Time for some player hype.

AreWeThereYet

AreWeThereYet

Well-Known Member
So which players are going to get it done next year? Let’s talk about tested veterans, potential breakout players, improving players, players with big question marks, players that you find problematic. Free form. You can talk about individual players or whole units. Talk about what we are gaining or losing.

(Just don’t trash any players or their mothers.)

Gone are: C - James Daniels; OG - Sean Welsh; OT - Ike Boettger; OT - Boone Myers; RB - Akrum Wadley; RB – James Butler; FB - Drake Kulick; SE - Matt VandeBerg; DT - Nathan Bazata; MLB - Josey Jewell; OLB - Ben Niemann; WLB - Bo Bower; CB - Joshua Jackson; SS - Miles Taylor; LS - Tyler Kluver

A large number of veterans gone. Kind of shows what a disappointing year it was with the two offensive tackles out and the new staff guiding the offense. A silver lining on that cloud is OT - Alaric Jackson & OT - Tristan Wirfs got plenty of experience last year. The transition on the offensive line should be a little less traumatic than changing out four guys.

This year’s Experienced Upper Classmen. (key players)

87 Noah Fant TE 6-5 241 Jr.
98 Anthony Nelson DE 6-7 271 Jr.
91 Miguel Recinos K 6-1 193 Sr.
40 Parker Hesse DE 6-3 261 Sr.
4 Nathan Stanley QB 6-4 242 Jr.
84 Nick Easley WR 5-11 205 Sr.
96 Matt Nelson DL 6-8 295 Sr. (? injury rehab)


Stanley still has a great deal of room for improvement but I couldn’t leave him off the list. 96 Matt Nelson DL 6-8 295 Sr. should move into that group if his recovery stays on schedule. I didn’t include Keegan Render because of the position change to center.
 
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My list of Emerging Key Players

74 Tristan Wirfs OL 6-5 320 So. Dramatically improved during his true freshman year as the season progressed. Seems to have taken the biggest leap late last year and in spring camp.

27 Amani Hooker DB 6-0 210 Jr. Successfully slid over from free to strong safety in the middle of last season and played well several games before being sidelined by injury. Was a stand out in the bowl win and in spring camp.

77 Alaric Jackson OL 6-7 320 So. I thought he was coming on a little more slowly the Wirfs. On the other hand he was chosen as a first team freshman all-American. So what do I know.


Epenesa and Hockenson are both behind somebody in the depth chart but both should see a lot of playing time.

94 A.J. Epenesa DE 6-5 277 So. A very good pass rusher still settling into the position after his true freshman year. He is behind Parker Hesse so that may limit his time a little. Hesse may be he one to play inside more next year so I look for Epenesa to increasingly be a presence as the season wears on.

38 T.J. Hockenson TE 6-5 250 So. A better blocker than Fant. He saw plenty of action as the number 2 tight end last year and should take on an increasing role next season.


I am tempted to add these three to the break-out list, but really haven’t seen enough to make an obvious choice.

52 Amani Jones LB 6-0 238 Jr.
28 Toren Young RB 5-11 221 So.
8 Matt Hankins DB 6-1 185 So.
 
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Our young tackles definitely have a ton of potential, but I think it's going to take awhile for the OL to smooth things out (seems like we say that every year...), so it's hard to see an individual player stand out consistently. Also, look for Cole Banwart to work his way into a starting position and be the guy the coaches single out for praise as the season progresses.

The breakout player on offense could very well be Groeneweg. The coaches obviously like him, and, apparently, the PR job is his to lose at this point. Plus, he knows the offense. I've got a feeling we'll be hearing that name quite a bit.

I don't think even most Iowa fans realize just how good Hooker is. He'll play at the next level. Think of a better version of Micah Hyde (at similar career points)...Yes, he's that good.
 
It's getting to be a pretty safe bet that someone steps up in the back field. Possibly two of them.
No way in hell if I'm a safety or db I don't accept an offer from Iowa. Fan no fan whatever. It's common sense.
I'm curious who gets rb#3 that is really interesting to me. Because it's tough to not call up #3 for an entire season. Somebody is going to get a shot to make an impression.
I love how the Ol is shaping up. Yeah they said they need to work on some depth, but that's a lot of beef up front. Younger guys. That move well are are not just fat *****.
I'm still waiting for a wr or two to step up, could that be Brandon? Who?
Dl is deep, but it needs to be for rotation reasons, so there is pretty much always an opportunity to get pt on either line, due to rotation and injuries and such.
We are pretty young when you think about it. Lot's of freshman have been playing.
Be interesting when the starting line up comes out to see what age we come in at.
 
AreWeThereYet said:
My list of potential breakout players

74 Tristan Wirfs OL 6-5 320 So. Dramatically improved during his true freshman year as the season progressed. Seems to have taken the biggest leap late last year and in spring camp.

