Countdown to kickoff thread

[Verbal]

We are now just 75 days from the 2008 opener against Maine. As a way of counting down the last 75 days until the football season, I will highlight the player whose number falls upon the corresponding day in the countdown between now and August 29th (apologies to players who have numbers 76-99). For an unused number, we can speculate which of the incoming freshmen will get that number, although we should find out what numbers they will be wearing before the countdown concludes.

For each player, give any thoughts about expected contributions or other information you have on the player. This will help us all be more fully acquanited with the roster by the time the season kicks off.

Without further ado...

#75, Wesley Aeschliman, 6'8, 318 lbs, Sr., OL, Bloomfield, IA

[Verbal]

Crap, this was supposed to be in the football forum. Mods, please move it.

[brantshawks]

blazehawk?

[Verbal]

blazehawk?

No.

[Verbal]

Coming out of spring ball, Wes was listed as a second-stringer at tackle. I suspect he'll remain a back-up, although I hesitate to put him behind Calloway, who is listed with the first team. He's gotten a lot of game experience, so he provides good depth for the unit, but I'm unsure he's one of the 5 best guys we've got. Nontheless, he should see a lot of playing time, and could be a starter if the injury bug hits the line.

[MikeyJoe]

I would much rather see Aeschliman get the start than Calloway. Calloway was extremely underwhelming last year.

[Platon Karataev]

I would much rather see Aeschliman get the start than Calloway. Calloway was extremely underwhelming last year.

At the Indiana game last September, my roommate and I attempted to count the number of passing plays where Calloway got beat by the defensive end.

We quit midway through the first quarter when he was at 6.

I think that our beer bellied-quarterback was sacked eight times that day.

Poor Calloway just wasn't up to snuff.

[Gushawk]

I would much rather see Aeschliman get the start than Calloway. Calloway was extremely underwhelming last year.

The difference, IMO, is that Calloway at least has the tools. Wes' feet aren't Big 10 caliber, at least for a tackle.

[Debit One]

I would much rather see anyone get the start than Calloway. Calloway was extremely underwhelming last year.

QFT.

[Verbal]

74 days until kickoff...

#74, Dan Doering, 6'7, 300 lbs, Jr., OL, Barrington, IL

[Verbal]

blazehawk?

BTW, I just figured out why you asked this when I accidentally clicked on the lounge on the pulldown menu at rivals instead of the football board. I can't read the thread because I don't subscribe, but it looks as though ol' blazehawk is doing the same thing over there. I'll keep mine consolidated in one thread.

[Debit One]

This is the year when Doering needs to step up and prove that he can be a quality Big 10 offensive lineman, or be lumped in with those who came out of high school with big reputations but disappointed.

I predict that he'll do good things.

[MikeyJoe]

I think Doering will be a quality Big 10 guard. A bit of a disappointment with his lofty projections at the tackle spot, but a quality Big 10 guard nonetheless.

[Verbal]

Doering should start at one of the guard spots, IMO. He performed better than Vandervelde last year when he got his chances.

[Verbal]

73 days until kickoff...

#73, Adam Gettis, 6'4, 235 lbs, RS Fr., OL, Frankfort, IL

[Glen]

#75, Wesley Aeschliman, 6'8, 318 lbs, Sr., OL, Bloomfield, IA

Late to the party, sorry. My cousin played with Mitch King at the Polk County I-club golf outing the other day. I'll save Mitch for the appropriate day, but Mitch's roomie is Wes and he was at the outing, as well.

My cousin, who's no small dude at 6'2 220 said he felt like a 4th grader standing next to Wes. Dude is huge and not fat. Long story short, said hopefully Wes will develop a mean streak because he was the biggest dude at the event.

[Verbal]

Coming out of spring ball, Gettis is listed on the depth chart behind Vandervelde and Doering at one of the guard spots. That he's listed at all as a redshirt freshman likely indicates that he'll be a guy that will become a regular starter in the next couple years, but I don't foresee a lot of playing time this year, barring injuries.

[The Game]

Countdown to a 6-6 season. Woo hoo.

[MikeyJoe]

Countdown to a 6-6 season. Woo hoo.
Not in this thread.

[The Game]

Why not?

This is the countdown to kickoff.

[MikeyJoe]

Why not?

This is the countdown to kickoff.
This thread was a serious attempt to discuss the upcoming football season. If you want to get some more attention with another rebel football thread, start your own.

[The Game]

I am seriously discussing the upcoming football season.

[The Game]

I don't think they're any better than a 6-6 team.

[Verbal]

I am seriously discussing the upcoming football season.

For each player, give any thoughts about expected contributions or other information you have on the player. This will help us all be more fully acquanited with the roster by the time the season kicks off.

I believe I laid out the parameters for the discussion desired quite nicely. We aren't predicting the season's results here, we're talking about one player a day until the season starts.

[Verbal]

Back on track now..

72 days until kickoff...

#72, Mark Mahmens, 6'3, 255 lbs, Jr., DL, Goose Lake, IA

[Verbal]

Mark Mahmens is a scout teamer whose father lettered at Iowa from 77-79.

[MikeyJoe]

I've never heard of that guy before. I know he's a scout teamer, but if his name hasn't come up by his junior year, that's probably not a good sign.

[HawkLax6]

I've never heard of that guy before. I know he's a scout teamer, but if his name hasn't come up by his junior year, that's probably not a good sign.

You know, the football team needs "ditch diggers" too.....

[Verbal]

71 days until kickoff...

A shared number today:

#71, Seth Olsen, 6'5, 305 lbs, Sr., OL, Omaha, NE

and

#71, Tyrel Detweiler, 6'4, 310 lbs, RS Fr., OL, Williamsburg, IA

[MikeyJoe]

Is Tyrel's middle initial J?

Seriously, Olsen has been one constant on a shaky Iowa OL over the past few years. We'll miss him quite a bit after this year. Good guy, too.

[Verbal]

Coming out of spring ball, Olsen is listed #1 at one of the guard spots. IMO, he's a tackle, but I'm sure he'll end up playing both spots at some point.

[atemp]

Coming out of spring ball, Olsen is listed #1 at one of the guard spots. IMO, he's a tackle, but I'm sure he'll end up playing both spots at some point.


Olsen seems pretty solid....that Calloway got taken to school quite a bit last year, and then in the Spring Game/Scrimmage this year *sigh*.

[Gushawk]

Olsen's better suited to play guard if they can afford to leave him there. I'm not, however, sure they can.

[Verbal]

70 days until kickoff...

#70, Austin Postler, 6'5, 285 lbs, Sr., OL, Iowa City, IA

[Verbal]

Austin Postler appears to be a home-town walk-on and career scout-teamer.

[Verbal]

69 days until kickoff...

#69, Kyle Haganman, 6'5, 265 lbs, So., OL, Osage, IA

[Verbal]

Kyle Haganman also appears to have been a scout teamer last year, and it's unlikely he'll crack the depth chart this year either.

