Tomorrow is the first chance for the general public to see the 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes in action. It's also the first chance to see the new FieldTurf up close and personal. "Kids at Kinnick" is an open practice that really focuses on the younger fans. However, "big kids" are welcome too.
All eyes will be on the cornerbacks as fans look to see who will replace Bernstine while Prater is suspended the first 2 games. Fans will also get a chance to evaluate the incoming freshman. I assume Wegher and Davis will get plenty of attention.
I won't be in attendance on Saturday, so I'm looking for any updates on how the team is looking. If you are going and want to do a write up on the practice, please contact me at [email protected]. I'd like to have someone write a guest post so I can throw it up on this site.
Archive page 120
2008 Hawkeyes vs. 2009 Hawkeyes - Defense
I compared the 2008 team against the 2009 team on offense a few days ago and promised that I'd do the same for the defense. It hardly seems worth doing this for the defense since it returns 8 starters and I anticipate each returnee will be better than last year. So, to speed it up a bit, instead of doing the comparison position by position, I'm just going to do it at a unit level. I'll also throw in special teams for the heck of it.
Defense:
Defensive Ends - '08 Clayborn & Ballard vs '09 Clayborn & Ballard
There's absolutely no reason to believe these guys won't be better this year. And, with the emergence of the "unblockable" Broderick Binns, the defensive ends in 2009 look to be one of the best units on the team. Point for 2009.
Defensive Tackles - '08 King & Kroul vs '09 Klug & Daniels
This is probably the most obvious pick on the defense. King and Kroul were one of the best tackle tandems in Iowa history. If Klug and Daniels can be half as disruptive their predecessors, I'd call that a success. Clearly 2008 gets this one.
Linebackers: - '08 Edds, Angerer, & Hunter vs '09 Edds, Angerer, & Hunter
This group of young men should continue to improve and as seniors Edds and Angerer will be leaders of the defense. Hunter has faced healthy competition by Jeff Tarpinian that should only make both players better. Another win for 2009.
Cornerbacks: - '08 Spievey & Fletcher vs '09 Spievey vs Prater/Lowe/Castillo
Spievey emerged last year as a locked down corner, and Fletcher was good enough to get drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Spievey is expected to be better in '09, but the other corner position is completely up in the air right now. Project starter Jordan Bertine suffered a broken ankle in practice yesterday and will be out for the season. Shaun Prater is suspended the first two games for drinking and driving. And, that leave 2 guys, William Lowe and Greg Castillo that have very little experience. With the uncertainty at the second corner position for the upcoming season, this will be a point for 2008.
Safeties - '08 Sash & Greenwood vs '09 Sash & Greenwood
A year older and wiser, I expect Sash and Greenwood to build of their success from last year and have an excellent 2009 season. Safeties go to 2009.
Final Defense Standings: 2008 - 2, 2009 - 3
Special Teams:
Place Kicker - '08 Murray/Mossbrucker vs '09 Murray/Mossbrucker
I'm hoping one of these guys really steps up, wins the job, and stays consistent all year long. I haven't heard much of their progress over the summer so I'll call it a tie between 2008 and 2009.
Punter - '08 Donahue vs '09 Donahue
Donahue has noticeably improved during his time at Iowa. I expect that trend to continue and think he'll have a better year this year than last. Point to 2009.
Kick Returners '08 Brodell/Hampton/O'Meara/... '09 Sandeman/Hampton/Wegher?
The return game was solid in 2008, but other than Brodell's punt return for a TD against ISU, it was not spectacular. In fact, it looked kind of bad at sometimes with fumbles and short returns. I think this year has the potential to be much better last. The coaches have mentioned that incoming freshman Brandon Wegher will have a shot at returning kicks and he has been seen fielding punt in practice. From all reports, this kid is explosive. 2009 gets the point again
Final Special Teams Standings: 2008 - 0, 2009 - 2, Push - 1
Defense:
Defensive Ends - '08 Clayborn & Ballard vs '09 Clayborn & Ballard
There's absolutely no reason to believe these guys won't be better this year. And, with the emergence of the "unblockable" Broderick Binns, the defensive ends in 2009 look to be one of the best units on the team. Point for 2009.