27 Amani Hooker DB 6-0 210 Jr. Successfully slid over from free to strong safety in the middle of last season and played well several games before being sidelined by injury. Was a stand out in the bowl win and in spring camp.

77 Alaric Jackson OL 6-7 320 So. I thought he was coming on a little more slowly the Wirfs. On the other hand he was chosen as a first team freshman all-American. So what do I know.


Epenesa and Hockenson are both behind somebody in the depth chart but both should see a lot of playing time.

94 A.J. Epenesa DE 6-5 277 So. A very good pass rusher still settling into the position after his true freshman year. He is behind Parker Hesse so that may limit his time a little. Hesse may be he one to play inside more next year so I look for Epenesa to increasingly be a presence as the season wears on.

38 T.J. Hockenson TE 6-5 250 So. A better blocker than Fant. He saw plenty of action as the number 2 tight end last year and should take on an increasing role next season.


I am tempted to add these three to the break out list but really haven’t seen enough to say.

52 Amani Jones LB 6-0 238 Jr.
28 Toren Young RB 5-11 221 So.
8 Matt Hankins DB 6-1 185 So.
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boy, i really can't argue with your list. I think Hooker could wind up being a stud. he's a ball hawk and likes to hit and has good speed for a SS.
 
#1DieHardHawk said:
Our young tackles definitely have a ton of potential, but I think it's going to take awhile for the OL to smooth things out (seems like we say that every year...), so it's hard to see an individual player stand out consistently. Also, look for Cole Banwart to work his way into a starting position and be the guy the coaches single out for praise as the season progresses.

The breakout player on offense could very well be Groeneweg. The coaches obviously like him, and, apparently, the PR job is his to lose at this point. Plus, he knows the offense. I've got a feeling we'll be hearing that name quite a bit.

I don't think even most Iowa fans realize just how good Hooker is. He'll play at the next level. Think of a better version of Micah Hyde (at similar career points)...Yes, he's that good.
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Been quite impressed with what I have seen from Hooker so far. Problem is he only got a few games at strong safety before his big performance against Ohio State than he was sidelined by injury. Did really well in the bowl game. Someone needs to ask him where he got the ice skating skills.

Banwart is kind of an either/or with Reynolds at this point. Much like Levy and Landon at the other guard spot. I like the fact that there are a number of upper classmen on the inside. Render and Reynolds are seniors, Levi and Landen juniors, & Banwart a sophomore.
 
If I were to pick three players that aren't getting a ton of hype, but will be critical to our season, I'd pick WR Nick Easley, LB Amani Jones, and CB Matt Hankins

Easley: He won't put up eye popping numbers, but he'll likely catch the most passes of any Hawkeye and will catch a ton of passes that matter (3rd down). He's electric car fast (gets to top speed and makes breaks quickly) and has rapport with Stanley as he made some difficult catches a year ago. Everyone will be looking for another WR to be the main man. The main man will be Easley.

Jones: I saw him on the kickoff team against Wyoming last season when I was at the game. "Who was #52?" He was well built, athletic, and covered the kickoff with enthusiasm. I'm not saying he'll be Josey Jewel, but he won't be Quinton Alston either (sorry Quinton). I think Jones is going to be a pretty good one for Iowa.

Hankins: He looked better than Ojemudia and Rugumba in the action he seen last season, which is impressive considering he was a TFr. I'm going to bring up a negative play to make my point, but as a DB, sometimes you can play well and still get beat. The example I'm going to bring up is how the three CB's covered Anthony Mahoungou of Purdue last season (they'll miss him next season). Rugumba was beaten badly for a TD and didn't even look close to matching up with him. Ojemudia was closer to matching up than Mahougou, but gave too much space towards the sideline to for the QB to drop the ball in. Hankins was beaten in the back corner of the end zone and the ball was dropped in the only spot where it could be thrown in order for it to be complete. If he gets his head turned around, he might be able to knock the ball away. I think Hankins can take another step and will likely be the next great CB we talk about at Iowa.
 
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I would consider Easley a key upper classmen. I think we could fairly call him the teams primary possession receiver.

Amani Jones is going to be very quick to get to the play, once he recognizes the play. The question is how quickly and accurately will he recognize the play? That will be answered on the field.
 
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The Rest of the List

Journeyman & Solid Role Players - Starters that have been playing, or will play. We have solid expectations on these guys for the most part. Expected to improve. Keegan Render has his work cut out for him because of the move to center.