[MikeyJoe]

We need to get to the skill position players. All of these walk on OL are killing this discussion. :-)

[Verbal]

We need to get to the skill position players. All of these walk on OL are killing this discussion. :-)

Well, the closer we get to the season, the players being discussed will be more interesting and more people will want to discuss with the season opener a bit more imminent. Might as well take care of all the Mahmens', Haganman's and Postler's while we're 10 weeks out.

Too bad I didn't get this started earlier, as a bunch of guys that will start were left out: Brodell, Stross, Clayborn, Ballard, to name a few.

[Verbal]

68 days until kickoff...

#68, Andy Kuempel, 6'7, 295 lbs, Jr., OL, Marion, IA

[Verbal]

While he has not lettered in either of his first two years with the team, he will get his shot this year. Andy Kuempel is second on the depth chart at one of the tackle spots (behind Bulaga) coming out of spring ball, and figures to get a decent amount of playing time this year.

[MikeyJoe]

Kuempel ended up surprisingly highly recruited by the end of the process, and has shown a lot of potential so far. It will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets if some of the players listed as starters (read: Calloway) struggle.

[Verbal]

67 days until kickoff...

#67, Josh Koeppel, 6'1, 260 lbs, So., C/LS, Iowa City, IA

[Verbal]

Josh Koeppel is another hometown walk-on. Coming out of spring ball, he is listed 3rd on the depth chart at center and is also one of the back-up long-snappers. Will likely see limited action this year, barring injuries.

[Verbal]

66 days until kickoff...

There is currently no #66 on the roster, so this is a number that will likely be taken by either one of the new linemen or a walk-on, or possibly someone who shares a number with someone else right now. I have no idea how many linemen are walking on, so looking at the incoming freshmen list, I'll take a stab that the new #66 will be Casey McMillan, a 6'4, 285 lb guard from Billings, MT.

[MikeyJoe]

I'll take a stab that the new #66 will be Casey McMillan, a 6'4, 285 lb guard from Billings, MT.
I'm hoping this kid can contribute early. We've had a fair amount of disappointing OLine recruits over the past few years.

[HawkLax6]

I'll take a stab that the new #66 will be Casey McMillan, a 6'4, 285 lb guard from Billings, MT.
I'm hoping this kid can contribute early. We've had a fair amount of disappointing OLine recruits over the past few years.

He looks big enough, but it sounds like he would be learning a whole new type of blocking (zone blocking) since his offense ran that one offense where he basically pulled every down and got to block some 5'8", 150 lb CB from Montana.

[Verbal]

65 days until kickoff...

#65, Andrew Schulze, 6'6, 255 lbs, So., LS, Woodridge, IL

[Verbal]

Coming out of spring practice, Andrew Schulze is listed as the #1 long-snapper on the depth chart. We take it for granted sometimes as fans, but I don't recall many, if any, instances over the past couple years where we've missed a kick or had a bad punt due to a poor long-snap (we've had plenty where the blame fell solely on the kicker/punter). I believe Schulze took over the long-snapping duties last year mid-season when Huntrods was dismissed from the team.

[Verbal]

64 days until kickoff...

#64, Cody Hundertmark, 6'4, 260 lbs, So., DT, Humboldt, IA

[Verbal]

Hundertmark was able to get some reps as a true freshman last year, and has reportedly bulked up a bit in the offseason. Coming out of spring ball, he is listed with the second team defensive line, backing up Mitch King at one of the tackle spots. Should see plenty of action this year as a sub, and will in all likelihood be a starter in '09 and '10.

[MikeyJoe]

Hundertmark has apparently impressed quite a bit in the backup role so far. Hopefully he can provide some needed rotation at DT - whether or not Norm will use it is another matter.

[Gushawk]

I think Hundertmark is the third DT in the rotation this year, and probably does a nice job.

Who was the young kid (tall and thin for a DT) a few years back who saw significant snaps and then just suddenly up and quit the team?

[Platon Karataev]

I think Hundertmark is the third DT in the rotation this year, and probably does a nice job.

Who was the young kid (tall and thin for a DT) a few years back who saw significant snaps and then just suddenly up and quit the team?

Matt Neubauer.

[Verbal]

63 days until kickoff...

#63, Julian Vandervelde, 6'3, 295 lbs, So., OL, Davenport, IA

[Verbal]

This is clearly a kid the coaches are impressed with. Started as a redshirt freshman for a good chunk of '07, and coming out of spring practice, is listed #1 at one of the guard spots.

Should be pushed by Doering for that starting spot in fall camp, but regardless of whether he starts or not, this is a guy who played well last year and will provide some depth on the line.

[Gushawk]

I'm not sure I'd characterize his performance (or that of any O-lineman, other than perhaps Bulaga) last year as "playing well." I did find his comments about hating Iowa State refreshing, however. I don't think he'll start, but I think he'll see a decent number of snaps at both guard spots.

[Verbal]

62 days until kickoff...

No #62 on the roster right now, so it'll probably be one of the new guys. The only other scholarship OL coming in this year is James Ferentz, 6'2, 250 lbs, OL, Iowa City, IA, so I'll guess that Ferentz gets #62.

[Verbal]

61 days until kickoff...

#61, Travis Meade, 6'2, 285 lbs, Jr., OL, Iowa City, IA

[Verbal]

Meade is another guy who got a good deal of playing time last year (including a few starts, IIRC) and that should provide some depth on the offensive line. Coming out of spring practice, he is listed with the second team offensive line, backing up Seth Olsen at one of the guard spots.

[Verbal]

60 days until kickoff...

#60, Kyle Calloway, 6'7, 305 lbs, Jr., OL, Belleville, IL

[Verbal]

We've reached the oft-discussed and much maligned Kyle Calloway. I'm no offensive line guru, but I just feel like I'm missing something with this guy, as the coaches clearly like him. He appeared to be the most loosely swinging gate on what was, at best, a below average line last year. No doubt he's got the size to play on the line. Maybe footwork is the problem? Or maybe he'd play better in a different spot. Tough to say what the problem was, but he better get it done this year. Coming out of spring practice, he is listed #1 on the depth chart at one tackle spot.

[MikeyJoe]

I have on multiple occasions seen Calloway get rocked back on his heels by the initial contact at the line. To me, that doesn't scream "Big 10 OL."

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

62 days until kickoff...

No #62 on the roster right now, so it'll probably be one of the new guys. The only other scholarship OL coming in this year is James Ferentz, 6'2, 250 lbs, OL, Iowa City, IA, so I'll guess that Ferentz gets #62.

Isn't 62 retired? You know, Calvin Jones and all?

[Verbal]

62 days until kickoff...

No #62 on the roster right now, so it'll probably be one of the new guys. The only other scholarship OL coming in this year is James Ferentz, 6'2, 250 lbs, OL, Iowa City, IA, so I'll guess that Ferentz gets #62.

Isn't 62 retired? You know, Calvin Jones and all?

Whoops. Ok, so no #62 this year or any other year for that matter. Hopefully my head's on straight when we get to day 24.

[Gushawk]

Calloway was thrust into the LT spot as a first year starter and didn't exactly thrive. I think he has the tools to be a good one (big frame, and his feet are actually decent)...he's moving to RT this year and will be protecting Jake's blind side, assuming it is indeed Jake under center (with Bulaga moving out to LT).

