For a team with fourteen returning starters plus all specialists returning Iowa has some intriguing position battles heading into the fall camp. Today's post will concentrate strictly on the Offensive line. Later I will delve into the Offensive Skill positions and finally the Defensive Line and Cornerback battles and the Place Kicker battles. Now for the Oline.
Center: The leader of Iowa's zone blocking scheme, he needs to make all the line calls, be nimble enough to double initially on a defensive tackle and then find a linebacker or defensive back on the second level to spring running backes for cutbacks. Must be strong enough to anchor against bigger and (probably) more athletic defensive tackles in the passing game and agile enough to pick up stunting defensive ends and blitzing line backers. Also must be smart enough to read the blitz and know which player to pick up in the passing game.
Candidates- Rafael Eubanks 6'3" 280 lbs Sr. (25 career starts) Former 2 year starter lost his job last season to Rob Bruggeman but was initially sharing time at left guard with Julian Vandervelde. Eventually he became the back up to Vandervelde, he did see some meaningful time including the entire Penn State game, but was probably seventh in the rotation by the end of the season. He is most likely the leader heading into the season as he has the most experience and had a very solid freshman campaign. He is not known as a really physical player and isn't as tall as his listed size. He needs to step us his run blocking and his footwork in the passing game.
Josh Koeppel 6'2" 267 lbs Jr. (5 games 2008, 5 games 2007) Koeppel could be the next "Iowa walk on success story." He is really undersized if the weight listed is correct, but he has played meaningful minutes stepping in for Eubanks in 2007 when he was injured and for Bruggeman last season. Koeppel hasn't started a game yet or played an entire game yet so he has a long way to go.
James Ferentz 6'2" 265 lbs R.Fr. ( Suspended for Spring, suspended for UNI) Ferentz really hurt his chances at winning the job by getting a second alcohol related offense and missing the entire spring practice. He may be the most physically gifted player at the position but he will be playing from behind and probably will struggle to get reps because of his off the field transgressions. He has been compared favorably to his brother who bounced around NFL training camps for three seasons. I don't expect to see him get game action until the Arkansas State game in week 5.
Julian Vandervelde was taking reps here but that experiment will probably end with his recovery from surgery reportedly not going as smoothly as once hoped. My guess is that he will just hope to be ready to play by ISU in week two.
Guard: Both positions seem to be up for grabs although I expect Vandervelde to man one of them most likely the left one when he is healthy. Guards are responsible for blocking DTs, DEs and LBs initially on running plays depending on the front and may get a crack at Dbs if they get out to the secong level. They also need to be able to anchor against bigger and (probably) more athletic DTs in the passing game and still be able to diagnose blitzing LBs and twisting DEs.
Candidates Julian Vandervelde 6'3" 300 lbs Jr. (9 st 2008, 6 st 2007) The leader to win the left guard position is recovering from surgery. Vandervelde had a great 2008. He is also one of the smartest and most verbose players on the team. As soon as he is healthy enough to play he will be on the field. Reports following media day put him on schedule to possibly be ready by the season opener.
Dan Doering 6'6" 300 lbs Sr. (5 games 2008, 5 st 2007) Possibly the most talented player in the mix, hasn't been able to stay on the field. Was one of the few bright spots of the line play of 2007. A monster and healthy season could get him into a NFL camp. I expect him to start the season at Right Guard. He played 5 games last season when he was healthy and has been listed as a co- starter every season heading into fall camp only to have injuries derail him at some point.
Dace Richardson 6'6" 305 lbs Sr. (1 st 2007, 8 st 2006 20+career games) One of the best stories of the spring Dace was once thought to be done with football after having undergone reconstructive knee surgery. After knocking the rust off during spring drills he was listed as a Co-starter at left guard following spring drills. Even if he doesn't win a job out of fall camp he can back up both interior spots and right tackle. Chances are he will earn a start vs. UNI with the suspension of Kyle Calloway. He is also a likely candidate to earn a sixth year of eligiblity losing all of last season and over 70% of 2007 to injury. It would be nice to see him regain even 80% of his former ability. He was on track to play in the NFL before his injury.