11 Michael Ojemudia DB 6-1 199 Jr.
95 Cedrick Lattimore DL 6-3 295 Jr.
30 Jake Gervase DB 6-1 212 Sr.
69 Keegan Render C 6-4 307 Sr.
6 Ihmir Smith-Marsette WR 6-1 175 So.
66 Levi Paulsen OL 6-5 305 Jr.
49 Nick Niemann LB 6-4 232 So .
2 Ryan Gersonde P 6-4 198 So.
59 Ross Reynolds OL 6-4 295 Sr .
36 Brady Ross FB 6-0 245 Jr.
39 Nate Wieting TE 6-4 250 Jr.

Will see plenty of action

34 Kristian Welch LB 6-3 238 Jr. (Gets thrust into things with the injury to Mends)
61 Cole Banwart OL 6-4 296 So. (Up and coming interior lineman)
91 Brady Reiff DT 6-3 272 Jr. (DT rotation, On the light side)
48 Jack Hockaday LB 6-1 235 Sr. (Another possibility at weak side, needs to show consistency)
9 Geno Stone DB 5-11 209 So. (In the rotation at safety)
57 Chauncey Golston DE/DT 6-5 265 (defensive line rotation)
32 Djimon Colbert LB 6-1 234 #Fr (Promising young linebacker)
90 Sam Brincks DE/DT 6-5 275 (defensive line rotation)
66 Landon Paulsen OL 6-5 305 Jr. (making progress after being sidelined by injuries)
82 Jack Kallenberger OT 6-5 272 Jr. (Up and coming OT, Needs some body mass)
14 Kyle Groeneweg WR 5-10 186 Sr. (Punt returns, other roles?)

Significant Question Marks

12 Brandon Smith WR 6-3 219 So. Struggled as a freshman and after the early games not many passes were coming his way. Got some good comments from the coaches in spring ball, but still dropped a few too many passes.
37 Brandon Snyder DB 6-0 214 Sr. (ACL rehab)
5 Manny Rugamba DB 5-11 193 Jr. Very inconsistent. Hasn’t taken the next step after showing promise as a freshman.
76 Dalton Ferguson OT 6-4 308 Sr. (Tackle rotation, Seems to be healthy)
7 Colten Rastetter P 6-1 213 Jr. Rugby style pooch punter. Enough said.
 
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There's a bunch of guys positioned to make their move. There also seems to be a good number of intriguing guys behind them in the depth chart. There will be no shortage of players to watch. How that works out for the team, I don't know. There's some major rebuilding in several units and will likely present some weaknesses in the upcoming season. This could be a team positioned to quickly improve as the season goes on.
 
Do you all remember how high the expectations for Brandon Smith were last year?. Well, I think Tyrone Tracy will be the WR that we HOPED Smith would be last year. Just seems to me that he has all the tools, moves -and speed to be the electric WR we need. Then between Easley and Groeneweg we will have a great possession WR on the field at all times. ISM and Cooper to stretch the field. Anything Smith can bring will be a bonus. It does sound like he is making big strides in the off-season, so hopefully he can really contribute this year.

Now, add a serviceable WR corps with what I expect to be a real focus on the TE position out of BF this year and the passing game should be improved. Add to that a 3rd dimension where Stanley has learned to pull the ball down and run for some positive yards when he feels the pocket collapsing and we could have a very efficient offense.

I am, as always, a big fan of the smash-mouth offense, and I really, really want to see some 3TE sets this year. Let’s see how DC’s from the other team try to deal with that!
 
AreWeThereYet said:
We're trying to ease off on elevating the next spring/fall camp sensation straight to All American status his first year.
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He does have all the physical elements to be special, but at any age, a big move, more elite competition, educational requirements, ect, it's going to take awhile to find your groove.
Early entrants and transfers have it a little easier than someone who was just a few months ago was trying to figure out who they wanted to take to prom.
The leap players make from one year to the next, is just as much about finding their groove as it is size, strength and so on. It's all of those things combined.
 
I think the offense has playmakers. I really believe that the Oline play and BFs playcalling will be what overwhelmingly dictates the level of success they have this year. I think they have 2 better than just good RBs along with 2 NFL tight ends and no less than 3 WRs that should be able to make plays. So to me replacing Daniels at center and Welsh are the biggest priorities..
 
4thngoal said:
He does have all the physical elements to be special, but at any age, a big move, more elite competition, educational requirements, ect, it's going to take awhile to find your groove.
Early entrants and transfers have it a little easier than someone who was just a few months ago was trying to figure out who they wanted to take to prom.
The leap players make from one year to the next, is just as much about finding their groove as it is size, strength and so on. It's all of those things combined.
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Smith does seem to have the physical attributes, but so far it's been stone hands when in pressure situations. I'm too football stupid to tell you where the shortcomings are, or the extent of the problem.
 