[Debit One]

he's moving to RT this year and will be protecting Jake's blind side

This may be the best news yet for those of us who wish to see someone other than JC at QB at some point during 2008.

;)

(I'm kidding - I don't want to see JC get hurt - just benched)

[Verbal]

59 days until kickoff...

#59, Anton Narinskiy, 6'4, 265 lbs, Sr., DL, Chagrin Falls, OH

[Verbal]

Narinskiy is a career back-up, and don't expect that to change this year. He may get a few reps occasionally, but it appears the younger guys like Hundertmark, Klug, and Mike Daniels are already passing him up. Coming out of spring ball, he's listed 3rd on the depth chart at one defensive tackle spot. He may be a contributor on coverage teams, I can't remember.

[Gushawk]

Narinskiy is a career back-up, and don't expect that to change this year. He may get a few reps occasionally, but it appears the younger guys like Hundertmark, Klug, and Mike Daniels are already passing him up. Coming out of spring ball, he's listed 3rd on the depth chart at one defensive tackle spot. He may be a contributor on coverage teams, I can't remember.

Well said.

[MikeyJoe]

Narinskiy is a career back-up, and don't expect that to change this year. He may get a few reps occasionally, but it appears the younger guys like Hundertmark, Klug, and Mike Daniels are already passing him up. Coming out of spring ball, he's listed 3rd on the depth chart at one defensive tackle spot. He may be a contributor on coverage teams, I can't remember.
Too bad. He wasn't that highly recruited, but I thought he might be a good one when he came in.

[Verbal]

58 days until kickoff...

#58, Rob Bruggeman, 6'3, 287 lbs, Sr., OL, Cedar Rapids, IA

[Verbal]

Bruggeman's career has been one injury after another. He was supposed to be a starter last year, but suffered a knee injury in spring practice. This year, he finally appears healthy and ready to play, but we'll see how he does once contact drills begin in a month. The coaches must like this kid, because they've got him listed as the #1 center, ahead of Eubanks, who has started each of the past 2 years at that spot. If he's one of our 5 best guys, then I want him out there, but I'm not sure I'd sit Eubanks. Wouldn't be surprised if he got reps at guard once camp rolls around as well.

[Verbal]

57 days until kickoff...

A shared number today:

#57, Mike Morio, 6'2, 233 lbs, So. LB, Palo, IA

and

#57, Bruce Davis, 5'11, 225 lbs, RS Fr., LB, Cleveland, OH

[Verbal]

Morio is a walk-on, who has been limited to scout team duty thus far; Davis was a member of the '07 recruiting class and redshirted last year. Neither has cracked the depth chart at linebacker, nor is either likely to do so this year, barring a rash of injuries.

[MikeyJoe]

A day late, but Bruggeman is another player I'm looking forward to seeing this year. We've been hearing good things about him for a while now, but it seems like he's never been able to stay healthy. Hopefully this is the year he avoids injuries and locks down a spot on the line.

[Verbal]

56 days until kickoff...

#56, Markus Zusevics, 6'5, 240 lbs, RS Fr., OL, Arlington Heights, IL

[Verbal]

Zusevics was a 3-star recruit in the class of 2007 who redshirted last year. I imagine we won't see him in the mix for playing time for another year or two at the earliest. Maybe he's grown since the numbers were last released, but 240 pounds seems way too light for a Big Ten offensive lineman.

[Verbal]

55 days until kickoff...

#55, Jacody Coleman, 6'3, 240 lbs, So., LB, Beaumont, TX

[Verbal]

Coleman impressed just about everyone when he got on the field last year. Definitely a high-energy guy with a nose for the ball. Will be a great run-stuffer for us, although I'm not sure he's a guy that Norm will be able to split wide to cover a slot receiver.

Coming out of spring ball, Jacody is listed #1 at middle linebacker, but the competition between him and Pat Angerer for the starting job will be one of the better battles of fall camp.

[Gushawk]

I'm not sure he's a guy that Norm will be able to split wide to cover a slot receiver.

Neither was Klink, but we can count on Norm to not let that stop him :)

[Verbal]

54 days until kickoff...

No #54 on the roster at the moment, so I'll take a stab that James Ferentz gets this one (I previously gave #62, a retired number, to Ferentz, so we'll try this again). Ferentz will undoubtedly redshirt this year, as there are plenty of experienced guys ahead of him that are already here.

[Verbal]

53 days until kickoff...

#53, Matt Kroul, 6'3, 277 lbs, Sr. DL, Mount Vernon, IA

[Verbal]

Kroul is entering his 4th year as a starter on the Iowa defensive line. He's been consistently good, and at times, he's even been great. Kroul and King will anchor what many feel will be an improved defensive front. Look for Kroul's name to be called a lot, and for the Hawkeyes to be among the conference leaders in stopping the run.

[Debit One]

I'm not sure he's a guy that Norm will be able to split wide to cover a slot receiver.

Neither was Klink, but we can count on Norm to not let that stop him :)

Well done, Gus.

[MikeyJoe]

Kroul is entering his 4th year as a starter on the Iowa defensive line. He's been consistently good, and at times, he's even been great. Kroul and King will anchor what many feel will be an improved defensive front. Look for Kroul's name to be called a lot, and for the Hawkeyes to be among the conference leaders in stopping the run.
I think Kroul is tremendously underrated by Iowa fans.

[Gushawk]

Kroul is entering his 4th year as a starter on the Iowa defensive line. He's been consistently good, and at times, he's even been great. Kroul and King will anchor what many feel will be an improved defensive front. Look for Kroul's name to be called a lot, and for the Hawkeyes to be among the conference leaders in stopping the run.
I think Kroul is tremendously underrated by Iowa fans.

Agreed. As good against the run as anyone.

Quality depth at DT would make Kroul and King even more productive...I hope we have some this year.

[Verbal]

Quality depth at DT would make Kroul and King even more productive...I hope we have some this year.

Agreed, and I think we will. I've got a good feeling about Hundertmark. Klug is undersized, but I think he'll be a good one too.

[MikeyJoe]

Quality depth at DT would make Kroul and King even more productive...I hope we have some this year.
To that I would add getting more of a pass rush out of the ends.

[Bulstrode]

Quality depth at DT would make Kroul and King even more productive...I hope we have some this year.
To that I would add getting more of a pass rush out of the ends.

Ballard and Clayborn will take care of that in spades.

[Debit One]

The Game has Kroul #32 on his list of best players on the Iowa FB team. Paul Chaney, Jake Christensen and Paki O'Meara are all ahead of him because they are more likely to score TDs.

;-)

[Gushawk]

The Game has Kroul #32 on his list of best players on the Iowa FB team. Paul Chaney, Jake Christensen and Paki O'Meara are all ahead of him because they are more likely to score TDs.

;-)

Wow. Just wow.

[Verbal]

52 days until kickoff...

