#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
Word is that he's close to committing, possibly within the next week.
Tomari Fox
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#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
Sorry, I was implying to the Hawks.
In Bell's recent interview on HawkCentral, he praised the work ethic and depth of the DL, but stated that they were still thin on top-line talent. I get the sense he was referring to natural pass rushers, and I get the sense those are the type they have been targeting this cycle.
#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
I think we have seen a renewed effort there the past couple of cycles, but it's been an issue for several years. Too frequently, we rely upon DE/DT "tweeners" on the edge (think Mike Hardy, Alvis, etc.). Along with WR, DE has been one of Kirk's biggest downfalls when it comes to recruiting. In fairness to the staff, though, those types are always in high demand so it's slim pickings.
Clayborn, Roth and Ott all were very good, but where all three excelled was primarily hand-fighting and shedding. We probably haven't had a true explosive "edge" player that struck fear into opposing OCs since Leroy Smith. Eppy has that potential, so we'll see.
I don't see that level of explosiveness in Fox, but you never know how they will turn out. I do applaud the staff for targeting more athleticism on the edge.
Northside Hawk
Well-Known Member
Leroy Smith, who had five sacks in a nationally televised game against Ohio State, came to Iowa as a running back. It didn't take long for him or the coaches to realize that there wouldn't be many carries available behind Nick Bell, Tony Stewart, and Mike Saunders. He was moved to DE and it turned out to be the right spot for him. Brashier played a 5-2 back then and an end in that alignment had the luxury to pin their ears back and really go after the passer.
#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
Yeah, Smith was a 5-technique end. We haven't had that kind of alignment for quite awhile.
ArvadaHawk
Well-Known Member
i think fox was surprised and blown away by UNC. I wouldn't count that chicken just yet. i don't know anything one way or the other, but i don't think it's open/shut in favor of iowa.
Northside Hawk
Well-Known Member
Do you remember that Mike Saunders moved to wide receiver the year we went to the Rose Bowl (1991)? We had Danan Hughes at the X, Saunders at the Z, and Sean Smith and Jon Filloon splitting in the slot. Michael Titley and Matt Whitaker were the tight ends. That was a lot of weapons for Matt Rodgers to throw to plus we still had the one two punch of Bell and Stewart in the backfield. Saunders was an underrated player during his time at Iowa and could wear a lot of hats. He also threw half back option passes two or three times a year.
#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
Vaguely. I definitely recall him being kind of an all-purpose guy, but I mainly remember Rodgers, Hughes and Bell, and, of course, Smith.
#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
Thanks, Rob.
I'm not one to generally report simple rumors, but, what happened is that I heard from someone who is close to the family of a current commit, who apparently said that Fox was all but committed, and would be announcing soon.
Just to see what else I could find, I went over to 247 and saw three crystal balls to Iowa in rapid succession that were posted in the past week. Combining the two situations, it seemed like a pretty solid lead.
I'm not one to generally report simple rumors, but, what happened is that I heard from someone who is close to the family of a current commit, who apparently said that Fox was all but committed, and would be announcing soon.
Just to see what else I could find, I went over to 247 and saw three crystal balls to Iowa in rapid succession that were posted in the past week. Combining the two situations, it seemed like a pretty solid lead.
RobHowe
Administrator
No worries. I just wanted to see what the kid had to say.
Iowa definitely is in the driver's seat and I would be surprised to see a decision soon. It's a big decision, though. I sense he wants to be absolutely sure and get that feeling that it's time.
