Get to know the newest Hawkeyes:
1 PK Marshall Koehn
5 QB Kyle Anderson
7 DB Brandon Boerm
15 QB Jake Rudock
21 DB Nico Law
22 DB Torrey Campbell
25 RB Mika'il McCall
27 DB Jordan Lomax
32 RB Damon Bullock
33 RB Jordan Canzeri
33 FB Adam Cox
36 LB Macon Plewa
39 DB Travis Perry
42 DB Cole Fisher
48 DB John Lowdermilk
49 LB Melvin Spears
52 LB Quinton Alston
55 LB Marcus Collins
63 OL Austin Blythe
65 OL Jordan Walsh
73 OL Jared Kracke
75 DL Dean Tsopanides
80 TE Henry Krieger-Coble
82 TE Ray Hamilton
84 WR Jacob Hillyer
87 TE Jake Duzey
89 WR Marcus Grant
94 DE Riley McMinn
95 DE John Raymon
97 DL Darian Cooper
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
View from the Water tower: An aerial view of the Hawkeyes and Big Ten Football
Quick Slants
Since Big Ten media days, there have been several items of note to come from the Iowa football program. Here are a few of them:
Dan Heir will be red-shirting. Heir figured to be in the two deeps until he was involved in a one car accident. The injuries we suffered were enough to sideline him for the entire season to give him time to recover. Once he is back next year he will be punished for receiving an OWI as a result of the accident. With Iowa losing at least two offensive lineman and possibly three, he will add some much needed depth.
Donovan Johnson will be attending a junior college. This is something that had been rumored since the end of last season, but Donovan has said that his intention is to return to Iowa after he gets his academics in order.
A lack of star power will cause the defensive line to rotate and get an advantage from being more fresh than the offensive line.
Notes from practice photos:
Brandon Sherff has been starting at guard
Christian Kirksey and Anthony Hitchens have been splitting time at OLB
Jordan Walsh and Austin Blythe have Big Ten ready bodies
Nico Law will contribute in some capacity this season
Carl Davis has been running with the 1st team defense
No sign of LeBron Daniel in the photo galleries
View practice galleries at www.hawkeyesports.com
Former Hawkeye news:
Brandon Wegher will be playing at Iowa Western Community College
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/sports/football/college/article_cf2e454f-1101-54f0-b94b-e1bdb00dc99a.html
Jeff Brinson sees his career cut short
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-ucf-football-practice-begins-0804-20110803,0,2143070.story
Monday, August 8, 2011
Pre Fall Linebacker Outlook
Much like the defensive line, the linebacker corps at Iowa will consist of a lot of new names and faces this fall. Last season saw the linebackers decimated by injury, the plus side with so many injuries to upper classmen was that a lot of young players saw significant playing time. Much like the other units on the defensive side of the ball, linebacker has been a position that Iowa has been able to replenish year after year without losing too much, production wise.
Middle Linebacker-
James Morris (6-2, 215) returns for his sophomore season after producing more as a freshman than anyone not names Morris thought he would. Morris stepped in to the starting role after injuries left the Iowa coaches with little option but to burn his redshirt. To say that he made the best of his opportunity is an understatement. In the short time as the starter, Morris proved to have a knack for finding the ball and making plays when he got there. Behind Morris will be Senior Bruce Davis (6-0, 232), a player that has been in the Iowa system for four years and hasn’t seemed to be able to avoid the injury bug in his time on campus.
Weakside linebacker-
Gone will be three year starter Jeremiah Hunter and in his place will be a trio of sophomores vying for the starting role. Christian Kirksey (6-2, 215), Anthony Hitchens (6-1, 215), and Shane DiBona (6-2, 230) look to be the front runners to replace Hunter. Kirksey is a player who learned the ropes as a special teams player last year, Hitchens is a converted defensive back and DiBona saw action last year at linebacker when Hunter was injured. Whoever comes out of this pre-season battle will have to be on their game as the two that don’t start will be looking to earn playing time all season. This could be a position that sees a rotation based on what type of offense they are playing, DiBona seems to be a little stronger against the run while the other two seem to be better in pass coverage.
