depth. If OL underperforms this year it's time to question our new OL coach.

WR- Who knows what to expect from this group? I don't. Maybe Kelton Copeland can cobble together a mediocre group, but that's a tall task.

P/K- Punting can only get better, as it can't get any worse. Recinos was more than adequate last year. Strong leg!

DL- A lot of depth here, which is unusual in the Ferentz era. I can't wait to watch Epenesa! Like Noah Fant, he's the type of talent that is rarely seen on an Iowa roster. Gholston got some snaps in the bowl game so the coaches must see a role for him in 2018. A lot of moving parts here which will make this group fun to watch!

LB- This is the group I'm most worried about. I think a common theme to post game radio call-in shows this fall will be poor LB play. Iowa simply doesn't recruit LBs at a level to lose three multi-year starters and not feel it. Hopefully a strong DL will help here.

DB- While this group has to replace a likely 1st round pick, I'm optimistic. If any coach can get Rugamba back on track it's Phil Parker. I look for Snyder to come back from injuries/OWI with extra motivation. Hooker is a future pro, and Hankins should be better. We've recruited this position really well too.

I think most people are selling the WR unit short here. Last year, we mainly played three WR's (Vandeburg, Easley, Marsette) and a fourth got some limited action (Smith). Three of the those four weren't on campus at the beginning of 2017 and the lone experienced member was coming off of an injury that cost him most of the previous season. This year, the top end of the WR corp will not have the same issues. Easley, ISM, and Smith will now each have a full offseason of physical development under their belts. There are two instances when players take major leaps forward in their development. The first is after their first year on campus and the second is after their first season as a starters. ISM played enough that he could be considered a returning starter and both sophomores will be in their second years on campus. All of this isn't to say that I think this group will be great next season, but I do think it'll be an average group at worst and perhaps even an above average/solid group. I think I'd be more surprised if it's a below average group than if it was an above average group.

 

[4thngoal]

I think most people are selling the WR unit short here. Last year, we mainly played three WR's (Vandeburg, Easley, Marsette) and a fourth got some limited action (Smith). Three of the those four weren't on campus at the beginning of 2017 and the lone experienced member was coming off of an injury that cost him most of the previous season. This year, the top end of the WR corp will not have the same issues. Easley, ISM, and Smith will now each have a full offseason of physical development under their belts. There are two instances when players take major leaps forward in their development. The first is after their first year on campus and the second is after their first season as a starters. ISM played enough that he could be considered a returning starter and both sophomores will be in their second years on campus. All of this isn't to say that I think this group will be great next season, but I do think it'll be an average group at worst and perhaps even an above average/solid group. I think I'd be more surprised if it's a below average group than if it was an above average group.

I agree.
I do think it is valid to say the passing game has upside. I also agree it wasn't the qb play that held it back
One could almost say we have dedicated resources to make sure that doesn't happen again.
It's starting to click.

 

[thefizz]

QB- Stanley exceeded all my expectations last year. He'll continue to have growing pains, but his future is bright.

RB- Iowa fans have good reasons to be worried here. Young has shown flashes, and the coaches must like Kelly-Martin or they wouldn't of burned his redshirt. Bryan has been hurt since he's been on campus, and who knows what to expect from Toks. Does it bother anyone else that we have two RBs(Young, Geil) on our roster from Wisconsin that the Badgers didn't think were good enough to offer? Hawks need to be heavily involved in the grad transfer market here!

TE- Noah Fant is the type of player we rarely have at Iowa. He's a true difference maker, and a matchup nightmare. Hockensen is a stud too. If Fant keeps progressing he'll have a decision to make next winter.

OL- I'm looking forward to watching Jackson and Wirfs after another offseason under their belts. They both have very high ceilings! We'll miss Daniels, but I think Render will be adequate. Reynolds is a 5th year player and should be ready to go. This is a big offseason for the Paulsens. It's time they live up to the promise as we need depth. If OL underperforms this year it's time to question our new OL coach.

WR- Who knows what to expect from this group? I don't. Maybe Kelton Copeland can cobble together a mediocre group, but that's a tall task.

P/K- Punting can only get better, as it can't get any worse. Recinos was more than adequate last year. Strong leg!

DL- A lot of depth here, which is unusual in the Ferentz era. I can't wait to watch Epenesa! Like Noah Fant, he's the type of talent that is rarely seen on an Iowa roster. Gholston got some snaps in the bowl game so the coaches must see a role for him in 2018. A lot of moving parts here which will make this group fun to watch!

LB- This is the group I'm most worried about. I think a common theme to post game radio call-in shows this fall will be poor LB play. Iowa simply doesn't recruit LBs at a level to lose three multi-year starters and not feel it. Hopefully a strong DL will help here.

DB- While this group has to replace a likely 1st round pick, I'm optimistic. If any coach can get Rugamba back on track it's Phil Parker. I look for Snyder to come back from injuries/OWI with extra motivation. Hooker is a future pro, and Hankins should be better. We've recruited this position really well too.

When looking at the RB position, replacing Wadley is a daunting task and I don't mean that statistically. Assuming the RB's stay healthy, I think we'll end up with a rusher that gets to 1,000-1,100 yards and catches 25 or so passes. Also, his physical skill set when it comes to speed, quickness, and agility as well as the ability to catch passes are also something that can be replicated by Kelly Ivory-Martin. But what made Wadley unique/special was his ability to sense when to cut and his sense/vision when it came to finding an open space. We saw numerous times over the past couple of years where he could make the big play when the rest of the offense was struggling and put the team in position to win at critical times of games (2016 Rutgers/Minnesota/Michigan, 2017 Iowa State/Penn State/Nebraska) not to mention other big games and big plays. Those sorts of things are going to be tough to replace not just at this position, but in the offense overall.
Overall, I like what Iowa has with Ivory-Martin and Young as a tandem coming into the season but depth is a legit concern. The entire unit is young and the guys that would be in line for #3 (Toks and Bryan) have been hurt so we don't know about their development. That means #3 could go to Geil who maybe ends up becoming a really good player, but lacks the pedigree of an instant impact guy. I think it's possible that the production of this unit in 2018 surpasses the production of 2017 if it stays healthy, but will that be enough to offset what the unit will lose in terms of explosiveness in clutch situations?

