**Official 2020 Iowa Hawkeye Football Offseason Thread**

[douglasbader]

Iowa coaches also knew this was likely coming with Epenesa and Wirfs the second they stepped on campus. The ones that burn a little more than usual are guys like Nelson and Hooker.

And Hockenson as a sophomore. But like you said, they basically have to expect it with players like LaPorta going forward. Even 5 years ago it would be entirely different.

It’s almost shocking that Jackson, Gholston and Smith-Marsette didn’t even entertain the idea.

If they were recruiting and developing like they were in the late 2000's or early 2010's, then I would be a lot more worried. This ultimately is a fucking great thing to have multiple 1st round early entry picks multiple years in a row.

Wisconsin raised their floor through national exposure by playing big games and having big time draft picks. Iowa has to do the same thing.

I would argue that Iowa got both of their TE's and their Top 250 out of state DE in the 2020 class because of the talent they are putting in the NFL and high school players noticing.

 

[HerkyHopeful]

I was going to mention that Isaiah Pryor might be an option as a grad transfer at safety but it looks like he already signed with Notre Dame. Looks like Merriweather it is

 

[douglasbader]

I was going to mention that Isaiah Pryor might be an option as a grad transfer at safety but it looks like he already signed with Notre Dame. Looks like Merriweather it is

Belton is listed on the 2 deep as the backup. I think he will be the starter.

 

[HerkyHopeful]

I was going to mention that Isaiah Pryor might be an option as a grad transfer at safety but it looks like he already signed with Notre Dame. Looks like Merriweather it is

Belton is listed on the 2 deep as the backup. I think he will be the starter.

They were also redshirting Merriweather, that may have played a role in the two deeps. Belton will start somewhere, his position will be decided by the camp performance of Johnson/Brents/Merriweather/Moss/etc assuming Stone is gone

 

[CamelTones]

Iowa coaches also knew this was likely coming with Epenesa and Wirfs the second they stepped on campus. The ones that burn a little more than usual are guys like Nelson and Hooker.

And Hockenson as a sophomore. But like you said, they basically have to expect it with players like LaPorta going forward. Even 5 years ago it would be entirely different.

It’s almost shocking that Jackson, Gholston and Smith-Marsette didn’t even entertain the idea.

If they were recruiting and developing like they were in the late 2000's or early 2010's, then I would be a lot more worried. This ultimately is a fucking great thing to have multiple 1st round early entry picks multiple years in a row.

Wisconsin raised their floor through national exposure by playing big games and having big time draft picks. Iowa has to do the same thing.

I would argue that Iowa got both of their TE's and their Top 250 out of state DE in the 2020 class because of the talent they are putting in the NFL and high school players noticing.

True, but kids are also coming in a lot more developed now than ever before since a ton are going to personal trainers to get them ready as far back as their freshman and sophomore years of high school.

On top of that all the food the school is allowed to give players now outside of training table. It really doesn’t take 3-4 years to develop guys anymore. Most should be ready physically to contribute by their 3rd year at the latest.

 

[RazHawk]

That bowl game was fun as hell to watch, but one disappointing thing looking through the stat line is that Goodson only got 48 yards on 18 carries (2.7 YPC).

Iowa wasn't really able to impose it's will on USC from the standpoint of lining up and just pounding them with the RBs. That said, Fat Nate was on and was able to overcome the inability to run it consistently. It was an appropriately timed "scratch where it itches" game. And USC's defense had no discipline, so the WR sweeps were pretty effective.

I was hoping to see better results from Goodson after the OL had a month healthy together in bowl prep. #1 item on the wish list for 2020 has to be figuring out how to run the ball consistently. Kirk has already alluded to it, hoping they can figure it out given the tough schedule in 2020.

 

[Mo T]

That bowl game was fun as hell to watch, but one disappointing thing looking through the stat line is that Goodson only got 48 yards on 18 carries (2.7 YPC).

Iowa wasn't really able to impose it's will on USC from the standpoint of lining up and just pounding them with the RBs.

It appeared to me like the USC defensive game plan was to clog up the middle of the field and stop the run. They were going to take their chances that Stanley would suck in the pass game and Iowa wouldn't be fast enough to get to the outside on runs.

