Recent Iowa Draft Trend

The rate of underclassmen leaving early has picked up. I think CTE plays into that. I don’t know how Iowa compares to other Power 5s. I’ll let you research that. ;)
 
Before the ‘18 Draft, Iowa had 6 underclassmen drafted in the Kirk Ferentz Era - Clark, Reiff, Sash, Bulaga, Greene and Godfrey.

So, that’s six in the first 18 years and nine in the last three years.
 
Before the ‘18 Draft, Iowa had 6 underclassmen drafted in the Kirk Ferentz Era - Clark, Reiff, Sash, Bulaga, Greene and Godfrey.

So, that’s six in the first 18 years and nine in the last three years.
First glance one could speculate, probably accurately, that Iowa's talent is on the rise.

Iowa needs elite QB talent and RB talent to be what it isn't.

It has had "get into a bowl" talent and "watch the conference title game on tv" talent.

We aren't Nebraska, Iowa State, Minnesota thankfully, but we are smelling Wisconsin's fumes along with the other elite conference programs.

Two cents.
 
I just don't see us that far behind Wisky as far as recruiting talent. From my view aside from one blowout in recent memory the difference has been with game strategy. As far as getting elite, playoff level talent I don't see how an Iowa does that. There's the recruiting better, more game-ready talent, but the getting 4 and 5 star kids on a regular basis is always going to be a dogfight, even if you've got a legacy. Such is the struggle if your school doesn't recruit itself.
 
I just don't see us that far behind Wisky as far as recruiting talent. From my view aside from one blowout in recent memory the difference has been with game strategy. As far as getting elite, playoff level talent I don't see how an Iowa does that. There's the recruiting better, more game-ready talent, but the getting 4 and 5 star kids on a regular basis is always going to be a dogfight, even if you've got a legacy. Such is the struggle if your school doesn't recruit itself.
Losing 7 of the last 8 to Wisconsin, your biggest rival, is self-explanatory.

I agree, it is a combination of poor coaching, game management, key mistakes and a lack of that game winning RB talent.

Two cents.
 
C-T-E.

I have no problem with guys taking their shots after getting banged around for free for three seasons in college.
 
C-T-E.

I have no problem with guys taking their shots after getting banged around for free for three seasons in college.
Well there is free education, free food, free room, free leadership training, team comradeship, life-long friendships, a network of college donors, which, granted, isn't worth anything if your noggin is permanently injured.

But I agree, if you can leave early and be successful, go for it.
 
C-T-E.

I have no problem with guys taking their shots after getting banged around for free for three seasons in college.
I am sure that is a big subset of the overall concern about a career ending injury that might occur in coming back for a final year. Take the money while you can, if you can.

However, some jump the gun. There were 117 guys, underclassmen or who had a year of eligibility left but had gotten a degree, who came out this year. I read a report that 30% of the guys who declared early didn't get drafted. I don't know if that is accurate as I haven't taken the time to check, but I'll presume its close. Last year there were more guys declaring early, and 35% of them didn't get drafted. So, 2020 is less than last year, but that still a big percentage. Why the dip? Maybe some reevaluated whether it is wise to come out early if you're a marginal draft pick; better to get another year of training and experience under your belt to improve your draft stock. Alaric Jackson comes to mind. But many others still took their shot and came up short.

It's a risk for some. Not for Wirfs and Epenesa, but it was close for Stone, others in his boat weren't as fortunate as he. Maybe Geno comes back, not to significantly improve his measureables, but to get more experience and maybe elevate to a first team all BT guy which bumps him up to 4th or 5th round. Or maybe he comes back and blows out a knee. His choice, I will never fault or critique a guy for making that decision. He made the first cut. I hope for his sake he makes the team and goes on to have a nice career and makes a bunch of money. That's good for him, and selfishly, good for Iowa.
 
Quickest way to NFL is thru Iowa. It’s crazy but true. Many of those guys not ‘highly rated’ outta HS, like, let’s say O$U’s guys who leave early. Would show all this stuff to potential recruits.
I would bet my life if you divided number of guys drafted, by average ‘star’ ranking, over last 20 years, Hawks would be number one by a long shot!
 
With very sound results the last couple years both on the field and in the draft Iowa should be maximizing both of these elements to elevate their recruiting results.......and I'm sure they are. They've got a lot of ammunition to throw at recruits currently. Great time as a coach to be out selling our product.

When has there been a more supporting backdrop for Iowa recruiting?
 

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