 

[4thngoal]

Vision and patience are a learned thing when you jump a level. You have to figure, most guys coming in be it line, lb, rb, they are all used to being a little bigger and a little faster than most of their hs competition. That's why they got offered.
Some are a little better at vision to start with, but it can be taught as well.
I'm not taking away from Wadley, he has a gift for sure. I'm just saying, besides regular staff, these guys learned under him.
Like I said I have high hopes. Be even higher if we could get and keep a solid rotation up front.

 

[Motigerhawk]

Im excited about the freshmen LBs we have coming. Im hoping they are quick and fast. That would compliment our DL nicely.

 

[NikeHawk21]

QB- Nate needs to use his feet more and improve deep accuracy.

RB- not concerned

WR- Big if here but if Smith somehow developed into a true #1 WR, with Easley as the possession/ route runner, and ISM as the deep threat, we could have a nice group here.

TE- This is a strength. Fant needs to work on his hands.

OL- I actually think this can be an improved unit. The tackles are going to be a strength I think and then just have a few guys develop on the inside.

DL- Major strength. Will be interesting to see how they manage rotations. Hoping Nixon contributes.

LB- I have no idea.

Secondary- I think this unit will be solid. Some experience in the secondary to replace JJ. Wouldn’t mind seeing someone emerge for the safety spot next to Hooker.

 

[NCHawker]

Well I know this will shock most Iowa fans but iowa's OLine was the weakness in 2017. No need to jump in and explain it to me - I was there I saw it.

The 2nd weakness was the passing game - deep balls. and overall percentage completion

These two will be better in 2018.

Therefore I believe that iowa will win the national championship in 2018

 

[4thngoal]

Well I know this will shock most Iowa fans but iowa's OLine was the weakness in 2017. No need to jump in and explain it to me - I was there I saw it.

The 2nd weakness was the passing game - deep balls. and overall percentage completion

These two will be better in 2018.

Therefore I believe that iowa will win the national championship in 2018

All joking aside, isn't that a testament to Wadley, for doing what he did behind a banged up, inexperienced OL?
You said it though, if we can create holes, protect the qb, that alone has help the offensive game. Add in more time for the wr's and it looks even better.
Throw in it's the second year for some coaching changes on that side of the ball.
This year will speak volumes about the state of the O from talent to coaching.
IF they can pull as much weight as the DL is expected to, well, Idk how far they can go, but by gosh it should be exciting and fun to watch.

 

[Hawkfnntn]

QB- Stanley exceeded all my expectations last year. He'll continue to have growing pains, but his future is bright.

RB- Iowa fans have good reasons to be worried here. Young has shown flashes, and the coaches must like Kelly-Martin or they wouldn't of burned his redshirt. Bryan has been hurt since he's been on campus, and who knows what to expect from Toks. Does it bother anyone else that we have two RBs(Young, Geil) on our roster from Wisconsin that the Badgers didn't think were good enough to offer? Hawks need to be heavily involved in the grad transfer market here!

TE- Noah Fant is the type of player we rarely have at Iowa. He's a true difference maker, and a matchup nightmare. Hockensen is a stud too. If Fant keeps progressing he'll have a decision to make next winter.

OL- I'm looking forward to watching Jackson and Wirfs after another offseason under their belts. They both have very high ceilings! We'll miss Daniels, but I think Render will be adequate. Reynolds is a 5th year player and should be ready to go. This is a big offseason for the Paulsens. It's time they live up to the promise as we need depth. If OL underperforms this year it's time to question our new OL coach.

WR- Who knows what to expect from this group? I don't. Maybe Kelton Copeland can cobble together a mediocre group, but that's a tall task.

P/K- Punting can only get better, as it can't get any worse. Recinos was more than adequate last year. Strong leg!

DL- A lot of depth here, which is unusual in the Ferentz era. I can't wait to watch Epenesa! Like Noah Fant, he's the type of talent that is rarely seen on an Iowa roster. Gholston got some snaps in the bowl game so the coaches must see a role for him in 2018. A lot of moving parts here which will make this group fun to watch!

LB- This is the group I'm most worried about. I think a common theme to post game radio call-in shows this fall will be poor LB play. Iowa simply doesn't recruit LBs at a level to lose three multi-year starters and not feel it. Hopefully a strong DL will help here.

DB- While this group has to replace a likely 1st round pick, I'm optimistic. If any coach can get Rugamba back on track it's Phil Parker. I look for Snyder to come back from injuries/OWI with extra motivation. Hooker is a future pro, and Hankins should be better. We've recruited this position really well too.

My level of worry at that spot is a zero. My only caviot to that is major injuries. If Young and Kelly-Martin are healthy they look good to go. Wisky seems to be doing just fine at RB lately so regardless of if they offered either of these kids from their backyard their loss is our gain. Geil looks like a prototypical do it all kind of back. He hopefully won't be asked to day 1 but he looks physically capable. I really hope Bryan is good to go for depth reasons because the hush around Toks deal doesn't seem good for him. But the position overall as it sits now I think is in good shape. Just need Oline to give them some holes.