#52, Rafael Eubanks, 6'3, 285 lbs, Jr., OL, St. Paul, MN

[Verbal]

Eubanks has started at center for the past 2 years, but coming out of spring ball, he is listed as the #2 center behind Bruggeman, as mentioned in the Bruggeman discussion last week.

I think that Eubanks and Bruggeman are both among the 5 best lineman on the team, and both should start. What that means, of course, is that one of these guys is going to have to play guard. If I had to make the decision, I'd leave Eubanks at center and put Bruggeman at one of the guard spots opposite Doering.

[Debit One]

If I had to make the decision, I'd leave Eubanks at center and put Bruggeman at one of the guard spots opposite Doering.

This implies a line of Bulaga and Olsen at tackles, Bruggeman and Doering at guards, and Eubanks at center, with Calloway and Vandervelde coming off of the bench. I agree with that.

[MikeyJoe]

If I had to make the decision, I'd leave Eubanks at center and put Bruggeman at one of the guard spots opposite Doering.

This implies a line of Bulaga and Olsen at tackles, Bruggeman and Doering at guards, and Eubanks at center, with Calloway and Vandervelde coming off of the bench. I agree with that.
Me too. Ideally, this is how I'd like to see the line shake out, with Vandervelde and Kuemple (sp?) pushing Doering hard at that guard spot.

[Verbal]

51 days until kickoff...

#51, Tyler Blum, 6'6, 285 lbs, Jr., DL, Walnut, IA

[Verbal]

Blum has lettered each of the past 2 years, but is not listed on the post-spring depth chart on the defensive line. His contributions to this point have been almost exclusively on special teams, and that looks to be his calling for this year as well.

[Rufus]

Bulaga and Eubanks are going to be terrific.

[Verbal]

50 days until kickoff...

No #50 on the roster yet, so I'll go ahead and guess that incoming freshman Steve Bigach, a 6'3, 220 lb LB from Cleveland, OH will don #50.

[Verbal]

49 days until kickoff...

#49, A.J. Edds, 6'4, 244 lbs, Jr., LB, Greenwood, IN

[Verbal]

Edds is likely Iowa's best linebacker, and possibly its best defensive player overall. A tackling machine with the wheels of a defensive back. If his first two years at Iowa have been any indication, he'll be a fun one to watch for the next two years.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Quite a player. He's one of the reasons I can't get the appropriate hardon for the star system in recruiting.

[HawkLax6]

Edds is a beast.

[Verbal]

48 days until kickoff...

#48, Troy Johnson, 6'2, 215 lbs, So., LB, Lakeland, FL

[HawkLax6]

I have hope for Troy Johnson. You have to be at least somewhat talented to lead your team in tackles in the highest level of Florida football.

[Verbal]

Johnson is a guy who has earned a letter by virtue of his contributions on special teams. He has not cracked the depth chart at linebacker yet, and it's doubtful we'll see much of him at that spot this year, barring injuries.

[Verbal]

47 days until kickoff...

#47, Mitch King, 6'3, 264 lbs, Sr., DL, Burlington, IA

and

#47, Wade Leppert, 6'0, 225 lbs, RS Fr., FB, Wauconda, IL

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Not much to say here. He's got a motor that doesn't quit, is a leader on this team and he's made a name for himself coming out of a high school that doesn't normally produce Big 10-level talent.

Now, about King .....

[Verbal]

King: Not much that hasn't already been said. The anchor of the defensive line, and one of the best at his position in the country.

Leppert: Redshirted last year, and did not appear on the post-spring 2-deeps at fullback, so he must be behind McLaughlin and Morse at this point.

[Verbal]

46 days until kickoff...

#46, Christian Ballard, 6'4, 270 lbs, So., DE, Lawrence, KS

[MikeyJoe]

Both of the young DEs showed a lot of promise in spot duty last year. Hopefully they can keep it up when they're getting the majority of the load.

[Gushawk]

Very excited about Ballard. Howard Hodges with an NFL frame.

[Verbal]

Pressure on opposing QBs is the key to success, and Ballard brings plenty of that. Have to keep Ballard and Clayborn fresh, so I hope that Geary, Binns and Lebron Daniel are given enough reps to ensure that Ballard is still running at full tilt in the 4th quarter. I think we'll have our fair share of close games this year, and we absolutely cannot afford to give opposing QBs time to throw when the game is on the line.

[Verbal]

45 days until kickoff...

#45, Tyler Nielsen, 6'4, 215 lbs, RS Fr., LB, Humboldt, IA

[Verbal]

Not much to say about Nielsen. Redshirted last year and has not cracked the depth chart yet at LB.

[Verbal]

44 days until kickoff...

No current #44 on the roster, so I'll guess that number goes to Jonathan Gimm, a 6'3 235 lb incoming freshman tight end from Spring, TX.

[MikeyJoe]

I missed the Nielson post yesterday. He redshirted last year, but I've heard great things about his athleticism. He should hopefully be a contributor on special teams this year.

[Verbal]

43 days until kickoff...

#43, Pat Angerer, 6'1, 230 lbs, Jr., LB, Bettendorf, IA

[Verbal]

As discussed earlier, Angerer is a guy we will definitely see on the field this year if he can stay healthy. From what I've heard, this guy plays like he's got a screw loose, in a good way, of course. Angerer vs. Coleman for the MIKE spot will be one of the better battles of fall camp.

[MikeyJoe]

As much potential as Coleman showed in the middle last year, I wouldn't be surprised to see Angerer beat him out for the starting position.

[Verbal]

42 days until kickoff...

#42, Jeremiha Hunter, 6'2, 222 lbs, So., LB, York, PA

[Verbal]

Speaking of heated battles in camp, Jeremiha Hunter versus Jeff Tarpinian for one outside linebacker spot will be one to watch as well. Again, I expect both players to get a chance to prove themselves on the field, but as we sit here today, I'm guessing that Hunter wins the starting job.

[Verbal]

41 days until kickoff...

#41, Dezman Moses, 6'2, 215 lbs, So., LB, Willingboro, NJ

[Verbal]

Moses was among the 31 freshmen that saw playing time last year, with most of his time coming on coverage units. I expect him to continue to contribute on special teams, and to get some spot playing time as well at LB. Coming out of spring ball, Moses is listed #2 at one outside linebacker spot, backing up A.J. Edds.

[HawkLax6]

I thought he played alright when he got some PT at LB early last season.

And I like his attitude, since he was willing to switch to TE a couple weeks when the team needed him last year.

[Verbal]

40 days until kickoff...

No #40 on the current roster, so I'll take a guess that Brad Herman, a 6'5, 220 lb incoming freshman TE from Metamora, IL will wear #40 for the Hawks. I'm also fairly certain that, with the depth we've got at TE, Herman will redshirt this year.

[Verbal]

39 days until kickoff...

#39, Austin Signor, 6'4, 230 lbs, Jr., K, Urbandale, IA

[Verbal]

Signor was the starter heading into last year, but didn't do anything to solidify the job and ultimately wound up sharing the job with Daniel Murray. It was discouraging to see the misses in Chicago during the opener last year, but he did hit a clutch kick in Ames that put the Hawks ahead with a couple minutes to go (before they blew it).

