thoughts heading into camp

[Zstatman]

5 key Iowa football position battles to track leading up to Hawkeyes' 2025 season

There's a lot to get figured out between now and Iowa Hawkeyes football's 2025 season opener. Here are some key position battles to keep an eye on.

www.hawkcentral.com

Good article by Tyler, summarizing the key battles heading intot camp.

Here are some of my thoughts:

cornerback - as long as Phil Parker remains DB coach, I'm not worried about this position group. There are plenty of candidates and the best will rise to the top. What we really missed last year was a difference maker, shall I say a Cooper DeJean type! He was sorely missed last year. I don't know that I see that exceptional talent in this group, but they should be solid.

QB - I suppose I'm not alone in hoping that Gronowski is the second coming of Moses and will lead through those parted waters to the promised land. All indications are he could be that guy. We've never had a position group that is this loaded, IMO. I don't see how they can keep everyone happy. The first indication of #2 we will get will be the depth chart released the week of the Albany game. Then, assuming we thump Albany as we should, will that #2 be the #2 into the game. You'd think so.

Who that #2 will be is anybody's guess at this point. most seem to discount Jackson Stratton, but he came out of spring ball the best performer according to many media reports. He's 2-0 as a starter and has improved. The Hecklinksi kid has outta this world credentials, but he is on the smallish side. And he's, I'd assume, the pet project of the ex-Wake Forest OC turned Iowa offensive analyst. The Auburn trasnfer should be right there, too.

But what I'm most ready for is some game action. I'm tired of all the off-season pontifications.

Let's play ball. Go Hawks

 

[haydensly]

5 key Iowa football position battles to track leading up to Hawkeyes' 2025 season

There's a lot to get figured out between now and Iowa Hawkeyes football's 2025 season opener. Here are some key position battles to keep an eye on.

www.hawkcentral.com

Good article by Tyler, summarizing the key battles heading intot camp.

Here are some of my thoughts:

cornerback - as long as Phil Parker remains DB coach, I'm not worried about this position group. There are plenty of candidates and the best will rise to the top. What we really missed last year was a difference maker, shall I say a Cooper DeJean type! He was sorely missed last year. I don't know that I see that exceptional talent in this group, but they should be solid.

QB - I suppose I'm not alone in hoping that Gronowski is the second coming of Moses and will lead through those parted waters to the promised land. All indications are he could be that guy. We've never had a position group that is this loaded, IMO. I don't see how they can keep everyone happy. The first indication of #2 we will get will be the depth chart released the week of the Albany game. Then, assuming we thump Albany as we should, will that #2 be the #2 into the game. You'd think so.

Who that #2 will be is anybody's guess at this point. most seem to discount Jackson Stratton, but he came out of spring ball the best performer according to many media reports. He's 2-0 as a starter and has improved. The Hecklinksi kid has outta this world credentials, but he is on the smallish side. And he's, I'd assume, the pet project of the ex-Wake Forest OC turned Iowa offensive analyst. The Auburn trasnfer should be right there, too.

But what I'm most ready for is some game action. I'm tired of all the off-season pontifications.

Let's play ball. Go Hawks

I have a lot of faith in PP but the secondary did not perform well last year as a group. Too many big plays, especially early in the season (see Iowa State game). I certainly hope the cornerbacks are ready to raise their level of play but for me, I am going to have to see it.

From what I have heard and read, Gronowski is a pretty clear #1 with Brown and Hecklinski battling it out for #2. Stratton can do some good things but according to Tim Lester, he is just as likely to make the biggest mistakes and needs to correct that part.

For sure ready for the season to get here!

 

[thedukeofearl]

5 key Iowa football position battles to track leading up to Hawkeyes' 2025 season

There's a lot to get figured out between now and Iowa Hawkeyes football's 2025 season opener. Here are some key position battles to keep an eye on.

www.hawkcentral.com

Good article by Tyler, summarizing the key battles heading intot camp.

Here are some of my thoughts:

cornerback - as long as Phil Parker remains DB coach, I'm not worried about this position group. There are plenty of candidates and the best will rise to the top. What we really missed last year was a difference maker, shall I say a Cooper DeJean type! He was sorely missed last year. I don't know that I see that exceptional talent in this group, but they should be solid.

QB - I suppose I'm not alone in hoping that Gronowski is the second coming of Moses and will lead through those parted waters to the promised land. All indications are he could be that guy. We've never had a position group that is this loaded, IMO. I don't see how they can keep everyone happy. The first indication of #2 we will get will be the depth chart released the week of the Albany game. Then, assuming we thump Albany as we should, will that #2 be the #2 into the game. You'd think so.

Who that #2 will be is anybody's guess at this point. most seem to discount Jackson Stratton, but he came out of spring ball the best performer according to many media reports. He's 2-0 as a starter and has improved. The Hecklinksi kid has outta this world credentials, but he is on the smallish side. And he's, I'd assume, the pet project of the ex-Wake Forest OC turned Iowa offensive analyst. The Auburn trasnfer should be right there, too.

But what I'm most ready for is some game action. I'm tired of all the off-season pontifications.

Let's play ball. Go Hawks

. The Hecklinksi kid has outta this world credentials, but he is on the smallish side.

Perhaps a Drew Tate style player

"The Catch" 2005 Capital One bowl - Drew Tate to Warren Holloway

Time ran out on the Nick Saban era at LSU, leaving the Iowa Hawkeyes not a second to spare.Drew Tate threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to Warren Holloway on the...

www.youtube.com

Will never forget thiis. My daughter was 10 years old and watched the game with me

She and I went crazy after that play

 

[Gander Hawk]

I have a lot of faith in PP but the secondary did not perform well last year as a group. Too many big plays, especially early in the season (see Iowa State game). I certainly hope the cornerbacks are ready to raise their level of play but for me, I am going to have to see it.

From what I have heard and read, Gronowski is a pretty clear #1 with Brown and Hecklinski battling it out for #2. Stratton can do some good things but according to Tim Lester, he is just as likely to make the biggest mistakes and needs to correct that part.

For sure ready for the season to get here!

I think ISU had two receivers go in the draft so a tough early game. Sometimes it takes Phil's backfield a few games to gel.

 

[ICHawk24]

Chad Leistikow says Phil Parker is much more confident about the backend this year. That is great to hear.

Will be interesting to see how good Lester, Gronokowski, and the WR can be. I'm guessing Gronokowski is an above average B1G QB this year.

I am very optimistic about the season.

 

[stilts]

I hope we have improved on offense, time will tell. The D will be solid. Our schedule is tough so it's hard for me imagine less than 5 losses. If we are at least more competitive in those losses, I'll be able to enjoy the season. Go Hawks!

 

[Hawkboys]

Chad Leistikow says Phil Parker is much more confident about the backend this year. That is great to hear.

But all we heard a year ago was the backend was the most experienced Parker ever had and how they could get more creative in their calls.