Defensive Tackles - '08 King & Kroul vs '09 Klug & Daniels
This is probably the most obvious pick on the defense. King and Kroul were one of the best tackle tandems in Iowa history. If Klug and Daniels can be half as disruptive their predecessors, I'd call that a success. Clearly 2008 gets this one.
Linebackers: - '08 Edds, Angerer, & Hunter vs '09 Edds, Angerer, & Hunter
This group of young men should continue to improve and as seniors Edds and Angerer will be leaders of the defense. Hunter has faced healthy competition by Jeff Tarpinian that should only make both players better. Another win for 2009.
Cornerbacks: - '08 Spievey & Fletcher vs '09 Spievey vs Prater/Lowe/Castillo
Spievey emerged last year as a locked down corner, and Fletcher was good enough to get drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Spievey is expected to be better in '09, but the other corner position is completely up in the air right now. Project starter Jordan Bertine suffered a broken ankle in practice yesterday and will be out for the season. Shaun Prater is suspended the first two games for drinking and driving. And, that leave 2 guys, William Lowe and Greg Castillo that have very little experience. With the uncertainty at the second corner position for the upcoming season, this will be a point for 2008.
Safeties - '08 Sash & Greenwood vs '09 Sash & Greenwood
A year older and wiser, I expect Sash and Greenwood to build of their success from last year and have an excellent 2009 season. Safeties go to 2009.
Final Defense Standings: 2008 - 2, 2009 - 3
Special Teams:
Place Kicker - '08 Murray/Mossbrucker vs '09 Murray/Mossbrucker
I'm hoping one of these guys really steps up, wins the job, and stays consistent all year long. I haven't heard much of their progress over the summer so I'll call it a tie between 2008 and 2009.
Punter - '08 Donahue vs '09 Donahue
Donahue has noticeably improved during his time at Iowa. I expect that trend to continue and think he'll have a better year this year than last. Point to 2009.
Kick Returners '08 Brodell/Hampton/O'Meara/... '09 Sandeman/Hampton/Wegher?
The return game was solid in 2008, but other than Brodell's punt return for a TD against ISU, it was not spectacular. In fact, it looked kind of bad at sometimes with fumbles and short returns. I think this year has the potential to be much better last. The coaches have mentioned that incoming freshman Brandon Wegher will have a shot at returning kicks and he has been seen fielding punt in practice. From all reports, this kid is explosive. 2009 gets the point again
Final Special Teams Standings: 2008 - 0, 2009 - 2, Push - 1
Iowa's Receivers - Questions
I asked questions of Iowa's offensive line a few days ago and today's focus is on the receivers. Iowa has a very young receiving corps this year made up largely of juniors and freshman. Only one starter from 2008 returns (DJK), but guys like Trey Stross, Colin Sandeman, and Paul Chaney Jr. bring some experience to the table. Converted QB Marvin McNutt will also be in the mix as well as incoming freshmen Keenan Davis and Jordan Cotton. That said, the group is on the whole unproven and many questions are yet to be answered.
What's up with DJK?
I'm sure most of you, like me, are just as tired of hearing about DJK "demotion" as DJK himself. However, we still do not have any real answers and the question was met with equivocal responses at media day. Here's what we know:
Will Stross, Sandeman, or Chaney step up?
All three have been the program for a while now, but none have made a substantial impact. Stross has been injured intermittently, Sandeman has played some without many balls thrown his way, and Chaney started off strong his freshman year then faded away.
Trey Stross - Stross is the most likely of the bunch to step up his game this year. He is finally healthy for his senior season and is listed as the first team wide receiver. He's been in the position before. After spring ball in both 2007 and 2008 Stross found himself at the top of the depth chart only to miss large chunks of those seasons due to injury. When we was healthy, thought, he certainly played well on the field. He had 6 catches against Indiana in 2006, had 91 yards and a touchdown against Northwestern in 2007, and score the first touchdown on 2009 (not just for Iowa, but the first touchdown in the nation).
Colin Sandeman - Sandeman has been rather quite thus far in his Hawkeye career. He only has 10 career catches, but did have a 2 touchdown game versus Florida International last year. He's also been okay as a punt returner. Currently he's listed tied with DJK as second team split end. I haven't really heard too much on his progress and it sounds like he may have tweaked something in practice over the weekend (not too sure about this though), so I'm assuming he'll stay second team.