I don't doubt Signor's leg strength, but he needs to show a big improvement in his accuracy or he'll find himself losing the job to either Murray or Mossbrucker. At any rate, the kicking job is definitely up for grabs when camp rolls around next week (feels good to say that).

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

6'4", 230 was the frame of a D lineman not long before I stepped foot on campus.

[HawkLax6]

Signor should handle kickoffs and Murray should do field goals.....unless this Mossbrucker kid comes in and wins the job.

[Verbal]

38 days until kickoff...

#38, Jordan McLaughlin, 6'0, 230 lbs, Sr., FB, Belmond, IA

[Verbal]

Coming out of spring ball, McLaughlin is listed as the starting fullback. He will battle Brett Morse for the starting job when camp begins next week. McLaughlin has some game experience, which likely gives him the edge over Morse.

I'm interested in seeing McLaughlin play. I'm hoping he can catch the ball out of the backfield like Tom Busch was able to.

[MikeyJoe]

I'm interested in seeing McLaughlin play. I'm hoping he can catch the ball out of the backfield like Tom Busch was able to.
... with his T-Rex arms.

[Gushawk]

I wonder how much a fullback sees the field this year given our relative talent at that position compared to others on the offensive side of the ball (primarily WR and TE). We've got what should be 4-5 solid receivers in Brodell, Koulianos, Stross, Chaney and perhaps Sandeman, and two good TEs in Moeki and Myers (with decent depth behind them).

[Verbal]

37 days until kickoff...

#37, Gavin McGrath, 6'2, 235 lbs, Sr., LB, Cedar Rapids, IA

and

#37, Bryce Griswold, 6'1, 244 lbs, Jr., FB, Masonville, IA

[Verbal]

I don't expect either McGrath or Griswold to see the field this year, unless they're able to get in on special teams. At one time, IIRC, McGrath was on the depth chart at linebacker. It appears he has been passed by a lot of the recruits of the past couple years.

[Verbal]

36 days until kickoff...

#36, Brett Morse, 6'3, 235 lbs, So., FB, Willowbrook, IL

and

#36, Taylor Herbst, 6'1, 218 lbs, Jr., DB, Dubuque, IA

[Verbal]

I may have spoken too soon on McLaughlin the other day, as Morse is now listed ahead of him on the depth chart at fullback.

Taylor Herbst is a walk on out of Dubuque Senior that has not seen any game action to this point. He will likely be a career scout teamer.

[Verbal]

35 days until kickoff...

#35, Jared Oberland, 6'0, 240 lbs, Sr., FB, Whitefish Bay, WI

[Verbal]

Oberland is another career scout team guy who will likely not see any game action this year.

[MikeyJoe]

Man, I'm seeing some names I've never heard before here.

[Verbal]

34 days until kickoff...

#34, Jeff Brinson, 5'11, 215 lbs, Fr., RB, St. Petersburg, FL

and

#34, Chris Rowell, 6'1, 197 lbs, Jr., CB, Warrensville Heights, OH

[MikeyJoe]

I wonder if Rowell will ever see the field. I really thought he was going to get some serious PT at corner when he came in, but he's been injured a lot so far, and isn't in line for one of the starting spots this year.

Brinson is going to need to be ready to contribute this year. I think that with Greene, Guillory, and O'Meara, they'll likely redshirt one of the two incoming RBs, but the other will be expected to be the #2 or 3 RB.

[Debit One]

I wonder if Rowell will ever see the field. I really thought he was going to get some serious PT at corner when he came in, but he's been injured a lot so far, and isn't in line for one of the starting spots this year.

I would say that having your uniform number duplicated, and given to a well thought of freshman at a position of need, is not a good sign for your future PT.

Just a guess.

[MikeyJoe]

I wonder if Rowell will ever see the field. I really thought he was going to get some serious PT at corner when he came in, but he's been injured a lot so far, and isn't in line for one of the starting spots this year.

I would say that having your uniform number duplicated, and given to a well thought of freshman at a position of need, is not a good sign for your future PT.

Just a guess.
Yeah, but it's offense/defense, so they could both technically start.

[HawkLax6]

I wonder if Rowell will ever see the field. I really thought he was going to get some serious PT at corner when he came in, but he's been injured a lot so far, and isn't in line for one of the starting spots this year.

I would say that having your uniform number duplicated, and given to a well thought of freshman at a position of need, is not a good sign for your future PT.

Just a guess.

I think you are looking into this too much. Brinson and Rowell would never be on the field at the same time if they had different numbers. Brinson doesn't seem like someone who would be a special teams player and probably will stick to RB exlusively.

Remember when Jermire Roberts and Scott Boylen would both get playing time and every other female at the game would think Brad Banks and Scott McCann were playing safety.

[MikeyJoe]

Remember when Jermire Roberts and Scott Boylen would both get playing time and every other female at the game would think Brad Banks and Scott McCann were playing safety.
"Why is Drew Tate punting?"

[HawkLax6]

Remember when Jermire Roberts and Scott Boylen would both get playing time and every other female at the game would think Brad Banks and Scott McCann were playing safety.
"Why is Drew Tate punting?"

I also liked when ESPN would show Gablemann (who wore #5 for one year) after big plays on the sidelines thinking it was Tate.

[Verbal]

33 days until kickoff...

#33, Jeff Tarpinian, 6'3, 231 lbs, So., LB, Omaha, NE

and

#33, Brian Mungongo, 5'9, 175 lbs, So., RB, Mansfield, TX

[Verbal]

Tarpinian appears to have a slight edge over Jeremiha Hunter for one outside linebacker spot at this point, although this will be one of the better battles for playing time in fall camp.

Mungongo will likely spend his third straight year in the program as a member of the scout team.

[Verbal]

32 days until kickoff...

#32, Adam Robinson, 5'9, 195 lbs, Fr., RB, Des Moines, IA

[Verbal]

Robinson was scheduled to grayshirt this year, but was offered a scholarship following a spring defection. Nevertheless, he doesn't figure to be a guy that will come in and get carries right away, but he'll get a chance, as carries are clearly up for grabs. Here's guessing Robinson redshirts this year, though.

[Verbal]

31 days until kickoff...

#31, David Cato, 5'11, 190 lbs, Fr., DB, Arlington, TX

[Gushawk]

32 days until kickoff...

#32, Adam Robinson, 5'9, 195 lbs, Fr., RB, Des Moines, IA

My guess is that he's a DB by next spring.

[Verbal]

Cato will likely redshirt in 2008, but I see him starting in a couple years.

[Verbal]

30 days until kickoff...

#30, Brett Greenwood, 6'0, 200 lbs, So., DB, Pleasant Valley, IA

and

#30, Kyle Spading, 6'6, 245 lbs, Jr., TE, Belle Plaine, IA

[Platon Karataev]

30 days until kickoff...

#30, Brett Greenwood, 6'0, 200 lbs, So., DB, Pleasant Valley, IA

and

#30, Kyle Spading, 6'6, 245 lbs, Jr., TE, Belle Plaine, IA

Greenwood's a guy that already looks to be turning out pretty good. Didn't he actually travel (but not play) as a true freshman walk-on in 2006?

