[bellzisu]

Has anyone else noticed the lack of playing time and catches lately from him? I only remember seeing the ball thrown his way once last week and that was AA perfect pass that hit him in the hands.

I thought he would really step up this year. He has a good number of catches but he has also shown that he drops alot of passes especially at critical times. If you need reminded he had a couple big drops against kNu.

I thought we would see a healthy dose of him returning kicks and becoming a star but I guess he has different plans for himself.

[wesley_w]

Originally Posted by bellzisu

I thought we would see a healthy dose of him returning kicks and becoming a star but I guess he has different plans for himself.

I think that's being a little rough on him. Yes, he's had a few drops, but we don't know if he's been hurt or what the reason is. Even the best of them drop balls, plus not every pass has hit him in the hands. He's also made some big plays for us and I'm glad he's on our side!!

[ISUFan22]

He has all but disappeared the last 2 weeks. Just 3 catches for 9 yards last week and none this week - with a key drop.

Perhaps the emergence of Hamilton has hurt him, not sure. Even though he's having a career year in receptions (50) and yards (420), he's been a disappointment.

His yards per catch (8.4) is way down from the first two years (15.6 and 12.4), but I don't put that all on him.

[jdolson]

R.J. has kinda become the "possesion" reciever this season. I think he may get a few more looks next season. I also wonder about Bates. Its too bad we couldn't have put redshirt on him. I am curious if he and Arnaud will be in a battle for the QB spot next year?

[djcubby]

Originally Posted by jdolson

I am curious if he and Arnaud will be in a battle for the QB spot next year?

I guess I don't see that happening since Arnaud has most of the rep's behind Meyer and Bates has been used as more of an athlete. Arnaud has looked really good when he gets a chance to play.

[DaddyMac]

Originally Posted by jdolson

R.J. has kinda become the "possesion" reciever this season. I think he may get a few more looks next season. I also wonder about Bates. Its too bad we couldn't have put redshirt on him. I am curious if he and Arnaud will be in a battle for the QB spot next year?

I wonder how much of a battle there will be? I understand that AA is a RS frosh and PB is a true frosh. But Bates didn't see any snaps at all the last few weeks, has he? And the ones he has have all be designed runs. And Austin has some extensive playing time the last two weeks especially. Maybe that's an experience thing, except both players have the same amount of time under Chizik (except spring ball). So it's a little hard to say that AA has more time in the system.

I'm sure PB will get a look and a chance, but seems to me the writing is on the wall as to who has the clear cut lead between the two.

Personally, I really like the idea of Bates as a wideout. Although not the same type of players - it's kind of a similar situation as a Randle El when in Pitt (haven't watched Wash) or even Seneca at Seattle. A guy who can do a number of things when he has the ball. You could see alot of trickery with him as a receiver.

[Kyle]

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

Personally, I really like the idea of Bates as a wideout. Although not the same type of players - it's kind of a similar situation as a Randle El when in Pitt (haven't watched Wash) or even Seneca at Seattle. A guy who can do a number of things when he has the ball. You could see alot of trickery with him as a receiver.

I think we were about to see some trickery during the game, but we then got a penalty for lining up in the neutral zone and Bates came back off of the field. We had lined up 4 receivers to one side with Bates to the back.

[ISUFan22]

Right, we were in the diamond formation. I assumed we were going to run the WR screen on that play.

[ahaselhu]

The only reason we ended up getting Bates is because Chizik guaranteed him that he would get a legitimate shot to play QB, which is really what he wants to play. From what I understand he just isn't playing any QB this year because he didn't start learning the system until fall practices, and doesn't know the offense well enough at this point.

[cstrunk]

Originally Posted by ahaselhu

The only reason we ended up getting Bates is because Chizik guaranteed him that he would get a legitimate shot to play QB, which is really what he wants to play. From what I understand he just isn't playing any QB this year because he didn't start learning the system until fall practices, and doesn't know the offense well enough at this point.

If he ends up being better than Arnaud I just may have to poop myself. If that were true he'd be good, fo sho'.

[jdolson]

I agree I think Arnaud has an advantage due to the snaps he has taken lately and he hasn't done anything out there to make me say "Maybe Bates should get a look.". Didn't Kansas have this situation last year. I think they started Meier at QB last year, Reesing and he were up for the same spot this year and Reesing came out the leader. It looks like Meier is doing well at WR for the Jayhawks. I hope the clones can have a similar outcome!

[nickwc]

yea similar outcome, 10-0 i would take it haha

[PolkCityClone]

Gotta throw Tiller into the mix as well.

[Iastfan112]

We've had some success turning qb's into wr's ala Austin Flynn.
Evidently a football coach now with a smoking hot fiance
Update on Former Iowa State Cyclone Austin Flynn | isuisu.com

[Cyclonepride]

I think RJ will have a very prominent role next year, and this year wasn't all that bad. Hamilton might be the go-to receiver with RJ #2.