Spring 2 Deeps

[AreWeThereYet]

I was quite excited last year at this time when the DC stated that this "would be the best D-line" Iowa has ever had...only to see it gassed and unable to put much pressure on the QB...wilting on the vine...leading to the coveted Roadstripe invite...

We will see...

A lot of the problem was an offense that couldn't manufacture yards and stay on the field. When you have a ball control offense that isn't controlling the ball, you're going to increase the time the defense is on the field.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

We haven't been hearing too much about the cornerbacks so far. Part of it could be the coaching staff downplaying expectations after having All American level corners the last two years, or maybe the cornerbacks just aren't stepping into their roles as well as could be hoped.

 

[#1DieHardHawk]

Maybe it's a flu virus, but I sincerely feel that we will be a much improved offense this season.

I've been very critical of Kirk's philosophy at times, and his lack of attention to baseline athleticism with recruiting, but it's just a gut feeling for a few reasons:

1. We have a returning QB with a ton of upside. He's entrenched as the starter and now knows the offense.

2. The offensive players will be much more comfortable with Brian's offense, which means less thinking and more reacting and just letting it go.

3. Our stable of TEs. We haven't been this deep and talented at TE in awhile, and, now that Brian is their position coach, you can bet he's envisioning seeing a mini me of the Patriots. Look for more "pop plays" to the TEs in the seam.

4. Outstanding young tackles that have some experience. The interior of the line worries me, but that should work it's way into shape as long as we stay healthy.

5. RBs that are better than everyone thinks. Young and IKM are going to remind fans of Canzeri and Daniels. Depth is a big concern, though. We have to stay healthy here.

6. The WRs can't be worse. There's nowhere to go but up. I actually think we'll see some surprise performances there.

 

[#1DieHardHawk]

We haven't been hearing too much about the cornerbacks so far. Part of it could be the coaching staff downplaying expectations after having All American level corners the last two years, or maybe the cornerbacks just aren't stepping into their roles as well as could be hoped.

It's going to take awhile for the cream to rise to the top with the CBs.

While a good problem to have, the coaches have to sort through an inordinate number of talented candidates. I would expect those battles to go well into the first few regular season games.

 

[HawkeyeDenis]

Were Gallery and Porter both 320?

Gallery was his senior year. I don't think Porter was 320. That was 14-16 years ago? Most of the time since then Iowa has had a line average around 300. But it has been creeping up over the last few years. But the size of the DT's have been creeping up too. It's not that unusual to see a 300+ pound DT any more.

Wisconsin's good running backs got their great years with big linemen. They always seemed to be around 310 or better.

 

[HawkeyeDenis]

Maybe it's a flu virus, but I sincerely feel that we will be a much improved offense this season.

I've been very critical of Kirk's philosophy at times, and his lack of attention to baseline athleticism with recruiting, but it's just a gut feeling for a few reasons:

1. We have a returning QB with a ton of upside. He's entrenched as the starter and now knows the offense.

2. The offensive players will be much more comfortable with Brian's offense, which means less thinking and more reacting and just letting it go.

3. Our stable of TEs. We haven't been this deep and talented at TE in awhile, and, now that Brian is their position coach, you can bet he's envisioning seeing a mini me of the Patriots. Look for more "pop plays" to the TEs in the seam.

4. Outstanding young tackles that have some experience. The interior of the line worries me, but that should work it's way into shape as long as we stay healthy.

5. RBs that are better than everyone thinks. Young and IKM are going to remind fans of Canzeri and Daniels. Depth is a big concern, though. We have to stay healthy here.

6. The WRs can't be worse. There's nowhere to go but up. I actually think we'll see some surprise performances there.

I think the offense could make great strides this year. Getting the center position solidified will be a key. But Iowa has a lot of experience in key area's. Like TE, QB. The running backs should be alright as long as the four are healthy. This should be the year the WRs fulfill the promise they shown. Once again it's a question of injuries. Does Iowa have the players to step in when someone goes down?

 

[Adam]

Once again it's a question of injuries. Does Iowa have the players to step in when someone goes down?

No we don't. Most of the time we don't. Most of the time we won't. Very few schools have true position by position depth. This is exactly what separates the perennial top 10 recruiting schools from the rest. We may have a few positions that have adequate depth, but that is it. 70% of the starting spots are always injury fragile. No exception this year. We lose an OT, QB, WR or RB we will definitely feel the hurt. The defense depth is a little better off, but Parker has also shown mastery of preparing back ups to play at a high level.

 

[4thngoal]

I agree with different aspects of several of these posts.
I think the wr's will be better. How much, is the question.
I think TE's are pretty talented.
I think having a few linemen with a year in helps.
I think Nate will be faster in all aspects.
I think rbs will be pretty good. Ikm is going to have some monster games, provided........
I'm a little worried about the centers of both lines.
I'm a little worried about all 3 lb spots but mostly the outside ones.
I'm a little worried that the backfield could make bone headed mistakes. Not because of lack of talent, just because of inexperience and having inexperienced backers in front of them.
We have to start strong and fast. If we can get this going on and if we beat Wisconsin, that will go along way. We can not start the season looking in cohesive, we just don't have that luxury.