Like I said, I thought he showed a lot of potential last year. And of course he had the biggest play of the year to seal the upset of Illinois. I was watching that one from the club seats upstairs and was prepared to be crushed.

[Verbal]

29 days until kickoff...

#29, Bradley Fletcher, 6'2, 200 lbs, Sr., CB, Youngstown, OH

[Gushawk]

Fletcher is somewhat unfairly reviled by Iowa fans, IMO. Very good tackler in run support; can be good in coverage but prone to the occasional glaringly obvious mistake.

[MikeyJoe]

I was watching that one from the club seats upstairs and was prepared to be crushed.
Elitist snob. ;)

[MikeyJoe]

I can't believe Fletcher is already a senior.

[Platon Karataev]

Fletcher is somewhat unfairly reviled by Iowa fans, IMO.

You serious, Gus?

[Gushawk]

Fletcher is somewhat unfairly reviled by Iowa fans, IMO.

You serious, Gus?

Yup. Fletcher > Shada, IMO...like I said, he's physical in run support and actually plays the ball decently when it's in the air (relatively speaking for Iowa DBs, at least). If he can eliminate the occasional, glaring blown coverage breakdowns, he can be toward the good end of the historical Iowa corner spectrum.

[Platon Karataev]

Fletcher is somewhat unfairly reviled by Iowa fans, IMO.

You serious, Gus?

Yup. Fletcher > Shada, IMO...like I said, he's physical in run support and actually plays the ball decently when it's in the air (relatively speaking for Iowa DBs, at least). If he can eliminate the occasional, glaring blown coverage breakdowns, he can be toward the good end of the historical Iowa corner spectrum.

How in the world was Fletcher unfairly reviled?

You had our idiot fans happy Shada got hurt. Shada got booed on Senior Day. And you think Bradley Fletcher was unfairly reviled?

My goodness, Fletcher was worshiped by these boards at times.

[Gushawk]

How in the world was Fletcher unfairly reviled?

You had our idiot fans happy Shada got hurt. Shada got booed on Senior Day. And you think Bradley Fletcher was unfairly reviled?

My goodness, Fletcher was worshiped by these boards at times.

I'm talking more currently, than last year (though I think Fletcher has been targeted for a fair amount of message board criticism, much moreso than praise). My perception is that the fan base generally is down on him. Most Hawk fans I regularly talk to think he sucks and believe that Bernstine and Spivey should win the cornerback jobs, and that it would take an error in coaching judgment for them not to.

[MikeyJoe]

28 days until kickoff...

#28, Shaun Prater, 5'11, 172 lbs, Fr., DB, Omaha, NE

[MikeyJoe]

Verbal is out this weekend and asked me to post these.

[Platon Karataev]

I was watching that one from the club seats upstairs and was prepared to be crushed.
Elitist snob. ;)

What was amazing about the experience is how it felt like watching a game on TV. It's such a different view.

One of the best victory formations in a while:

http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v143/40/57/14831694/n14831694_36607071_4527.jpg

[MikeyJoe]

27 days until kickoff...

#27, Jewel Hampton, 5'9, 200 lbs, Fr., RB, Indianapolis, IN

[HawkLax6]

I have high hopes for Hampton. I liked when his high school coach said he "runs angry".

[Verbal]

Thanks for holding down the fort, Mikey.

Thoughts: Shaun Prater is more likely to play right away than his brother, but I'd prefer he redshirted. Jewel Hampton will get a shot, along with Brinson, Guillory, et al, to be one of the go-to backs. I'd like to see him win the job, but the more I think about it, the more I think we'll be seeing a Greene/Guillory/O'Meara 1-2-3 attack.

[Verbal]

26 days until kickoff...

#26, Paul Chaney, 5'9, 170 lbs, So., WR, St. Louis, MO

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

I still wish he'd have been one step faster on that go route against Wisconsin last year.

[Verbal]

25 days until kickoff...

#25, Paki O'Meara, 5'11, 210 lbs, So., RB, Cedar Rapids, IA

[Verbal]

Paki enters fall camp as the #1 running back. While few expect him to keep that spot with the return of Greene and the arrival of some promising freshman, I tend to think that he will get a fair amount of carries, particularly early in the season.

[MikeyJoe]

No offense to the kid, but if Paki O'Meara is still the starting RB by the Iowa State game, we are in trouble.

[Verbal]

24 days until kickoff...

#24, retired number of all-time great Hawkeye, Nile Kinnick.

[Gushawk]

No offense to the kid, but if Paki O'Meara is still the starting RB by the Iowa State game, we are in trouble.

Ditto. Sam Brownlee, part deux; and for better or worse there's no Drew Tate to bail us out.

[Verbal]

23 days until kickoff...

#23, Shonn Greene, 5'11, 235 lbs, Jr., RB, Sicklerville, NJ

[Gushawk]

23 days until kickoff...

#23, Shonn Greene, 5'11, 235 lbs, Jr., RB, Sicklerville, NJ

Unwarranted optomism probably best describes my current thinking on Greene. Flashes of some combination of Ladell Betts and "good Jermelle"...but he's played little and has put it on the ground too often when he has.

[Debit One]

Shonn Greene has the potential to knock Jermelle Lewis off of the perch as most overrated Iowa FB player ever.

[kaugie01]

Shonn Greene has the potential to knock Jermelle Lewis off of the perch as most overrated Iowa FB player ever.

I see your Jermelle Lewis and raise you one Willie Guy.

[Verbal]

22 days until kickoff...

#22, Colin Sandeman, 6'1, 200 lbs, So., WR, Bettendorf, IA

[OlePeep]

Late to the game on this, but I'd be surprised if Adam Robinson went to DB. So I will bet you one American dollar, Gus. As for Greene, I've read elsewhere that he has some rash or infection on the top of his head, or something, and can't practice w/ helmet right now? WTF?

[MikeyJoe]

Late to the game on this, but I'd be surprised if Adam Robinson went to DB. So I will bet you one American dollar, Gus. As for Greene, I've read elsewhere that he has some rash or infection on the top of his head, or something, and can't practice w/ helmet right now? WTF?
Scalp infection, apparently.

[Debit One]

Late to the game on this, but I'd be surprised if Adam Robinson went to DB. So I will bet you one American dollar, Gus. As for Greene, I've read elsewhere that he has some rash or infection on the top of his head, or something, and can't practice w/ helmet right now? WTF?
Scalp infection, apparently.

If Shonn was a gamer he would just slap on one of these and get back out there.

http://www.swim-goggles.com/images/multifloral-cap.jpg

[Verbal]

21 days until kickoff...

#21, Nate Guillory, 5'10, 185 lbs, Jr., RB, Houston, TX

[MikeyJoe]

21 days until kickoff...

#21, Nate Guillory, 5'10, 185 lbs, Jr., RB, Houston, TX
Guillory seems like he has the chance to be the change of pace back with Greene starting.

[Verbal]

20 days until kickoff...