 

[douglasbader]

That bowl game was fun as hell to watch, but one disappointing thing looking through the stat line is that Goodson only got 48 yards on 18 carries (2.7 YPC).

Iowa wasn't really able to impose it's will on USC from the standpoint of lining up and just pounding them with the RBs. That said, Fat Nate was on and was able to overcome the inability to run it consistently. It was an appropriately timed "scratch where it itches" game. And USC's defense had no discipline, so the WR sweeps were pretty effective.

I was hoping to see better results from Goodson after the OL had a month healthy together in bowl prep. #1 item on the wish list for 2020 has to be figuring out how to run the ball consistently. Kirk has already alluded to it, hoping they can figure it out given the tough schedule in 2020.

USC completely sold out on the run. It was the reason they were burned multiple times by misdirection plays that were runs to Tracy, ISM and others.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

That bowl game was fun as hell to watch, but one disappointing thing looking through the stat line is that Goodson only got 48 yards on 18 carries (2.7 YPC).

Iowa wasn't really able to impose it's will on USC from the standpoint of lining up and just pounding them with the RBs. That said, Fat Nate was on and was able to overcome the inability to run it consistently. It was an appropriately timed "scratch where it itches" game. And USC's defense had no discipline, so the WR sweeps were pretty effective.

I was hoping to see better results from Goodson after the OL had a month healthy together in bowl prep. #1 item on the wish list for 2020 has to be figuring out how to run the ball consistently. Kirk has already alluded to it, hoping they can figure it out given the tough schedule in 2020.

USC completely sold out on the run. It was the reason they were burned multiple times by misdirection plays that were runs to Tracy, ISM and others.

its unfortunate that they didn’t take advantage of teams more with misdirection earlier in the season

 

[Alan Lomax]

That bowl game was fun as hell to watch, but one disappointing thing looking through the stat line is that Goodson only got 48 yards on 18 carries (2.7 YPC).

Iowa wasn't really able to impose it's will on USC from the standpoint of lining up and just pounding them with the RBs. That said, Fat Nate was on and was able to overcome the inability to run it consistently. It was an appropriately timed "scratch where it itches" game. And USC's defense had no discipline, so the WR sweeps were pretty effective.

I was hoping to see better results from Goodson after the OL had a month healthy together in bowl prep. #1 item on the wish list for 2020 has to be figuring out how to run the ball consistently. Kirk has already alluded to it, hoping they can figure it out given the tough schedule in 2020.

USC completely sold out on the run. It was the reason they were burned multiple times by misdirection plays that were runs to Tracy, ISM and others.

its unfortunate that they didn’t take advantage of teams more with misdirection earlier in the season

It really makes me wonder what they see on film usually, vs what they saw from USC. Or maybe this was a change upon reflection by the staff.

 

[Jimmie Dimmick]

That bowl game was fun as hell to watch, but one disappointing thing looking through the stat line is that Goodson only got 48 yards on 18 carries (2.7 YPC).

Iowa wasn't really able to impose it's will on USC from the standpoint of lining up and just pounding them with the RBs. That said, Fat Nate was on and was able to overcome the inability to run it consistently. It was an appropriately timed "scratch where it itches" game. And USC's defense had no discipline, so the WR sweeps were pretty effective.

I was hoping to see better results from Goodson after the OL had a month healthy together in bowl prep. #1 item on the wish list for 2020 has to be figuring out how to run the ball consistently. Kirk has already alluded to it, hoping they can figure it out given the tough schedule in 2020.

USC completely sold out on the run. It was the reason they were burned multiple times by misdirection plays that were runs to Tracy, ISM and others.

USC had the 80th ranked run D allowing 4.2 per rush and 162 a game going in. The Iowa staff had to know something because they were more than ready for USC to load the box and they bit so hard on the misdirection

 

[AZmessDAWG]

That bowl game was fun as hell to watch, but one disappointing thing looking through the stat line is that Goodson only got 48 yards on 18 carries (2.7 YPC).

Iowa wasn't really able to impose it's will on USC from the standpoint of lining up and just pounding them with the RBs. That said, Fat Nate was on and was able to overcome the inability to run it consistently. It was an appropriately timed "scratch where it itches" game. And USC's defense had no discipline, so the WR sweeps were pretty effective.