Paul Chaney Jr. - Chaney is one of the fastest guys on the team. He runs track for Iowa at some of the shorter distances (100m, 200m, etc...). His freshman year he came in a showed that his speed was an asset to the team. He catch 19 catches and returned some kickoffs and punts. However, in 2008 something happened (nobody really knows) and he fell into disliking with the coaches. He ended up barely seeing the field, not even traveling to all the away games, and only hauled in 2 passes for a measly 19 yards. However, recently Kirk Ferentz has been talking about Chaney more and more. In the spring he mentioned that Chaney "has been getting better" and at media day Ferentz said, "I was really encouraged to see Paul Chaney’s improvement in track, the success he had there this year. He’s always been a good track athlete but he stepped it up a level there. I think we saw a little of that on the football field." So, I for one am encouraged about the possiblity of Chaney playing well this year. We’ve already seen he can run by defenders, now it's time to just adjust to the ball in flight and catch it. I don't see him moving up the depth chart, but I think he'll have an impact this year.
Will any true freshmen see playing time?
The answer is definitely "yes" so that's probably not the right question. Keenan Davis will definitely play this year. Maybe it's a better to ask how many freshmen will see playing time. My thought, is that it will only be Davis. Jordan Cotton looked pretty good to me in the Shrine Bowl, but I don't think he'll be ready this year. I don't know a whole lot about Josh Brown or JoJo Pregont (he's sharing a number with Sash) and haven't heard the coaches mention them recently, so I don't think they have much of a shot for playing time either.
Davis on the other hand, has been getting rave reviews. Early this year I had heard he was a little undersized, but it sounds like Coach Doyle got a hold of him in summer conditioning (he's now somewhere between 200 and 205). In just a couple days of practice players and coaches are taking notice. Jon Miller reported on KXNO yesterday that Davis is making a real impression and may be the best receiver on the team. I also heard he was already second string wide receiver, so he's moving up quickly. I can't imagine that he has memorized all the plays and has picked up all the blocking already, but it sounds like he will be good.
Just how good is Marvin McNutt?
It is incredible to me that a player can transfer from quarterback to wide receiver and move all the way to the top of the depth chart in a matter of months. Yes, it has something to do with the DJK issue as discussed above, but still it's impressive what McNutt has accomplished. Just looking at pictures from practices, he look very athletic and tall. While I don't think he'll ultimately be a starter, look for him to contribute often.
What's up with DJK?
I'm sure most of you, like me, are just as tired of hearing about DJK "demotion" as DJK himself. However, we still do not have any real answers and the question was met with equivocal responses at media day. Here's what we know:
- DJK was the leading receiver on the team the past 2 years, is the most experience receiver on the roster, and is on track to break numerous Iowa receiving records.
- DJK insists he is working hard and that he hasn't had a conversation with coaches about his work ethic.
- Kirk Ferentz said that DJK has "played a lot and played well," and has played the we're evaluating every one every practice card.
- DJK is listed co-second string on the depth chart coming into fall practice behind McNutt who has 1 career catch (not to knock McNutt because I think he'll be good).
Will Stross, Sandeman, or Chaney step up?
All three have been the program for a while now, but none have made a substantial impact. Stross has been injured intermittently, Sandeman has played some without many balls thrown his way, and Chaney started off strong his freshman year then faded away.
Trey Stross - Stross is the most likely of the bunch to step up his game this year. He is finally healthy for his senior season and is listed as the first team wide receiver. He's been in the position before. After spring ball in both 2007 and 2008 Stross found himself at the top of the depth chart only to miss large chunks of those seasons due to injury. When we was healthy, thought, he certainly played well on the field. He had 6 catches against Indiana in 2006, had 91 yards and a touchdown against Northwestern in 2007, and score the first touchdown on 2009 (not just for Iowa, but the first touchdown in the nation).
Colin Sandeman - Sandeman has been rather quite thus far in his Hawkeye career. He only has 10 career catches, but did have a 2 touchdown game versus Florida International last year. He's also been okay as a punt returner. Currently he's listed tied with DJK as second team split end. I haven't really heard too much on his progress and it sounds like he may have tweaked something in practice over the weekend (not too sure about this though), so I'm assuming he'll stay second team.