#20, Joe Conklin, 5'11, 200 lbs, So., DB, Davenport, IA

and

#20, Nick Kuchel, 5'11, 195 lbs, So., DB, Kingsley, IA

[Verbal]

Conklin, IIRC, is an ISU transfer that I had not previously heard of until I looked at my Athlon preview earlier this summer and saw him in the projected 2-deeps. He won't be in the 2-deeps, but he might be a special teams contributor.

Kuchel is someone I'm sure none of you have heard of. Don't sweat it, he won't be on the field this year.

[Verbal]

19 days until kickoff...

#19, Amari Spievey, 6'0, 190 lbs, So., DB, Middletown, CT

[MikeyJoe]

People are placing a lot of hope in Spievey after a pretty good performance in his year at JuCo. Right now, he's not listed as a starter.

[Verbal]

People are placing a lot of hope in Spievey after a pretty good performance in his year at JuCo. Right now, he's not listed as a starter.

Yeah, but would KF list someone who hasn't been with the program in a year and a half as a starter? I don't think it's unreasonable to think that he'll be named a starter by game time. He was 2nd on the depth chart last spring as a RS-frosh-to-be before he left town.

[HawkLax6]

I think he will be the 3rd CB behind Bernstine and Fletcher.

[Gushawk]

I think he will be the 3rd CB behind Bernstine and Fletcher.

If Spievey is solid, I'm actually somewhat excited about our cornerback situation.

[roseboundhawk]

Holy shit, only 19 days! This is the first time football season has actually snuck up on me before.

[Verbal]

18 days until kickoff...

#18, Lance Tillison, 6'2, 213 lbs, So., DB, Seffner, FL

[Verbal]

I'm excited to see Tillison play. He's a big, imposing safety that I think will get the nod to start over Dalton this year, although Sash figures to be in the mix as well. Good to have some depth back there.

[kaugie01]

Holy shit, only 19 days! This is the first time football season has actually snuck up on me before.

You're getting older.

[Verbal]

17 days until kickoff...

#17, Jayme Murphy, 5'11, 207 lbs, So., RB/DB, Dubuque, IA

[MikeyJoe]

Murphy is a good athlete, but with the guys in front of him on the depth chart at RB, he seems destined to be a special teams star for the remainder of his time at Iowa.

[Gushawk]

One of my favorite Hawkeyes...I almost think we should save him to cover kicks in only the more important games. With his style, an injury seems only a matter of time.

[Verbal]

Ferentz says he will sleep well if Iowa has either O'Meara or Murphy at tailback this fall.

"I've got faith in those guys," Ferentz said. "I think they will play well. We'll have to see how they do."



Now, this comes off a bit as Ferentz throwing the hometown paper a bone, but there might be something to it.

The whole article: http://www.thonline.com/article.cfm?id=211357

Hawkeyesports.com also had a nice write-up about the offense after yesterday's scrimmage. A good read, and O'Keefe drops Murphy's name as a guy that has played well.

http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081208aac.html

All that said, I agree with Mikey that it's a bit hard to imagine Murphy playing his way too far up the depth chart. At any rate, we'll all enjoy watching him blow up returners, ala his hit on David Gilreath, again this year.

[Verbal]

16 days until kickoff...

#16, Drew Gardner, 5'10, 186 lbs, Sr., DB, Cherry Hill, NJ

and

#16, James Vandenberg, 6'3, 195 lbs, Fr., QB, Keokuk, IA

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

I remember the fall of '03, when true FR Drew Tate was wowing them in practice, winding up 2d on the depth chart behind Chandler. I'm really pulling for JVDB to help history repeat itself.

[Verbal]

15 days until kickoff...

#15, Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, 6'1, 205 lbs, So., WR, Campbell, OH

[MikeyJoe]

The man...the myth...the legend. DJK.

[Verbal]

The Game's of the world will have us believe that DJK will never live up to the hype based on his performance last year. In reality, he was a RS freshman thrust into the starting lineup due to defections and injuries, all the while learning a new position (he was a HS QB), and he still led the team in receptions and was generally one of the more dependable guys out there.

This year I think he takes it up a notch. He'll lead the team in catches again (somewhere north of 50 grabs) and reel off a big play or two along the way.

2009 and 2010 will be All Big-Ten caliber years. I'm still buying this guy, in a big way.

[MikeyJoe]

I'm actually pretty high on the guy's potential too. I have no idea why people said he had a disappointing year. One slight correction - he was a redshirt freshman last year.

[Gushawk]

DJK will be a solid receiver for us...probably our best pure NFL receiver prospect in a long while. Potential to be a David Boston type player.

[Verbal]

I'm actually pretty high on the guy's potential too. I have no idea why people said he had a disappointing year. One slight correction - he was a redshirt freshman last year.

D'oh, you're right.

[scottsdalehawk]

DJK was terrific last year, I don't think they tried to get him the ball nearly enough. What kind of speed does he have? Seems pretty quick but does he have elite talent speed?

[Verbal]

14 days until kickoff...

#14, John Wienke, 6'5, 225 lbs, Fr. QB, Tuscola, IL

[MikeyJoe]

For all of the hype Wienke received, it sounds like Vandenberg is the true freshman QB most likely to fight his way onto the depth chart early.

[Verbal]

13 days until kickoff...

#13, DeMarco Paine, 5'10, 175 lbs, Fr., WR, St. Louis, MO

and

#13, Tom Donatell, 6'2, 201 lbs, RS Fr., QB, Olympia, GA

[Verbal]

Paine is apparently getting some reps at WR, so we may see him in the rotation this year. Donatell is about the 6th-team QB on this team, so that's all you need to know.

[Verbal]

12 days until kickoff...

#12, Ricky Stanzi, 6'4, 225 lbs, So., QB, Mentor, OH

[Debit One]

12 days until kickoff...

#12, Ricky Stanzi, 6'4, 225 lbs, So., QB, Mentor, OH

What we see from Stanzi will tell us a lot about this season.

It sounds like Stanzi isn't winning the job in practice, so I assume that JC will begin the season as the starter. Given how reluctant KF and KOK have been historically to pull a QB, if JC has the job going into the first game I fear that the only way that Stanzi sees meaningful time is if JC is a train wreck, which won't be declared until after he has cost Iowa at least a couple of games that Iowa could have won.

I fear for Stanzi that his timing is poor. What I mean by that is that more than likely JC is going to be the QB through the end of next season. Stanzi will then only have one more season of eligibility, and the staff at that point may choose to go with Weinke or Vandenburg who would each have three seasons of eligibility at that point. Rick may never have a chance.

[Verbal]

I said it on another board, Debit: Stanzi = Jason Manson unless he can wrest the job from JC this year.

While it doesn't sound like Rick has done enough to take the job yet, JC has also not done enough to show that it should be exclusively his. By all accounts, they've been splitting time with the first team O for a good chunk of camp now. I say let 'em keep splitting time -- until the week of the ISU game, then name a starter. First two games, rotate them every other series. See who can get it done on game day. There's no reason why Iowa shouldn't win comfortably over its first two opponents, even with rotating QBs.