Andy Keumpel 6'7" 300 lbs Sr. (2 st, 3 gms; 4 gms 2007) Missed spring due to shoulder surgery. Filled in ably for Seth Olsen last season and then was hurt himself. Has a chance to play himself into the mix for a starting spot if he can stay healthy. Very physical run blocker. Is also versatile to back up both guard and tackle spots. Could start the UNI game at the very least.
Adam Gettis 6'4" 280 lbs So. (5 gms 2008) Consistently singled out for praise during spring and mentioned again during KF's presser during media day. Unlikely to start but if he does win a job or competes for playing time could be the next Olsen or Yanda. Probably heavier than his listed weight.
Tackle: There is no competition at tackle. Bulaga (18 career starts, every game last season) will anchor the left tackle spot and Calloway ( every game the last two seasons) will anchor the right tackle spot after the UNI game. I was rough on Calloway before last season and no one improved more than him between 2007 and 2008. The only competition at tackle is who backs these two up. The players to watch at this postion are Riley Reiff (red shirt freshman) who has been singled out for praise by Norm Parker all off season, Kyle Haganman Jr., Markus Zusevics So. who is listed as second string right tackle, Casey McMillan (red shirt freshman) and incoming recruit Nolan MacMillan who will try to hold off a red shirt. Hopefully none of these guys have to see significant playing time. It would be nice to get Reiff and Zusevics some serious minutes as both Bulaga and Calloway are projected to play in the NFL next season.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Five Questions Heading into '09
Alright I can begin writing poorly about this season's team. I have some posts ready to go and this is the first one.
1. How do you replace Mitch King and Matt Kroul?
Iowa's entire defensive scheme relies on superior defensive line play. Controlling the line of scrimmage by maintaining gap discipline in the run gam and applying pressure in the pass game by using only four down lineman (at least on first and second down- Norm seems to be blitzing more on third down the last two seasons, even "gasp" employing Nickel and Dime defenses). Mitch King and Matt Kroul started a combined 97 career games between them ( 50 straight for Kroul- I think an Iowa record). These two rarely left the field also, so that leaves pretty inexperienced replacements. Karl Klug managed to win a Player of the Week last season in the blow out win over FIU, and saw some decent playing time. Chad Geary can play both tackle and end but he suffered an ACL tear and is iffy to return for his senior season. I was told Binns would slide to DT, but that never happened in spring drills so it seems he was reluctant to switch positions. It looks like tackle by comittee with a steady dose of Mike Daniels, Cody Hundertmark, Travis Meade (who moved over from the crowded O-line mix), and Steve Bigach who reportedly was Doyelized. I expect big things from Klug who seems to have the motor and burst of King, but at least one of these other guys has to anchor the D and hold the point of attack- do the dirty work that Kroul rarely got credit for.
2. How will the O-line shake out by Big Ten time?
Much like Iowa's defense, the Hawk's offense is driven by the big guys up front. There seems to be unusual depth to this years unit even taking into account losing 3 year starter Seth Olsen and 2nd team all Big Ten selection Rob Bruggeman whom many credit with being the engine that made last season's line go. There are five Seniors and four Juniors in the 2-deeps coming out of spring drills including Andy Keumpal who could not compete because of injury. Position Battles at all three interior line spots figure to linger into the season. Plus someone will have to fill in for Kyle Calloway while he deals with his suspension for his Moped DUI. It would be nice to have the line figured out by the time we play ISU on the road but it seems unlikely that will be the case. It is imperative that it is figured out before we head into Happy Valley.
