Some tidbits from Norm from last nights I-Club

[nickhawk]

Norm was fun to listen to as always, and here are some tidbits that he shared:

- He said his latest sweetheart on defense is Dominic Alvis – said he has some the quickest explosion off the ball that he has seen and his hands are lightening fast to get around opposing O-lineman. Norm mentioned that his last 2 sweethearts on defense have been Karl Klug and Mitch King and both of those guys ended up being studs.

- He said that James Morris will potentially be the best middle LB that he has coached at Iowa – he mentioned that Hodge and Angerer were good, but Morris could be better than all of them and should be on the cover of a Wheaties box – nice to hear!

- He said that this year’s defense will not be as physically strong as last year’s group, but they will be much faster and he expects the defense to be very good, he just doesn’t know how soon they will gel and play very good

- He didn’t talk much about the offense, but he did say that he thinks that Vandenberg will be a very good QB and that the O-line has a bunch of maulers that will step up and punch you – nice to hear this as well.

Norm even allowed the crowd to ask a few questions, and the only question he got was asking him how he was feeling – Norm’s response was classic Norm – “If I were feeling any better, I’d be on drugs.â€

Norm’s comments got me even more excited for Hawkeye football.

Can’t wait to James Morris lead the defense come this Fall!!

 

[FML]

Norm owns these I-club events, he is always the most fun guy to listen to.

 

[JHHawk]

Thanks for the info.
I have like Alvis since he made his short appearances last year...he looked like he was only 20lbs away from being a stud out there. Very athletic.

Which seems to be the early take on this defense...very athletic.
I am ok with an attacking defense that is fast,but they do need to be stout up the middle...hopefully Carl Davis and Mike Daniels can hold the fort. Nardo and Bigach will be critical for depth.
Usually,when Norm expresses confidence,you can book it...so this makes me happy!
He was one of the first coaches that touted Reiff as a complete stud,so his input on offensive players is spot on also...good to hear his confidence in Vandy.

And Morris? Love it.

 

[cmhawks99]

Norm was fun to listen to as always, and here are some tidbits that he shared:

- He said his latest sweetheart on defense is Dominic Alvis – said he has some the quickest explosion off the ball that he has seen and his hands are lightening fast to get around opposing O-lineman. Norm mentioned that his last 2 sweethearts on defense have been Karl Klug and Mitch King and both of those guys ended up being studs.

- He said that James Morris will potentially be the best middle LB that he has coached at Iowa – he mentioned that Hodge and Angerer were good, but Morris could be better than all of them and should be on the cover of a Wheaties box – nice to hear!

- He said that this year’s defense will not be as physically strong as last year’s group, but they will be much faster and he expects the defense to be very good, he just doesn’t know how soon they will gel and play very good

- He didn’t talk much about the offense, but he did say that he thinks that Vandenberg will be a very good QB and that the O-line has a bunch of maulers that will step up and punch you – nice to hear this as well.

Norm even allowed the crowd to ask a few questions, and the only question he got was asking him how he was feeling – Norm’s response was classic Norm – “If I were feeling any better, I’d be on drugs.â€

Norm’s comments got me even more excited for Hawkeye football.

Can’t wait to James Morris lead the defense come this Fall!!

I've always been excited about Alvis....I think he'll be very hard to keep off the field. These 2-star kids that Iowa signs often times excite me much more than anyone else. Several of this years 2 stars have me feeling the same way and Hyde, Miller, Hitchens and Dibona were all recent 2 stars I thought would be solid early and so far so good. I really think if Bigach can get and stay healthy he has a shot to be a stud as well. Honestly this Defense will be very good and it will come fast I predict. Mostly because there is legit 2 and 3 deep competition at every position it seems.

In a way it was likely a good thing a few potential starters had to miss spring because it gave more reps and focus to their competition.

Chad

 

[SPGroth]

Alvis graduated with my nephew and I have watched him play throughout high school. Very athletic kid as shown by his accomplishments in high school (great on the football field, state champ in the discus and high hurdles). Look forward to seeing him full time on the field.

 

[528646]

The funny thing is, Morris isn't even the best linebacker in the state...



(I'm kidding...in case the eye rolling didn't make it obvious)

 

[GoHawks24]

The funny thing is, Morris isn't even the best linebacker in the state...



(I'm kidding...in case the eye rolling didn't make it obvious)

Some ISU fans seem to think that Jake Knott might be. And an absolute lock for the NFL. IMO, someday Morris will be the one you're seeing on Sundays the most (assuming you have Sunday ticket and access to all of the games).

 

[tgraham907]

Jake Knott is a kid I really wish we would have offered. He can play. That is encouraging to hear from Norm. I hope we can put it together and have a great season.