Strongside linebacker-
Returning from a broken neck will be senior Tyler Nielsen (6-4, 235), who is looking to turn in a solid senior season. While the starting job is essentially his to lose, sophomore Dakota Getz (6-4, 235) will be nipping at his heels to find his way to the field.
The best thing about this unit is their versatility, both weakside and strongside linebackers can be interchanged. With the young depth that this unit has, don’t be surprised if you see more 3-4 defense this season.
Middle Linebacker-
James Morris (6-2, 215) returns for his sophomore season after producing more as a freshman than anyone not names Morris thought he would. Morris stepped in to the starting role after injuries left the Iowa coaches with little option but to burn his redshirt. To say that he made the best of his opportunity is an understatement. In the short time as the starter, Morris proved to have a knack for finding the ball and making plays when he got there. Behind Morris will be Senior Bruce Davis (6-0, 232), a player that has been in the Iowa system for four years and hasn’t seemed to be able to avoid the injury bug in his time on campus.
Weakside linebacker-
Gone will be three year starter Jeremiah Hunter and in his place will be a trio of sophomores vying for the starting role. Christian Kirksey (6-2, 215), Anthony Hitchens (6-1, 215), and Shane DiBona (6-2, 230) look to be the front runners to replace Hunter. Kirksey is a player who learned the ropes as a special teams player last year, Hitchens is a converted defensive back and DiBona saw action last year at linebacker when Hunter was injured. Whoever comes out of this pre-season battle will have to be on their game as the two that don’t start will be looking to earn playing time all season. This could be a position that sees a rotation based on what type of offense they are playing, DiBona seems to be a little stronger against the run while the other two seem to be better in pass coverage.
Strongside linebacker-
Returning from a broken neck will be senior Tyler Nielsen (6-4, 235), who is looking to turn in a solid senior season. While the starting job is essentially his to lose, sophomore Dakota Getz (6-4, 235) will be nipping at his heels to find his way to the field.
The best thing about this unit is their versatility, both weakside and strongside linebackers can be interchanged. With the young depth that this unit has, don’t be surprised if you see more 3-4 defense this season.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Pre-summer defensive line outlook
Recently the fact has been circulating on the message boards that no college team has more defensive lineman in the NFL than Iowa does. To me that is an astounding fact given that Iowa runs the kind of defense that they want the lineman to plug holes and allow the linebackers to flow and make plays. What it has a lot to do with is the fact that Iowa has great coaches and when a player leaves Iowa he is fundamentally sound and knows how to play the game the right way.
The three starters that the Hawkeyes lost from a season ago amassed an astounding 483 combined tackles, 90 tackles for loss, 42.5 sacks, and 38 quarterback hurries. Bottom line is that the players that left from last year’s team produced when they were on the field. Gone is Adrian Clayborn, Karl Klug, and Christian Ballard, who were all drafted into the NFL.
In a lot of ways, the 2011 defensive line will resemble the 2005 one that had to replace Matt Roth, Jonathan Babineaux, Tyler Luebke, and Derreck Robinson. Most of those players were unknown, but turned out to be Kenny Iwebema, Bryan Mattison, Matt Kroul, and Mitch King, who have all cashed NFL paychecks. Point being, just because you don’t recognize their name now, doesn’t mean they won’t be great players.
Defensive End-
It is never a good thing when you lose one and half starters (I consider Ballard ½ because he started at DE half the time last year) and it’s no different for Iowa. Returning for Iowa will be Broderick Binns (6-2, 261), who by all accounts had a down year after a promising sophomore campaign. As a sophomore he accumulated 58 tackles and 6 sacks, while last season he only tallied 36 tackles and no sacks. With this being his last season, it is put up or shut up time for a player that has shown flashes of great play over his career.
Looking to break into the starting lineup opposite of Binns will be LeBron Daniel (6-2, 250), the Ohio native will be going into his final season in a Hawkeye uniform looking to make the most of his chance to finally start.