3. Will Stanzi take Command of the offense and who will be his backup?
Ricky needs to do more than just manage a game heading into his Junior campaign. Behind what is potentially a great offensive line and with the possible loss of Jewel Hampton for the season, Stanzi has to step up and lead with his play. Brinson, O'Meara, Wegher, Rogers, and Robinson can step up and replace the ghosts of Shonn Greene and Jewel Hampton. I think the running game will be fine. Stanzi is an excellent play action passer and does a very good job of throwing on the run. Now he needs to be more poised in the pocket and read coverages better. It should be a natural progression for him as he becomes a more confident player as the incumbent with no one really pushing him. One thing I was really impressed with was how he handled himself in a really tough situation last season with the qb competition. If you could have combined Stanzi's touch and demeanor with Christensen's mind Iowa would have had some hellish qb play last season. This is only the second time in the Ferentz era where the Hawks are coming into a season with the qb situation settled (and no last season doesn't count). If we don't see some measureable improvement from Stanzi it may be time to take a long hard look at a dedicated qb coach. The second part of this question may be the more disturbing one, which of the Redshirts will step in if Stanzi goes down? Remember Syracuse in '06? As much as people like to deride JC he won games behind a sub par O-line in 2007 . He rescued us against ISU last season and handled himself with class throughout all of last year. Manson killed us against Syracuse. JC would have been a helluva nice option as we let the kids season for another year. We need both qbs to see significant time against UNI, hopefully against Arizona, Arkansas State, and our idiot nemesis Indiana who should absolutly blow this season. And (knock on wood) not in significant situations. I don't mean any disrespct towards them. They may be incredible. But I like known quantities. Stanzi from last season can win us 8 games with this schedule.
4. Who will start opposite of DJK and can Stross and Moeaki stay healthy?
Assuming DJK has (and can stay out of and apparently that is a big if) made it out of the doghouse I would bet on Stross. I think Stross should figure out which ex-girlfriend he pissed off and get the voo-doo doll excorcized. When you see a healthy Stross you almost see a bigger Kevin Kasper. Usually you just see braces or crutches. Colin Sandeman and Marvin McNutt have earned a lot of praise from the coaching staff. Paul Chaney Jr. was also a big story this spring. Walk- ons Don Nordmann, Ben Evans, and Steven Staggs also have a chance to contribute. Before the season is over Keenan Davis will probably be the guy. If he is as advertised he might be the guy when he steps onto campus. If Jordan Cotton and Stephane N'Goumou can avoid redshirts they have a chance to contribute. N'Goumou is quickly replacing DJK as the new internet legend in Iowa City. Moeaki could be the key to the entire offense. A rare total tight end- a crushing blocker and a match up nightmare in the passing game, a full season of health could vault him into third to fourth round NFL status and All-American consideration, but he has lost basically the last two seasons to injuries. I think that it is unlikely that both players make through the season unscathed. The best we can hope for is one to make it. I hope it is Moeaki.
5. Where will the LEADERSHIP come from on this team?
Given some of the events off the field rumored to have take place this summer this is possibly the most important question to be addressed. Losing Mitch King, Matt Kroul, Rob Bruggeman, Seth Olsen, Andy Brodell, Brandon Myers, Bradley Fletcher and even Jake Christensen will be felt on the field but even more importantly (in my opinion) off of it. If you have heard these guys talk at a Hawkeye event or met them you realize that they were special people. They were leaders, especially King, Kroul, and Christensen. Every college team faces this every year, but I think we all realize how important this is to Iowa after the '05- '07 seasons went. I think there are some natural candidates for these roles but you also need others who are willing to be led. Lets hope for no more news until Media Day.
1. How do you replace Mitch King and Matt Kroul?
Iowa's entire defensive scheme relies on superior defensive line play. Controlling the line of scrimmage by maintaining gap discipline in the run gam and applying pressure in the pass game by using only four down lineman (at least on first and second down- Norm seems to be blitzing more on third down the last two seasons, even "gasp" employing Nickel and Dime defenses). Mitch King and Matt Kroul started a combined 97 career games between them ( 50 straight for Kroul- I think an Iowa record). These two rarely left the field also, so that leaves pretty inexperienced replacements. Karl Klug managed to win a Player of the Week last season in the blow out win over FIU, and saw some decent playing time. Chad Geary can play both tackle and end but he suffered an ACL tear and is iffy to return for his senior season. I was told Binns would slide to DT, but that never happened in spring drills so it seems he was reluctant to switch positions. It looks like tackle by comittee with a steady dose of Mike Daniels, Cody Hundertmark, Travis Meade (who moved over from the crowded O-line mix), and Steve Bigach who reportedly was Doyelized. I expect big things from Klug who seems to have the motor and burst of King, but at least one of these other guys has to anchor the D and hold the point of attack- do the dirty work that Kroul rarely got credit for.
