Recruiting

B

beaverdaleguy

Well-Known Member
I know Iowa is not typically one of the first "powerhouse" programs many prospective players think of when they put their name out there on a national scene to be recruited. However, Iowa has been usually in the top third of the Big Ten Conference for many years, both under Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz. They usually end up in a very respectable bowl game, ranging from the Alamo Bowl to the BCS or somewhere in between in one of the "Florida Bowls" (i.e.-Capital One, Outback, etc) which are also very respectable. However, the Big Ten conference has gradually declined as of the start of the new millenium and the focus has geared more towards the SEC and Pac-10. Iowa under Ferentz tends to get a lot of good athletes and players for commitments, but usually only get a 3-star at best. Either Iowa needs to step up their recruiting of higher rated prospects and get some high profile names and faces for the pollsters to get behind (because face it, polls both in and out of the BCS are all personal opinions, added to a computer -- that is why the system doesn't work); OR; the other option is to light a fire under Kirk's staff to be willing to let go of that over-conservativeness which scares the crap outta fans in close games (really? running the football with 5 minutes left in the game with a 3 point lead 13 times in a row?? no wonder our punters are amazing) I would love to see Kirk take some more risks, go for more scores downfield, develop a stronger passing game to help take the pressure off our running backs, and let our defense and special teams keep up the level of play they have earned.
 
Why do you think KF needs to change things? Were 7-0 and taking more shots dowfield than I can ever remember. How many times in the past few years do you remember the Hawks taking a deep shot downfield on 3rd at 24? Not many if at all. I would guess 95% of recruiting comes down to geography and tradition and much less what style of offense you run. Otherwise we would be stacked with the highest rated o-lineman and TE's in the country based on our NFL success at that position. We run a pro-style offense just like 90% of college football and the NFL. I will admit though, it may not hurt to throw a little wild cat into the mix to keep people on their heels and question there defensive play-calling.
 
Scratching my head. I did not realize KF was doing so many things wrong. I have been watching a different team.
 
I'm not saying we have to jump on the wildcat bandwagon, but it would be nice to at least be considered by higher ranking prospects. If that means a harder recruiting drive from the staff, or giving true freshmen more of a chance to play in the early "gimme games" at the beginning of the season, or something else. I am not hating on KF, I am just pointing out the fact that Iowa tends to be off the beaten national path for some reason when schools like Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, and Minnesota aren't.
 
beaverdaleguy said:
I'm not saying we have to jump on the wildcat bandwagon, but it would be nice to at least be considered by higher ranking prospects. If that means a harder recruiting drive from the staff, or giving true freshmen more of a chance to play in the early "gimme games" at the beginning of the season, or something else. I am not hating on KF, I am just pointing out the fact that Iowa tends to be off the beaten national path for some reason when schools like Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State, and Minnesota aren't.
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I don't think you can actually include Minnesota in that same grouping. Iowa finds guys that fit their system, it doesn't matter how many stars go behind their name. I'll take a walk-on Dallas Clark/Bob Sanders over anyone Iowa has ever gotten with 5*'s.
 
Look at the class of 05. Ranked somewhere in the top 10 and only a few of the "highly touted" players panned out.
 
We are what we are and always will be.

Look how all those highly touted recruits are working out for Zooker. I'm not a believer in the "get the most talented plays and let em run wild" theory.

Kirk gets the guys that fit the system, are good teammates, and are willing to put in the hard work. Those highly ranked football Diva's haven't really worked out well for the Hawks and a lot of other schools either.

I like what we are and the rest of the nation is starting to take notice as well.
 
This is the tail wagging the dog stuff.
The reason you want great recruits is to win.
Iowa is winning. Therefore they have gotten great recruits.
You do not change what is working and giving you wins to attract great recruits...that is backwards.

Iowa is throwing the ball a lot more than in the past because we have a vet qb and a good receiving corp.
Last year we had the best rb in college football and we ran a lot.

That is called...scratch where it itches....and smart.
The beauty of KF and Iowa football is that we do not change for the flavor of the month fad...and now,we are the exception with our pro set, not the norm,which now makes us harder to defend because opposing teams are not seeing it much anymore. WE have become the NW of the early 2000's...a are the new black....cool.
 
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