I was hoping to see better results from Goodson after the OL had a month healthy together in bowl prep. #1 item on the wish list for 2020 has to be figuring out how to run the ball consistently. Kirk has already alluded to it, hoping they can figure it out given the tough schedule in 2020.

USC completely sold out on the run. It was the reason they were burned multiple times by misdirection plays that were runs to Tracy, ISM and others.

USC had the 80th ranked run D allowing 4.2 per rush and 162 a game going in. The Iowa staff had to know something because they were more than ready for USC to load the box and they bit so hard on the misdirection

It’s what I wish they would do to iowa state when they try the same thing.

 

[The Incredible Hawk]

Maybe it was just bad luck this year, but I hope they figure out if there’s a better balance for physical practices and all the injuries they had in them this year. Iowa has to be the only team that left a bye week more banged up than they entered it in.

In particular it seemed to fuck with the OL consistency and sapped the DB depth that should have been a strength.

Iowa practices the way they do because it’s competitive and it carries over to the field. It’s why Iowa never gets blown out and they are basically in every game. They always compete. It’s why they win with lesser athletes. Tough, physical guys who want to win.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

That bowl game was fun as hell to watch, but one disappointing thing looking through the stat line is that Goodson only got 48 yards on 18 carries (2.7 YPC).

Iowa wasn't really able to impose it's will on USC from the standpoint of lining up and just pounding them with the RBs. That said, Fat Nate was on and was able to overcome the inability to run it consistently. It was an appropriately timed "scratch where it itches" game. And USC's defense had no discipline, so the WR sweeps were pretty effective.

I was hoping to see better results from Goodson after the OL had a month healthy together in bowl prep. #1 item on the wish list for 2020 has to be figuring out how to run the ball consistently. Kirk has already alluded to it, hoping they can figure it out given the tough schedule in 2020.

USC completely sold out on the run. It was the reason they were burned multiple times by misdirection plays that were runs to Tracy, ISM and others.

its unfortunate that they didn’t take advantage of teams more with misdirection earlier in the season

Not so easy in the big ten dude

 

[ivan_drago]

Lol. Clicked on that tweet and saw rich wirfs had retweeted Hawkize. Learned hawkize had blocked me. Not that I ever search for his tweets or followed him. What an epic snowflake.

i blocked you because you accidentally liked a tweet someone innocuous lobbed at me and it’s very obvious you stalk me. Go fuck yourself, asshole.

 

[nolookpass]

Lol. Clicked on that tweet and saw rich wirfs had retweeted Hawkize. Learned hawkize had blocked me. Not that I ever search for his tweets or followed him. What an epic snowflake.

i blocked you because you accidentally liked a tweet someone innocuous lobbed at me and it’s very obvious you stalk me. Go fuck yourself, asshole.

Don’t flatter yourself, snowflake.

 

[douglasbader]

Lol. Clicked on that tweet and saw rich wirfs had retweeted Hawkize. Learned hawkize had blocked me. Not that I ever search for his tweets or followed him. What an epic snowflake.

i blocked you because you accidentally liked a tweet someone innocuous lobbed at me and it’s very obvious you stalk me. Go fuck yourself, asshole.

Don’t flatter yourself, snowflake.

Ok, stalker.

 

[gable_guy]

 

[FrodoTBaggin]

I start giggling like Ed everytime I watch that.

 

[Lee Beevers]

I was told that the kid from Pella, pretty sure he was talking about Dejong, is going to be really good.

 

[Bob Sanders]

I was told that the kid from Pella, pretty sure he was talking about Dejong, is going to be really good.

He was the only true freshman OT that played this year.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

I was told that the kid from Pella, pretty sure he was talking about Dejong, is going to be really good.

didnt he get moved to OL?

 

[L. Wade Childress]

Scooped

 

[ChipHilton]

I was told that the kid from Pella, pretty sure he was talking about Dejong, is going to be really good.

He was the only true freshman OT that played this year.

He may cancel out Ezra Miller.

 

[Hawk_Kegmasters]

I was told that the kid from Pella, pretty sure he was talking about Dejong, is going to be really good.