2. How will the O-line shake out by Big Ten time?
Much like Iowa's defense, the Hawk's offense is driven by the big guys up front. There seems to be unusual depth to this years unit even taking into account losing 3 year starter Seth Olsen and 2nd team all Big Ten selection Rob Bruggeman whom many credit with being the engine that made last season's line go. There are five Seniors and four Juniors in the 2-deeps coming out of spring drills including Andy Keumpal who could not compete because of injury. Position Battles at all three interior line spots figure to linger into the season. Plus someone will have to fill in for Kyle Calloway while he deals with his suspension for his Moped DUI. It would be nice to have the line figured out by the time we play ISU on the road but it seems unlikely that will be the case. It is imperative that it is figured out before we head into Happy Valley.
3. Will Stanzi take Command of the offense and who will be his backup?
Ricky needs to do more than just manage a game heading into his Junior campaign. Behind what is potentially a great offensive line and with the possible loss of Jewel Hampton for the season, Stanzi has to step up and lead with his play. Brinson, O'Meara, Wegher, Rogers, and Robinson can step up and replace the ghosts of Shonn Greene and Jewel Hampton. I think the running game will be fine. Stanzi is an excellent play action passer and does a very good job of throwing on the run. Now he needs to be more poised in the pocket and read coverages better. It should be a natural progression for him as he becomes a more confident player as the incumbent with no one really pushing him. One thing I was really impressed with was how he handled himself in a really tough situation last season with the qb competition. If you could have combined Stanzi's touch and demeanor with Christensen's mind Iowa would have had some hellish qb play last season. This is only the second time in the Ferentz era where the Hawks are coming into a season with the qb situation settled (and no last season doesn't count). If we don't see some measureable improvement from Stanzi it may be time to take a long hard look at a dedicated qb coach. The second part of this question may be the more disturbing one, which of the Redshirts will step in if Stanzi goes down? Remember Syracuse in '06? As much as people like to deride JC he won games behind a sub par O-line in 2007 . He rescued us against ISU last season and handled himself with class throughout all of last year. Manson killed us against Syracuse. JC would have been a helluva nice option as we let the kids season for another year. We need both qbs to see significant time against UNI, hopefully against Arizona, Arkansas State, and our idiot nemesis Indiana who should absolutly blow this season. And (knock on wood) not in significant situations. I don't mean any disrespct towards them. They may be incredible. But I like known quantities. Stanzi from last season can win us 8 games with this schedule.
4. Who will start opposite of DJK and can Stross and Moeaki stay healthy?
Assuming DJK has (and can stay out of and apparently that is a big if) made it out of the doghouse I would bet on Stross. I think Stross should figure out which ex-girlfriend he pissed off and get the voo-doo doll excorcized. When you see a healthy Stross you almost see a bigger Kevin Kasper. Usually you just see braces or crutches. Colin Sandeman and Marvin McNutt have earned a lot of praise from the coaching staff. Paul Chaney Jr. was also a big story this spring. Walk- ons Don Nordmann, Ben Evans, and Steven Staggs also have a chance to contribute. Before the season is over Keenan Davis will probably be the guy. If he is as advertised he might be the guy when he steps onto campus. If Jordan Cotton and Stephane N'Goumou can avoid redshirts they have a chance to contribute. N'Goumou is quickly replacing DJK as the new internet legend in Iowa City. Moeaki could be the key to the entire offense. A rare total tight end- a crushing blocker and a match up nightmare in the passing game, a full season of health could vault him into third to fourth round NFL status and All-American consideration, but he has lost basically the last two seasons to injuries. I think that it is unlikely that both players make through the season unscathed. The best we can hope for is one to make it. I hope it is Moeaki.