[Debit One]

I say let 'em keep splitting time -- until the week of the ISU game, then name a starter. First two games, rotate them every other series. See who can get it done on game day. There's no reason why Iowa shouldn't win comfortably over its first two opponents, even with rotating QBs.

Oh, can you imagine the glorious times on the message boards were this to occur? It would be better than a presidential election.

Can a QB be swift-boated?

[Gushawk]

I say let 'em keep splitting time -- until the week of the ISU game, then name a starter. First two games, rotate them every other series. See who can get it done on game day. There's no reason why Iowa shouldn't win comfortably over its first two opponents, even with rotating QBs.

Oh, can you imagine the glorious times on the message boards were this to occur? It would be better than a presidential election.

Can a QB be swift-boated?

Much like a Colin Powell or Mark Warner candidacy, this proposal makes far too much sense for it to ever happen.

[Verbal]

11 days until kickoff...

#11, Don Nordmann, 6'5, 210 lbs, So., WR, Hopkinton, IA

[Verbal]

I assume no one here knows who Donny Nordmann is, so I'll chime in with the 4-1-1:

He's a walk-on from Maquoketa Valley HS. Smart kid, business student. Likely a career scout-teamer.

[HawkLax6]

He is pretty tall.

[Verbal]

10 days until kickoff...

#10, Willie Lowe, 5'9, 165 lbs, Fr. DB, Cleveland, OH

[Verbal]

Lowe seems to be a guy that Norm thinks highly of already. I'd guess that he and Prater are the CBs of the future here.

[Verbal]

9 days until kickoff...

#9, Tyler Sash, 6'1, 210 lbs, RS Fr., DB, Oskaloosa, IA

[Gushawk]

I'm excited about Sash...would like to see him get some time early to compare to the relatively lackluster Dalton. Sounds like he works hard and has a nose for the ball.

[Verbal]

I'm excited about Sash...would like to see him get some time early to compare to the relatively lackluster Dalton. Sounds like he works hard and has a nose for the ball.

There's a bit of a logjam at that safety spot, with Lance Tillison in the mix as well. Doesn't sound like there's much of a gap at all between the starter and the third stringer. I'd like to see all 3 get a shot, and I suspect we will see that early on.

[MikeyJoe]

What surprises me is that Greenwood is apparently a relative lock to start at the other safety spot. I was never all that impressed with him, one game winning interception notwithstanding.

[Verbal]

8 days until kickoff...

#8, Trent Mossbrucker, 6'0, 190 lbs, Fr., K, Mooresville, IN

and

#8, Kyle Steinbrecher, 6'3, 200 lbs, RS Fr., WR, Davenport, IA

[HawkLax6]

I had high hopes for Mossbrucker, but I guess he was worse than Murray in the open practice. Granted it was one practice, but I heard his leg was not as powerful as Murray, but his kicks did get up higher on field goals (Murray kicks a low ball, hence his blocked field goals last year).

[Verbal]

7 days until kickoff...

#7, Marvin McNutt, 6'4, 210 lbs, RS Fr., QB, St. Louis, MO

[Gushawk]

I'm beginning to think a position switch is in the cards for McNutt. Eric McCollum v2.0?

[Verbal]

I'm beginning to think a position switch is in the cards for McNutt. Eric McCollum v2.0?

Beef him up and put him at linebacker. If he's half the athlete they say he is, he should be able to compete for playing time at that spot in his last 3 years.

[Verbal]

6 days until kickoff...

#6, Jake Christensen, 6'1, 215 lbs, Jr., QB, Lockport, IL

and

#6, Eric Guthrie, 6'6, 208 lbs, RS Fr., P, Nevada, IA

[MikeyJoe]

I've been waiting for this day. I expect Guthrie to provoke a lot of conversation.

[Debit One]

Jake isn't a bad guy to have on your team ... as a third string QB.

[roseboundhawk]

If we threw Guthrie out there at QB would anyone notice the difference?

[Debit One]

If we threw Guthrie out there at QB would anyone notice the difference?

Probably. It doesn't sound like Guthrie is overweight.

[Verbal]

5 days until kickoff...

#5, Ryan Donahue, 6'3, 180 lbs, So., P, Evergreen Park, IL

[Gushawk]

If we threw Guthrie out there at QB would anyone notice the difference?

Probably. It doesn't sound like Guthrie is overweight.

http://cmsimg.hawkcentral.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Avis=D5&Dato=20080825&Kategori=CAROUSEL02&Lopenr=308250005&Ref=AR&MaxW=380&Border=0

[Tripper Harrison]

If we threw Guthrie out there at QB would anyone notice the difference?

Probably. It doesn't sound like Guthrie is overweight.

http://cmsimg.hawkcentral.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Avis=D5&Dato=20080825&Kategori=CAROUSEL02&Lopenr=308250005&Ref=AR&MaxW=380&Border=0
From one of the all-time classics Slap Shot

"Are you guys brothers?"

and

"They're fuckin' horrible-lookin'."

[Debit One]

http://cmsimg.hawkcentral.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Avis=D5&Dato=20080825&Kategori=CAROUSEL02&Lopenr=308250005&Ref=AR&MaxW=380&Border=0

Which one of those guys looks like a D-1 QB, and which looks like a guy who lives at the TKE house?

And yes, I do realize that I've now sunk to new depths in my disdain for JC. Call it my increasing sense of foreboding as we near the start of the season.

[Verbal]

4 days until kickoff...

#4, Jordan Bernstine, 5'11, 203 lbs., So., DB, Des Moines, IA

[Verbal]

Sounds like Spievey will be getting the nod over Bernstine this week, which is a pretty good sign that Jordan's shoulder is still giving him problems. Wouldn't be surprised if he sat out altogether this week. Hopefully he can come back and contribute before long.

[PlannedSickDays]

Sounds like Spievey will be getting the nod over Bernstine this week, which is a pretty good sign that Jordan's shoulder is still giving him problems. Wouldn't be surprised if he sat out altogether this week. Hopefully he can come back and contribute before long.

I think his shoulder is fine but now it's a hamstring problem?

[Verbal]

Sounds like Spievey will be getting the nod over Bernstine this week, which is a pretty good sign that Jordan's shoulder is still giving him problems. Wouldn't be surprised if he sat out altogether this week. Hopefully he can come back and contribute before long.

I think his shoulder is fine but now it's a hamstring problem?

Hadn't heard anything about a hammy. Just assumed it was a lingering shoulder issue. I'm sure there's an insider around here that could give us the real scoop.

[PlannedSickDays]

Sounds like Spievey will be getting the nod over Bernstine this week, which is a pretty good sign that Jordan's shoulder is still giving him problems. Wouldn't be surprised if he sat out altogether this week. Hopefully he can come back and contribute before long.

I think his shoulder is fine but now it's a hamstring problem?

Hadn't heard anything about a hammy. Just assumed it was a lingering shoulder issue. I'm sure there's an insider around here that could give us the real scoop.

he came off the field on kids day with a hammy problem, I thought is was still bothering him.