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AreWeThereYet said:
Smith does seem to have the physical attributes, but so far it's been stone hands when in pressure situations. I'm too football stupid to tell you where the shortcomings are, or the extent of the problem.
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We don't get to see him every day either. Tough to say anything really. He could make a huge leap and be all conf as far as we know.
I take a little comfort in Kevin's comments, that he sees something different, an improvement almost every time he watches him. Sounded more like a confidence thing now. Because he is absolutely built for b10 play. Every thing about him screams this one could be something, but he has to know it.
Maybe the best way is to sit him down and say look do you understand and believe that every practice you are going up against some of the best db's in the nation?? Are we not kicking them into the NFL pretty regularly? Are they not doing well in the NFL?
Once he knows that, deep down, he shouldn't have any problem knowing he belongs on that field. That he can beat any db in all college football.
If I were in his ear, that's what I would be telling him.
 
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4thngoal said:
We don't get to see him every day either. Tough to say anything really. He could make a huge leap and be all conf as far as we know.
I take a little comfort in Kevin's comments, that he sees something different, an improvement almost every time he watches him. Sounded more like a confidence thing now. Because he is absolutely built for b10 play. Every thing about him screams this one could be something, but he has to know it.
Maybe the best way is to sit him down and say look do you understand and believe that every practice you are going up against some of the best db's in the nation?? Are we not kicking them into the NFL pretty regularly? Are they not doing well in the NFL?
Once he knows that, deep down, he shouldn't have any problem knowing he belongs on that field. That he can beat any db in all college football.
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That pretty sums up my feelings on him too. And any of the newer kids that haven't played much. This is just me but I'm not going to get too excited either way thinking he's the next Randy Moss or if he's going to be a bust till we've seen more of him. It'd be pretty unfair to get the hype train going either direction just yet for him. I wish he'd have redshirted last yr... I find it hard to justify how KF will yank them off of kids who get such few reps but I've never ran a D1 football program before...
 
Hawkfnntn said:
That pretty sums up my feelings on him too. And any of the newer kids that haven't played much. This is just me but I'm not going to get too excited either way thinking he's the next Randy Moss or if he's going to be a bust till we've seen more of him. It'd be pretty unfair to get the hype train going either direction just yet for him. I wish he'd have redshirted last yr... I find it hard to justify how KF will yank them off of kids who get such few reps but I've never ran a D1 football program before...
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We had absolutely nobody at the position. Yeah a rs would have been better. But pretty much if you were fast enough or made another team look twice, you were going to play. All hands on deck. Some were pretty good, others needed more polishing.
That's why if I'm a wr recruit, I see the state that GD left our receiver room in and that it's rebuilding. The chance to compete day one, being one of them. Who you'll be competing against the most is another big thing.
We all seem Josh's stats. You may as well of thrown it into the dirt, one stat showed.
 
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Lumberman said:
Do you all remember how high the expectations for Brandon Smith were last year?. Well, I think Tyrone Tracy will be the WR that we HOPED Smith would be last year. Just seems to me that he has all the tools, moves -and speed to be the electric WR we need. Then between Easley and Groeneweg we will have a great possession WR on the field at all times. ISM and Cooper to stretch the field. Anything Smith can bring will be a bonus. It does sound like he is making big strides in the off-season, so hopefully he can really contribute this year.

Now, add a serviceable WR corps with what I expect to be a real focus on the TE position out of BF this year and the passing game should be improved. Add to that a 3rd dimension where Stanley has learned to pull the ball down and run for some positive yards when he feels the pocket collapsing and we could have a very efficient offense.

I am, as always, a big fan of the smash-mouth offense, and I really, really want to see some 3TE sets this year. Let’s see how DC’s from the other team try to deal with that!
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I think Tracy has the potential to be a bonafide star.

The problem is, he's got a big hill to climb for PT. There's just too many bodies ahead of him at this point, and that's not even including the fact that our TEs are going to see a good portion of the pass attempts as well.

He's going to have to be patient - something that physically talented WRs in our program have struggled with the past 20 years or so.
 
AreWeThereYet said:
Smith does seem to have the physical attributes, but so far it's been stone hands when in pressure situations. I'm too football stupid to tell you where the shortcomings are, or the extent of the problem.
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Not trying to hate on Smith at all, and I sincerely hope that he breaks out and dominates this season, but, as I've posted before, the one desirable "physical trait" that he lacks is suddenness.

Smith can jump, has decent top-end speed, and very good upper body strength to overcome press coverage, but, what separates elite receivers at this level is that twitchy suddenness that results in separation from the DB. Unfortunately, that's something that's almost impossible to train or teach. A great example is Antonio Brown. He's almost never the fastest or quickest WR on the field, but, nobody comes in and out of breaks like him. He's a master at snapping his body at the right time.

A good OC can cover up some of those deficiencies with scheme. The question is if BF falls in that category or not.
 
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