5. Where will the LEADERSHIP come from on this team?
Given some of the events off the field rumored to have take place this summer this is possibly the most important question to be addressed. Losing Mitch King, Matt Kroul, Rob Bruggeman, Seth Olsen, Andy Brodell, Brandon Myers, Bradley Fletcher and even Jake Christensen will be felt on the field but even more importantly (in my opinion) off of it. If you have heard these guys talk at a Hawkeye event or met them you realize that they were special people. They were leaders, especially King, Kroul, and Christensen. Every college team faces this every year, but I think we all realize how important this is to Iowa after the '05- '07 seasons went. I think there are some natural candidates for these roles but you also need others who are willing to be led. Lets hope for no more news until Media Day.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Unsigned Free Agents
Three Hawks who went undrafted are currently on NFL rosters fighting for a roster spot and a fourth is looking for a home. Mitch King, reigning B11 Defensive Player of the Year, is with the Tennessee Titans. Matt Kroul, King's brother from another mother, is with the New York Jets, and Rob Bruggeman is fighting for a spot on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Andy Brodell signed with Green Bay initially and then failed a physical and never got a chance to compete in rookie drills. A couple of things to remember- a lot of players take this route and stick including reigning Defensive POY James Harrison and the star of my fantasy team Wes Welker. There are way too many examples to list. Here is a more in depth look a each players situation.
Mitch King
Tennesee Titans
Currently listed as the third string LDT on the official web site of the Titans ( www.titansonline.com ). He will compete with Javon Haye and Joson Jones for playing time or a spot in the rotation. Tony Brown and Sen'Derrick Marks are the other sure things for roster spots. Another guy that King could be battling is vet Kevin Vickerson. In my opinion King has landed in the best destination he could have. Jim Washburn, his position coach, is very highly regarded around the NFL and former Hawk Jared Clauss told me he is the best in the business. I think King has a good chance to make the opening day roster depending on how many players the Titans want to have in their D-line rotation. It would be good for him to get reps as D-end also, the more you do the more valuable you are. I also think that King is athletic enough to make an impact on special teams. At worst I see him being signed to the practice squad as insurance in case of injuries to the vets ahead of him on the depth chart, but I really think he will play and make a name for himself in a short amount of time. Some day scouts might look for football players instead of athletes.
Rob Bruggeman
Tampa Bay doesn't publish a depth chart until training camp begins but some other sites have Bruggy listed as the third string center. The other centers listed are Jeff Faine (who may be the best in the NFL) and Sean Mahan. However rumors are that Mahan is involved in a positional battle with starter Aaron Sears and top backup Jeremy Zuttah. That might mean more reps for Rob. The Buc's overhaul of their coaching staff includes a transition to a zone blocking scheme being run by Pete Mangurian. Here is a nice article about Rob's signing following the first round of OTAs www.pewterreport.com/articles/view/5444 which includes some tidbits about why he signed with Tampa. I think Rob has a very good shot at earning a roster spot and at worst will be on Tampa's practice squad.
Matt Kroul
Kroul signed with the New York Jets. This is a bit of a puzzler to me for a couple of reasons. He doesn't have the traditional size or length of a 5 technique DE in a 3-4 and the massiveness needed to play nose. He will compete with Marques Douglas, Kareem Brown, Mike DeVito, Ropati Pitoitiva, Brian Schaefering, and fellow UFAs from this seasons class and cornholers Zach Potter and Ty Steinkuhler. That is a lot of guys to split reps with. One thing going in Matt's favor is that almost everyone there is starting from scratch as Rex Ryan has taken over the Head Coaching position. Ryan also seems to fill his roster with guys like Kroul- smart, hardworking, and adaptable football players. UFAs don't just get a chance to back up but they can win starting jobs. Kroul could remind Ryan of one of his favorites in Baltimore Kelly Gregg. The other thing Matt might have going for him is he is one of 3 players listed on the roster whose postition is listed as DL instead of a specific position. Baltimore used to change fronts constantly and I am sure that Matt can adapt to the calls and audibles as he seems to have a knack for diagraming plays on napkins. Ryan runs an attacking style of defense but he needs the d-lineman to attack gaps and occupy blockers which is essentially what Kroul did for Iowa. I am not sure that Matt will make the Jets but if he makes it to the last round of cuts he has a shot to get picked up by another team and now has some experience in the 3-4. ( I know Iowa runs a 3-4 on passing downs, he played nose during it and drew it up for me on the aforementioned napkin.)
Andy Brodell
Andy initially signed with Green Bay but failed his physical and never got a chance to compete. His agent Jack Bechta writes a column on one of the web sites I have linked here and he wrote an incredible article about the process Andy is going through here -http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/the-last-shot-the-long-shot.html . I also heard third hand that Andy may be attending one of these types of camps (or has attended) for the Saints. I hope Andy keeps chasing the dream and gets 100% healthy. Several NFL teams could use help at reciever and punt returner and I think if he got a chance he would make it hard on them to cut him.