Paul Chaney Jr. - Chaney is one of the fastest guys on the team. He runs track for Iowa at some of the shorter distances (100m, 200m, etc...). His freshman year he came in a showed that his speed was an asset to the team. He catch 19 catches and returned some kickoffs and punts. However, in 2008 something happened (nobody really knows) and he fell into disliking with the coaches. He ended up barely seeing the field, not even traveling to all the away games, and only hauled in 2 passes for a measly 19 yards. However, recently Kirk Ferentz has been talking about Chaney more and more. In the spring he mentioned that Chaney "has been getting better" and at media day Ferentz said, "I was really encouraged to see Paul Chaney’s improvement in track, the success he had there this year. He’s always been a good track athlete but he stepped it up a level there. I think we saw a little of that on the football field." So, I for one am encouraged about the possiblity of Chaney playing well this year. We’ve already seen he can run by defenders, now it's time to just adjust to the ball in flight and catch it. I don't see him moving up the depth chart, but I think he'll have an impact this year.
Will any true freshmen see playing time?
The answer is definitely "yes" so that's probably not the right question. Keenan Davis will definitely play this year. Maybe it's a better to ask how many freshmen will see playing time. My thought, is that it will only be Davis. Jordan Cotton looked pretty good to me in the Shrine Bowl, but I don't think he'll be ready this year. I don't know a whole lot about Josh Brown or JoJo Pregont (he's sharing a number with Sash) and haven't heard the coaches mention them recently, so I don't think they have much of a shot for playing time either.
Davis on the other hand, has been getting rave reviews. Early this year I had heard he was a little undersized, but it sounds like Coach Doyle got a hold of him in summer conditioning (he's now somewhere between 200 and 205). In just a couple days of practice players and coaches are taking notice. Jon Miller reported on KXNO yesterday that Davis is making a real impression and may be the best receiver on the team. I also heard he was already second string wide receiver, so he's moving up quickly. I can't imagine that he has memorized all the plays and has picked up all the blocking already, but it sounds like he will be good.
Just how good is Marvin McNutt?
It is incredible to me that a player can transfer from quarterback to wide receiver and move all the way to the top of the depth chart in a matter of months. Yes, it has something to do with the DJK issue as discussed above, but still it's impressive what McNutt has accomplished. Just looking at pictures from practices, he look very athletic and tall. While I don't think he'll ultimately be a starter, look for him to contribute often.
Jordan Bernstine Injured?
Rumors have been flying around the internet that Jordan Bernstine has sustained an ankle injury. The word is a broken ankle (like a real one, not just from a ridiculous juke move...sorry bad joke) and likely he's out for the season. Berstine was projected to start as the cornerback opposite Amari Spievey. No official word has come out yet, other than a DJK FaceBook update stating, "hurt'n for my boy jb, he worked too hard!"
First thought: I hope he's alright and that he has a speedy recovery. This could turn into another Jewel Hampton situation and he may be back before we know it. If not, then he still has a red-shirt to burn and we'll see him back for the next 2 years.
Second thought: Oh Crap! Who'll play while Prater suspended? The popular answer right now is William Lowe. Lowe saw some action last year as a true freshman and accumulated 2 tackles. He will certainly have to step up big this year as he's probably the guy against UNI and ISU. While I'm still confident in our defense and think the secondary will be good without Bernstine, just one missed coverage can really change a game. That's enough to add a little more worrying for the ISU game.
Third and final thought: The depth in the secondary looks pretty slim right now, especially for the first two games. While there are 16 DBs on the roster, once you take out Bernsine and Prater, there are 3 guys that have seen a good amount of playing time (the starters: Spievey, Sash, and Greenwood) and 4 guys who has seen very minimal time (Lowe, Conklin, Cato, and Rowell). I think this may slightly limit the ability to play nickle and dime looks, at least the first couple of games, not that Norm throws out too many 6 DB sets in the first place. Even with Prater back that's only 8 guys with experience. I expect the 3-4 to be a more popular look than a nickle or dime against obvious passing downs simply because of the difference in depth at linebacker versus defensive back.
Anyway, like I saidearly , I think the secondary will be good with or without Bernstine (or Prater) and like the Iowa coaches say, "next man in."
