RobHowe
Administrator
How Units Stack Up Heading into Season
Ranking Hawkeye Position Groups for '23
- Thread starter RobHowe
- Start date
An interesting list.
I'd put the TEs above the secondary -- the Hawks have arguably two of the best TEs in the BTen and the position is deep; conversely, other than DeJean there's probably no BTen award awaiting any other secondary player, and the unit -- while solid -- is thin.
The O-line deserves to be at the bottom of this list, based on past performance. The WRs have at least shown they can run routes and catch balls that are thrown to them -- very few drops by the returning starters. On the other hand, not a single member of the O-line has shown they can consistently block their assignment -- either in the run or pass game.
I'd put the TEs above the secondary -- the Hawks have arguably two of the best TEs in the BTen and the position is deep; conversely, other than DeJean there's probably no BTen award awaiting any other secondary player, and the unit -- while solid -- is thin.
The O-line deserves to be at the bottom of this list, based on past performance. The WRs have at least shown they can run routes and catch balls that are thrown to them -- very few drops by the returning starters. On the other hand, not a single member of the O-line has shown they can consistently block their assignment -- either in the run or pass game.
Northside Hawk
Well-Known Member
Nwampka, if healthy, will be All B1G. He's better than last years starter Kaevon Merriweather. Harris, if he doesn't have any injury setbacks, is better than Riley Moss.
Most of all, Parker is in charge. I think this group will be even better than last year's. DeJean could be the best DB in the country.
Harris (2019 recruit) is one year behind Moss (2018 recruit).
So, Harris is entering his 5th year on campus, and by that equivalent point, Moss...
...was a 1st team All-American and the B1G defensive back of the year.
...had 10 INT and 3 TDs.
...recorded the best-ever broad jump for an Iowa DB at the combine, the best VJ for an Iowa corner, and tied for the best 40 for an Iowa corner.
...was a 3rd round NFL draft pick (despite an injury history that included a serious hip injury in '19 and being PCL-deficient in one knee after injury vs. PSU in '21).
I hope Harris can have a breakout year ala Josh Jackson, but what makes you think Harris is better than Moss?
trj
Well-Known Member
Rumors out there are that two of the potential starters at DB are caught up in the gambling scandal. It isn’t Cooper Dejean so we can speculate about the other three. Castro is the key, if he isn’t caught up in the gambling scandal it will tell us a lot. Against Utah St. is he the cash guy or a starting safety?
NorthKCHawk
Well-Known Member
If they were placing bets underage or betting on Iowa, I have to believe that criminal charges would already be on the books. Hopefully, this is just betting NFL games and the penalty is low.
That is what I was thinking, as well. We sure seem thin in the back 7, so I hope that is the case.
RobHowe
Administrator
We won't know if they're ready unless they're pressed into duty, but I like the potential of last year's freshmen and this class coming in for the secondary. Lot of talent in the group.
Hall, Lee and Entringer can take steps forward in '23 and Deasfernandes was coming on last year before an injury. Would have been nice to land someone out of the portal, though.
Hall, Lee and Entringer can take steps forward in '23 and Deasfernandes was coming on last year before an injury. Would have been nice to land someone out of the portal, though.
I love the starting group but have to admit I am concerned about injuries. I hope you are correct about the depth of talent, Rob. I probably should just shut up and trust Phil Parker, LOL.
Northside Hawk
Well-Known Member
I'm willing to walk it back a little, but not much. Harris sealed two taut games with acrobatic picks in 2021-Northwestern and Nebraska. He would have been a huge help last year vs Nebraska when DeJean went down.
I'm bullish on Harris and am willing to die on that hill.