And that is the end of my NFL coverage for the class of 2009 for awhile at least. I am burned out on it and training camps haven't even started. I am sure I will return to this topic in late July or early August and I will try to update Fletcher, Olsen, and Myers contract status.
Mitch King
Tennesee Titans
Currently listed as the third string LDT on the official web site of the Titans ( www.titansonline.com ). He will compete with Javon Haye and Joson Jones for playing time or a spot in the rotation. Tony Brown and Sen'Derrick Marks are the other sure things for roster spots. Another guy that King could be battling is vet Kevin Vickerson. In my opinion King has landed in the best destination he could have. Jim Washburn, his position coach, is very highly regarded around the NFL and former Hawk Jared Clauss told me he is the best in the business. I think King has a good chance to make the opening day roster depending on how many players the Titans want to have in their D-line rotation. It would be good for him to get reps as D-end also, the more you do the more valuable you are. I also think that King is athletic enough to make an impact on special teams. At worst I see him being signed to the practice squad as insurance in case of injuries to the vets ahead of him on the depth chart, but I really think he will play and make a name for himself in a short amount of time. Some day scouts might look for football players instead of athletes.
Rob Bruggeman
Tampa Bay doesn't publish a depth chart until training camp begins but some other sites have Bruggy listed as the third string center. The other centers listed are Jeff Faine (who may be the best in the NFL) and Sean Mahan. However rumors are that Mahan is involved in a positional battle with starter Aaron Sears and top backup Jeremy Zuttah. That might mean more reps for Rob. The Buc's overhaul of their coaching staff includes a transition to a zone blocking scheme being run by Pete Mangurian. Here is a nice article about Rob's signing following the first round of OTAs www.pewterreport.com/articles/view/5444 which includes some tidbits about why he signed with Tampa. I think Rob has a very good shot at earning a roster spot and at worst will be on Tampa's practice squad.
Matt Kroul
Kroul signed with the New York Jets. This is a bit of a puzzler to me for a couple of reasons. He doesn't have the traditional size or length of a 5 technique DE in a 3-4 and the massiveness needed to play nose. He will compete with Marques Douglas, Kareem Brown, Mike DeVito, Ropati Pitoitiva, Brian Schaefering, and fellow UFAs from this seasons class and cornholers Zach Potter and Ty Steinkuhler. That is a lot of guys to split reps with. One thing going in Matt's favor is that almost everyone there is starting from scratch as Rex Ryan has taken over the Head Coaching position. Ryan also seems to fill his roster with guys like Kroul- smart, hardworking, and adaptable football players. UFAs don't just get a chance to back up but they can win starting jobs. Kroul could remind Ryan of one of his favorites in Baltimore Kelly Gregg. The other thing Matt might have going for him is he is one of 3 players listed on the roster whose postition is listed as DL instead of a specific position. Baltimore used to change fronts constantly and I am sure that Matt can adapt to the calls and audibles as he seems to have a knack for diagraming plays on napkins. Ryan runs an attacking style of defense but he needs the d-lineman to attack gaps and occupy blockers which is essentially what Kroul did for Iowa. I am not sure that Matt will make the Jets but if he makes it to the last round of cuts he has a shot to get picked up by another team and now has some experience in the 3-4. ( I know Iowa runs a 3-4 on passing downs, he played nose during it and drew it up for me on the aforementioned napkin.)
Andy Brodell
Andy initially signed with Green Bay but failed his physical and never got a chance to compete. His agent Jack Bechta writes a column on one of the web sites I have linked here and he wrote an incredible article about the process Andy is going through here -http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/the-last-shot-the-long-shot.html . I also heard third hand that Andy may be attending one of these types of camps (or has attended) for the Saints. I hope Andy keeps chasing the dream and gets 100% healthy. Several NFL teams could use help at reciever and punt returner and I think if he got a chance he would make it hard on them to cut him.
And that is the end of my NFL coverage for the class of 2009 for awhile at least. I am burned out on it and training camps haven't even started. I am sure I will return to this topic in late July or early August and I will try to update Fletcher, Olsen, and Myers contract status.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