Behind Daniel is more unproven players in senior Joe Forgy (6-4, 260), junior Joe Gaglione (6-47, 250), sophomores Dominic Alvis (6-4, 250) and Scott Covert (6-2, 240) , and redshirt freshman Mike Hardy (6-5, 270). Of these players Alvis has been singled out by defensive coordinator Norm Parker as a player he thinks will make an impact. Along with Dominic I think Mike Hardy could make an impact in his redshirt season.
Defensive Tackle-
Returning as the full time starter for Iowa will be Mike Daniels (6-1, 280), or Diesel, as his teammates call him. Daniels is a guy who burst onto the scene last year and instantly won the affection of the Iowa fans with his high motor and energetic celebrations. Mike started in 8 games last season and accounted for 40 tackles and 4 sacks.
The starting position next to Mike will be up for grabs in the fall, Thomas Nardo (6-3, 270) and Carl Davis (6-5, 310) figure to be the front runners. Nardo is a veteran looking for his chance to make an impact while Davis will be a redshirt freshman who is maybe the biggest defensive tackle Iowa has had in several years. This could be a situation where Nardo will get the start to begin the season, but I fully expect Davis to be in the starting lineup before the end of the season.
Behind the three other defensive tackles will be junior Steve Bigach (6-3, 272) and red-shirt freshman Louis Trinca-Pasat (6-3, 250) and Donavan Johnson (6-3, 265). Don’t be surprised if the redshirt is also burned on incoming freshman Darian Cooper (6-1, 290). The high touted high school teammate of Marcus Coker chose Iowa over the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State. Cooper, like Carl Davis is coming to Iowa with a Big Ten ready body and could contribute in his first season on campus.
The three starters that the Hawkeyes lost from a season ago amassed an astounding 483 combined tackles, 90 tackles for loss, 42.5 sacks, and 38 quarterback hurries. Bottom line is that the players that left from last year’s team produced when they were on the field. Gone is Adrian Clayborn, Karl Klug, and Christian Ballard, who were all drafted into the NFL.
In a lot of ways, the 2011 defensive line will resemble the 2005 one that had to replace Matt Roth, Jonathan Babineaux, Tyler Luebke, and Derreck Robinson. Most of those players were unknown, but turned out to be Kenny Iwebema, Bryan Mattison, Matt Kroul, and Mitch King, who have all cashed NFL paychecks. Point being, just because you don’t recognize their name now, doesn’t mean they won’t be great players.
Defensive End-
It is never a good thing when you lose one and half starters (I consider Ballard ½ because he started at DE half the time last year) and it’s no different for Iowa. Returning for Iowa will be Broderick Binns (6-2, 261), who by all accounts had a down year after a promising sophomore campaign. As a sophomore he accumulated 58 tackles and 6 sacks, while last season he only tallied 36 tackles and no sacks. With this being his last season, it is put up or shut up time for a player that has shown flashes of great play over his career.
Looking to break into the starting lineup opposite of Binns will be LeBron Daniel (6-2, 250), the Ohio native will be going into his final season in a Hawkeye uniform looking to make the most of his chance to finally start.
Behind Daniel is more unproven players in senior Joe Forgy (6-4, 260), junior Joe Gaglione (6-47, 250), sophomores Dominic Alvis (6-4, 250) and Scott Covert (6-2, 240) , and redshirt freshman Mike Hardy (6-5, 270). Of these players Alvis has been singled out by defensive coordinator Norm Parker as a player he thinks will make an impact. Along with Dominic I think Mike Hardy could make an impact in his redshirt season.
Defensive Tackle-
Returning as the full time starter for Iowa will be Mike Daniels (6-1, 280), or Diesel, as his teammates call him. Daniels is a guy who burst onto the scene last year and instantly won the affection of the Iowa fans with his high motor and energetic celebrations. Mike started in 8 games last season and accounted for 40 tackles and 4 sacks.
The starting position next to Mike will be up for grabs in the fall, Thomas Nardo (6-3, 270) and Carl Davis (6-5, 310) figure to be the front runners. Nardo is a veteran looking for his chance to make an impact while Davis will be a redshirt freshman who is maybe the biggest defensive tackle Iowa has had in several years. This could be a situation where Nardo will get the start to begin the season, but I fully expect Davis to be in the starting lineup before the end of the season.
