Who'll take over @ LB for our 3 seniors departing?

[KatoZenti]

Hitchens, Morris & Kirksey will be missed in 2014 because of their experience. It'll be interesting to see what bowl game Iowa will go to as well. Who'll step to forefront in taking over for our 3 outstanding seniors?

We've got the following coming back: Spearman, Manders, Fisher, Shaull, Perry, Jewell, Gilson (transfer from UNI), Kenny, Lindahl, Foster, Taylor, Alston & Kulick. New faces coming into the fold: Niemann, Mends & Outsey. It'll be interesting to see who'll rise to the top for 2014.

 

[uihawk82]

Well Alston has the most experience and backed up and filled in a lot for Morris so I think he has the inside path to starting at middle linebacker.

If Spearman doesnt put on a lot of weight he seems to be first in the mix for either outside position but he may be a rush end before it is all done.

Is Meirs definitely playing DE now because he might be a LBkr next year

 

[IowaHOCKS23]

Manders is a cool kid. I'm hoping he picks up some playing time next year, he passed on the gamecocks for here.

 

[HawkeyeMcNutt]

The season doesn't end until late December or early January. Using phrases such as "because of what they brought each & every game in their careers." is just stupid.

 

[thejumper5]

My guess as of now--
Will: Reggie Spearman
Mike: Quinton Alston
LEO: Travis Perry

I could see Spearman, who only turned 17 in August, growing into a DE, and I could also see Cole Fisher and Laron Taylor competing for starting spots.

 

[eveningnewsteam]

Spearman, Perry, Alston

 

[clim]

My guess as of now--
Will: Reggie Spearman
Mike: Quinton Alston
LEO: Travis Perry

I could see Spearman, who only turned 17 in August, growing into a DE, and I could also see Cole Fisher and Laron Taylor competing for starting spots.

this with john Kenny in the mix.

 

[greenhawk]

this with john Kenny in the mix.

Especially at linebacker this has always seemed to be pretty cut and dry situation. The guys that briefly see the field for special defensive units, or play some back-up minutes for the starters, will be the ones playing next year at the position. Therefore you can almost put it in stone that Alston, Spearman and Perry will be the starters for next year, and guys like Meier getting into the mix as well. Unless injuries, then all bets are off.

 

[David79]

Spearman is not going to be a DE. They need him at LB.

 

[SpiderRico]

With all the speed and athleticism at LB now and the definite increase in size we are recruiting for the DL, I'd like to see a lot more 3-4 looks next year...not just on 3rd and long.