He was the only true freshman OT that played this year.

He may cancel out Ezra Miller.

So you’re saying he’s better than Ezra? Good.

 

[Bob Sanders]

Listed at 6'6", 275 fwiw

 

[HerkyHopeful]

I was told that the kid from Pella, pretty sure he was talking about Dejong, is going to be really good.

He was the only true freshman OT that played this year.

He may cancel out Ezra Miller.

Everyone I've talked to that saw Miller play in high school came away very unimpressed. But there has to be something to all the recruiting hype and camp performances.

 

[ChipHilton]

He was the only true freshman OT that played this year.

He may cancel out Ezra Miller.

So you’re saying he’s better than Ezra? Good.

Sounds like Ezra's situation hasn't been ideal. He allegedly went home for a while this fall due to illness or injury. Some poster who went to practice thought Polasek was overly verbally abusive to him, something like "nobody cares if you're hurt, Ezra". It just seems like he may need to dig himself out a bit to get back to level. Some guys have made that turnaround and some haven't, so I guess I'm in "hoping to be positively surprised" mode.

There was also some sort of "meet the freshmen" thing at hawkeyesports, which focused some on Tyler Endres, and it was mentioned that he, Britt and DeJong were making great progress. No mention of Miller.

He was such a gung ho recruit, too. It's early, though.

 

[Hawk_Kegmasters]

He may cancel out Ezra Miller.

So you’re saying he’s better than Ezra? Good.

Sounds like Ezra's situation hasn't been ideal. He allegedly went home for a while this fall due to illness or injury. Some poster who went to practice thought Polasek was overly verbally abusive to him, something like "nobody cares if you're hurt, Ezra". It just seems like he may need to dig himself out a bit to get back to level. Some guys have made that turnaround and some haven't, so I guess I'm in "hoping to be positively surprised" mode.

There was also some sort of "meet the freshmen" thing at hawkeyesports, which focused some on Tyler Endres, and it was mentioned that he, Britt and DeJong were making great progress. No mention of Miller.

He was such a gung ho recruit, too. It's early, though.

It seems we ordinarily would be Desperately Wanting Ezra to pan out, but there’s enough talent on the line in the program right now that the Hawks will be just fine if he doesn’t make an impact.

 

[gable_guy]

Leistikow’s 2020 starters

https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/columnists/chad-leistikow/2019/12/30/leistikow-projecting-iowa-football-starting-lineup-2020-season/2749757001/

 

[douglasbader]

Leistikow’s 2020 starters

https://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/columnists/chad-leistikow/2019/12/30/leistikow-projecting-iowa-football-starting-lineup-2020-season/2749757001/

I think he is going to be way way off on some of those.

 

[Bob]

Hoping Britt beats out Banwart.

People are gonna be mad about Moss starting at CB but I also think that probably happens.

 

[L. Wade Childress]

Moss and Brents replaced OJ and Hankins for a stretch last year. They are both good options of healthy.

 

[Jimmie Dimmick]

Hoping Britt beats out Banwart.

People are gonna be mad about Moss starting at CB but I also think that probably happens.

other than the PU game (and it was bad enough) I can’t remember a game where Riley wasn’t solid

 

[Bob]

Hoping Britt beats out Banwart.

People are gonna be mad about Moss starting at CB but I also think that probably happens.

other than the PU game (and it was bad enough) I can’t remember a game where Riley wasn’t solid

Yeah I think he's been fine for someone his age and experience level, I don't have a problem with him playing at all.

 

[The Full Monte]

Hoping Britt beats out Banwart.

People are gonna be mad about Moss starting at CB but I also think that probably happens.

other than the PU game (and it was bad enough) I can’t remember a game where Riley wasn’t solid

I still think Iowa is missing the boat not moving him to FS

 

[Jimmie Dimmick]

HaLo angle: my son swears Riley has been in our house. I don’t remember him.

I’ll call the Reg

 

[Thomas Wolsey]

I like the potential of most of the corners. Plus Phil is good, I really don’t see an issue there. Safety is more concerning, but not that bad either. Hopefully Belton is a safety and either Koerner or Merriweather get better.

