Theo Johnson decision Monday

[dirtwrap]

All the big programs want him... and that tells you everything you need to know.

And I hope he chooses Iowa. But I am somewhat wary of expectations for this kid at the next level. What position does he play? Is he a WR? If so, it's hard to not love his physical skills, raw athleticism, size, and power. But watching his highlights, I don't see a naturally gifted WR. That's not to say he can't become a productive WR in college. And he's obviously worth the scholarship offer. But I would much rather see Iowa sign a truly naturally gifted WR, like David Bell. That's neither here nor there... but what kind of WR talent can catalyze Iowa's offense and passing game to the next level? I don't know if Theo Johnson is the answer.

Does Iowa want him at TE? He's listed as a TE, but has he ever really played the position? And can he block? TE recruiting and scouting is really strange. If you think about the skill set and nature of the modern TE position, it's easy to see how some of the best TEs are overlooked as recruits. TEs need to be good at a lot of things: big frame, physical, athletic, ball skills, blocking tools, toughness - yet any one of those given skills might not jump off the page at you. You can see how those kind of recruits might fly under the radar and/or be small town mutli-sport kids.

I'm worried that I see a lot of Christian French in Theo Johnson and I just don't know what position he'll to play and how his athletic talents will translate.

I agree with you, that signing a David Bell type player on a regular basis should be a priority of the coaching staff as players like that would make our offense much more dynamic, or just dynamic at all. We are seeing that with the emergence of Tracy who is in the same mold.

However, in our offense, the mismatch at the tight end position is the biggest weapon we have in the red zone. The reason why we had to kick so many field goals and didnt score enough touchdowns is directly related to not having the mismatch that we need there. As good as those quick receivers are, like Bell and Tracy, they are much more easily defended when the field gets compressed, whereas an athletic tight end gives you so much versatility with being able to take on linebackers in the running game, defensive ends when pass protecting, being too fast for linebackers and too big for corners to cover. For a pro-style quarterback, tight end is their best friend.

 

[HawkU]

Just love how Hawk fans always come back with some downer crap. Never fails.

It's evident you misunderstood my intent. Why go to Pedo St then if they can't beat OSU either. Is that easier for you?

 

[RobHowe]

I don't think I would call Yelverton and Lachey under the radar. Yelverton is an Army AA and had offers from Auburn, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Penn St. and tons more. While not quite as impressive Lachey had offers from Wisconsin, MSU, Nebraska, Kentucky and Louisville.

Not what I meant. They’re not being talked about much despite those credentials.

 

[proudhawkfan21]

Theo Huxtable coming to Iowa is better odds than Theo Johnson. Nice to be mentioned, love to have him, but hes not coming here. His number of game day visits, when he visited, his tweets cheering UM and PSU, he will not be choosing the Hawks. If he does, hallelujah! Back to life tho, back to reality.

 

[DDThompson]

Just love how Hawk fans always come back with some downer crap. Never fails.

Yep, it’s a Hawk site so you’re supposed to trash-talk other teams.

But self-loathers have to self-loathe

I guess...

 

[Jonrn]

I agree with you, that signing a David Bell type player on a regular basis should be a priority of the coaching staff as players like that would make our offense much more dynamic, or just dynamic at all. We are seeing that with the emergence of Tracy who is in the same mold.

However, in our offense, the mismatch at the tight end position is the biggest weapon we have in the red zone. The reason why we had to kick so many field goals and didnt score enough touchdowns is directly related to not having the mismatch that we need there. As good as those quick receivers are, like Bell and Tracy, they are much more easily defended when the field gets compressed, whereas an athletic tight end gives you so much versatility with being able to take on linebackers in the running game, defensive ends when pass protecting, being too fast for linebackers and too big for corners to cover. For a pro-style quarterback, tight end is their best friend.

Across all levels of football we are seeing this. The 6’5” 250 lbs elite athlete at TE creating mismatches against smaller DBs or less athletic LBs.

 

[Caddy]

I agree with you, that signing a David Bell type player on a regular basis should be a priority of the coaching staff as players like that would make our offense much more dynamic, or just dynamic at all. We are seeing that with the emergence of Tracy who is in the same mold.

However, in our offense, the mismatch at the tight end position is the biggest weapon we have in the red zone. The reason why we had to kick so many field goals and didnt score enough touchdowns is directly related to not having the mismatch that we need there. As good as those quick receivers are, like Bell and Tracy, they are much more easily defended when the field gets compressed, whereas an athletic tight end gives you so much versatility with being able to take on linebackers in the running game, defensive ends when pass protecting, being too fast for linebackers and too big for corners to cover. For a pro-style quarterback, tight end is their best friend.

Biggest weapon we could have in the red zone is a competent running game. Which we do not have.

 

[dirtwrap]

Biggest weapon we could have in the red zone is a competent running game. Which we do not have.

I dont disagree, to have both a running game and a dynamic tight end will result in more red zone touchdowns for sure.

 

[RobHowe]

Penn State

 

[Stanzi]

Lame

 

[homes]

Penn State

Maryland.

Is this a quiz on who is in the Big Ten East?

 

[eledmonster]

With Franklin's recent track record, he'll probably be in the portal within 24 months...

 

[Hawkfnntn]

Is what it is. Had to try. Hell of a talent. I have to think as full of a cupboard as we already have with freshman/sophomore to be kids alone had a lot to do with it. We'll be fine

 

[mopkins]

Someone should send him the Kittle highlight from yesterday. Then also send him Kittle's stats, Fant's stats and Mike Gesicki's stats side by side.

 

[HawkeyezBull]

Someone should send him the Kittle highlight from yesterday. Then also send him Kittle's stats, Fant's stats and Mike Gesicki's stats side by side.

Dude just probably gave up 2-4 million in his rookie contract by going to PSU. If you want to be a TE and make it bug it should be Iowa first, second, and third. Whoever advised him on PSU should be held liable when doesn't get drafted.

 

[PCHawk]

Dude just probably gave up 2-4 million in his rookie contract by going to PSU. If you want to be a TE and make it bug it should be Iowa first, second, and third. Whoever advised him on PSU should be held liable when doesn't get drafted.

He almost certainly lost money with this decision. Iowa spends practice time on teaching fundamentals while other coaches spend time on game plans. Practicing college game day plans doesn't prepare you for the NFL. Perfecting fundamentals does. If he's as good as advertised, he will make the NFL from Penn State. But he probably won't get drafted as high or have as high of a ceiling.

 

[PCHawk]

Someone should send him the Kittle highlight from yesterday. Then also send him Kittle's stats, Fant's stats and Mike Gesicki's stats side by side.

If Kittle would have went to Penn State, he probably would have run out of bounds before the guy even had a chance to grab his facemask. Being a bad ass hawkeye netted him about 30 extra yards.

 

[WinOneThisCentury]

Well...I would want to come here and sit behind Helverson and LaPorta either.

 

[okeefe4prez]

Penn State

We didn't need him anyway and frankly I didn't want him. Hope he enjoys going 7-5 every year at Penn State.

 

[Caddy]

We didn't need him anyway and frankly I didn't want him. Hope he enjoys going 7-5 every year at Penn State.

Didn't need him anyway? Come on, he is better than anyone we have currently. He would have been a huge pick up, but since we didn't get him then we didn't need him anyway? This trash bin for an offense needs all the help they can get. Look at the production from the tight ends this year. Pretty much non existent.