Behind the three other defensive tackles will be junior Steve Bigach (6-3, 272) and red-shirt freshman Louis Trinca-Pasat (6-3, 250) and Donavan Johnson (6-3, 265). Don’t be surprised if the redshirt is also burned on incoming freshman Darian Cooper (6-1, 290). The high touted high school teammate of Marcus Coker chose Iowa over the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State. Cooper, like Carl Davis is coming to Iowa with a Big Ten ready body and could contribute in his first season on campus.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Pre-Summer Offensive Line Outlook
Pre Summer Offensive Line Outlook
Something that has become a staple in the Ferentz era is quality offensive line play. Even in years where the offensive line isn’t supposed to be good in the end they still end up being a solid unit. Junior Riley Reiff will anchor a unit that boasts 58 career starts. Reiff has started 23 career games already, all in the last two years. The All-American candidate is one of the best in the Big Ten and the NCAA and will have a big decision after the season on whether he comes back for his senior season or not. Joining Riley as the other tackle will be Markus Zusevics, who started every game last season. He is overshadowed by Reiff, but Zus, as he is known as, is another in a long list of solid offensive tackles at Iowa. Joining Reiff and Zusevics as a starter of every game last season is James Ferentz. Let’s be honest, James was born and breed to be a center in this offense. He has learned the ropes from both his dad and his older brother, Brian. From the time that he was born he has been learning the zone blocking scheme and going into his junior season, he has proven that he knows it very well. In the zone blocking scheme the center is the most important position because he makes the line calls and essentially tells every other offensive lineman who he is blocking on that play. Joining the three incumbents will be guards Adam Gettis and Nolan MacMillan, who between them have 9 career starts. Last season both Gettis and MacMillan were hampered by injuries and look to regain their starting spots now that they are healthy. While those two will be the front runners for the guard positions, don’t sleep on Brandon Scherff making his way into the starting lineup. Along with Scherff, the other backups looking for playing time will be tackles Andrew Donnal and Brett Van Sloten, guards Woody Orne and Drew Clark, and center Conor Boffeli. Junior college transfer Dan Heiar would have figured into the mix of offensive lineman; however he is still recovering from a car accident this spring and may or may not be back with the team. If in fall camp Iowa can get a top five and stick with that unit for the majority of the season they will be one of the best units in the Big Ten as well as the nation.
Something that has become a staple in the Ferentz era is quality offensive line play. Even in years where the offensive line isn’t supposed to be good in the end they still end up being a solid unit. Junior Riley Reiff will anchor a unit that boasts 58 career starts. Reiff has started 23 career games already, all in the last two years. The All-American candidate is one of the best in the Big Ten and the NCAA and will have a big decision after the season on whether he comes back for his senior season or not. Joining Riley as the other tackle will be Markus Zusevics, who started every game last season. He is overshadowed by Reiff, but Zus, as he is known as, is another in a long list of solid offensive tackles at Iowa. Joining Reiff and Zusevics as a starter of every game last season is James Ferentz. Let’s be honest, James was born and breed to be a center in this offense. He has learned the ropes from both his dad and his older brother, Brian. From the time that he was born he has been learning the zone blocking scheme and going into his junior season, he has proven that he knows it very well. In the zone blocking scheme the center is the most important position because he makes the line calls and essentially tells every other offensive lineman who he is blocking on that play. Joining the three incumbents will be guards Adam Gettis and Nolan MacMillan, who between them have 9 career starts. Last season both Gettis and MacMillan were hampered by injuries and look to regain their starting spots now that they are healthy. While those two will be the front runners for the guard positions, don’t sleep on Brandon Scherff making his way into the starting lineup. Along with Scherff, the other backups looking for playing time will be tackles Andrew Donnal and Brett Van Sloten, guards Woody Orne and Drew Clark, and center Conor Boffeli. Junior college transfer Dan Heiar would have figured into the mix of offensive lineman; however he is still recovering from a car accident this spring and may or may not be back with the team. If in fall camp Iowa can get a top five and stick with that unit for the majority of the season they will be one of the best units in the Big Ten as well as the nation.
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