First thought: I hope he's alright and that he has a speedy recovery. This could turn into another Jewel Hampton situation and he may be back before we know it. If not, then he still has a red-shirt to burn and we'll see him back for the next 2 years.
Second thought: Oh Crap! Who'll play while Prater suspended? The popular answer right now is William Lowe. Lowe saw some action last year as a true freshman and accumulated 2 tackles. He will certainly have to step up big this year as he's probably the guy against UNI and ISU. While I'm still confident in our defense and think the secondary will be good without Bernstine, just one missed coverage can really change a game. That's enough to add a little more worrying for the ISU game.
Third and final thought: The depth in the secondary looks pretty slim right now, especially for the first two games. While there are 16 DBs on the roster, once you take out Bernsine and Prater, there are 3 guys that have seen a good amount of playing time (the starters: Spievey, Sash, and Greenwood) and 4 guys who has seen very minimal time (Lowe, Conklin, Cato, and Rowell). I think this may slightly limit the ability to play nickle and dime looks, at least the first couple of games, not that Norm throws out too many 6 DB sets in the first place. Even with Prater back that's only 8 guys with experience. I expect the 3-4 to be a more popular look than a nickle or dime against obvious passing downs simply because of the difference in depth at linebacker versus defensive back.
Anyway, like I saidearly , I think the secondary will be good with or without Bernstine (or Prater) and like the Iowa coaches say, "next man in."
Links For Bulaga
Throughout the off-season, Bryan Bulaga has been receiving attention as one of the best offensive tackles in the country. In the past few days the Bulagattention has been raised up a notch.
Outland Trophy Watch List
Yesterday, the 40-player Outland Trophy Watch List was announced. The Outland Trophy is annually awards to the nations best "interior" lineman. (I guess offensive tackles are considered interior here.) Iowa's Bryan Bulaga was one of 8 offensive tackles to make the cut and one of 4 players from the Big Ten.
CFN - Preseason All-Americans Offensive Tackle
College Football News went through and ranked the top 25 players at each position including its picks to be All-Americans. At offensive tackle, CFN listed Bulaga as the 4th best and 2nd Team All-American. Iowa's other OT Kyle Calloway was also at the list at #14. (Side note: no other Hawkeye made the list as a top 25 player at their respective position...kind of surprising with Spievey, Angerer, Donahue, etc.) Bulaga also landed on CFN's list of the overall top 200 players coming in at #80.
Bulaga says consistency will bring success
Another Camp Central story from hawkeyesports.com and there is an accompanying video. Bulaga talks a little about the honor of the preseason personal attention he's received and some of the goals for the year. He's pretty well spoken and it's worth the watch/read.
Hlog - Bulaga Polished, Powerful, and Proud
Here's a story from the Hlog back from media day. (Quick note...you should follow Hlas on Twitter and tell him FightForIowa sent you!) Anyway, Bulaga talks about Robert Gallery, the NFL, and his new tat.
Outland Trophy Watch List
Yesterday, the 40-player Outland Trophy Watch List was announced. The Outland Trophy is annually awards to the nations best "interior" lineman. (I guess offensive tackles are considered interior here.) Iowa's Bryan Bulaga was one of 8 offensive tackles to make the cut and one of 4 players from the Big Ten.
CFN - Preseason All-Americans Offensive Tackle
College Football News went through and ranked the top 25 players at each position including its picks to be All-Americans. At offensive tackle, CFN listed Bulaga as the 4th best and 2nd Team All-American. Iowa's other OT Kyle Calloway was also at the list at #14. (Side note: no other Hawkeye made the list as a top 25 player at their respective position...kind of surprising with Spievey, Angerer, Donahue, etc.) Bulaga also landed on CFN's list of the overall top 200 players coming in at #80.
Bulaga says consistency will bring success
Another Camp Central story from hawkeyesports.com and there is an accompanying video. Bulaga talks a little about the honor of the preseason personal attention he's received and some of the goals for the year. He's pretty well spoken and it's worth the watch/read.
Hlog - Bulaga Polished, Powerful, and Proud
Here's a story from the Hlog back from media day. (Quick note...you should follow Hlas on Twitter and tell him FightForIowa sent you!) Anyway, Bulaga talks about Robert Gallery, the NFL, and his new tat.