 

[Bob]

If Belton is good I'd rather keep him at Cash, that's a position that requires a way more varied skill set and will probably be more important than safety going forward if we're planning to make it the base defense. It's easier to find a decent safety than it is to find someone who can hold up in run support while also functioning as the slot corner.

 

[Swingin' Dick Stanzi]

My ideal secondary would be Hankins and Brents at CB, Belton at Cash, and Moss and Merriweather at S. I know that’s not going to happen though.

 

[Bob Sanders]

I like the potential of most of the corners. Plus Phil is good, I really don’t see an issue there. Safety is more concerning, but not that bad either. Hopefully Belton is a safety and either Koerner or Merriweather get better.

No. Cash is a harder position to fill than safety, probably the hardest in the entire secondary. It's also a desirable skillset to have as players move to the NFL.

 

[Thomas Wolsey]

I like the potential of most of the corners. Plus Phil is good, I really don’t see an issue there. Safety is more concerning, but not that bad either. Hopefully Belton is a safety and either Koerner or Merriweather get better.

No. Cash is a harder position to fill than safety, probably the hardest in the entire secondary. It's also a desirable skillset to have as players move to the NFL.

I got double Bobbed. Fuck! Safety is still an issue next year.

 

[The Full Monte]

I just want a true “ballhawk” at FS.

Need more than 1 INT from the FS position

 

[Swingin' Dick Stanzi]

I just want a true “ballhawk” at FS.

Need more than 1 INT from the FS position

Koerner wasn’t great in coverage this year, but at least he also has stone hands and a 5’3” wingspan.

 

[Bob Sanders]

I like the potential of most of the corners. Plus Phil is good, I really don’t see an issue there. Safety is more concerning, but not that bad either. Hopefully Belton is a safety and either Koerner or Merriweather get better.

No. Cash is a harder position to fill than safety, probably the hardest in the entire secondary. It's also a desirable skillset to have as players move to the NFL.

I got double Bobbed. Fuck! Safety is still an issue next year.

Merriweather can probably just slide over, he was fine in the little bit we saw before his injury. Stone might come back after he gets his feedback anyway.

 

[The Full Monte]

Two thoughts that probably belong in another thread, BFYIPTHA...

1). I like the fact that the first year with a new QB also includes the deepest most experienced group of WR Iowa has had in a long time. And like even more that the year after when we lose two SR WR, Iowa has a very talented 3rd yr starter at RB and what is most likely an incredibly talented TE group.


2). Sort of disappointing that two of the highest rated DB recruits Iowa has had recently in Craddeith and DJ Johnson don’t seem to be able to crack the depth chart.

 

[douglasbader]

No. Cash is a harder position to fill than safety, probably the hardest in the entire secondary. It's also a desirable skillset to have as players move to the NFL.

I got double Bobbed. Fuck! Safety is still an issue next year.

Merriweather can probably just slide over, he was fine in the little bit we saw before his injury. Stone might come back after he gets his feedback anyway.

Geno is really hot to go it seems like, but let him have a few weeks away and get the feedback of late round or undrafted and he might see reality isn't what he thinks it is.

 

[Gushawk]

DJ got praise from Phil for his performance during bowl prep. Think
might start next year at one of the corner spots.

 

[douglasbader]

Two thoughts that probably belong in another thread, BFYIPTHA...

1). I like the fact that the first year with a new QB also includes the deepest most experienced group of WR Iowa has had in a long time. And like even more that the year after when we lose two SR WR, Iowa has a very talented 3rd yr starter at RB and what is most likely an incredibly talented TE group.


2). Sort of disappointing that two of the highest rated DB recruits Iowa has had recently in Craddeith and DJ Johnson don’t seem to be able to crack the depth chart.

DJ Johnson has been on the 2 deeps most of the season.

 

[douglasbader]

DJ got praise from Phil for his performance during bowl prep. Think
might start next year at one of the corner spots.

The encouraging thing about the staff is that they seem much more open to playing the best talent at positions and the gripe of seniority has sort of gone away.

As the year went on, they moved Goodson and Laporta to starters. In the bowl game they played the best players on the offensive line instead of playing Paulsen in his last game.