Knott-Klein...how do they compare to Hodge-Greenway at this stage of development.

[Mesaclone1]

Jake Knott, a small town Iowa kid who's turned out to be the best collegiate LB out of this state in many, many years. Kids got NFL written all over him...how the heck did he not get more scholarship offers out of high school? Rhoads was calling this kid a freak of nature from day one, and it turns out his evaluation was spot on. Can't wait to watch this kid play over the next 2 years.

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Bednarik Preseason Award Watch List Announced!

Anyway, here's the question I'd pose:
Will Knott and Klein prove to be a better combo than Greenway-Hodge?

[Clark]

I think it's a little early. Greenway was a two time 1st team all american. Hodge was also 1st team All Big 10 and 4th team AA.

Maybe Knott & Klein get to that level, they still have time to get better.

[Mesaclone1]

Good points...and why I asked "at this stage", which means essentially comparing their play as sophomores to Greenway-Hodge as Sophs. I think Knott's a tad behind Greenway...but Klein may be right there with Hodge at this point...so I think its fairly close, with perhaps a slight edge to Hodge-Greenway as a duo. But certainly comparable. The key is to come up with a 3rd LB who's darn near as good. Its conceivable that we could have the best LB corps in the Big 12 next year...considering an ESPN ranking just had us with the 2nd best group right now.

[flynnhicks03]

Jake Knott, a small town Iowa kid who's turned out to be the best collegiate LB out of this state in many, many years. Kids got NFL written all over him...how the heck did he not get more scholarship offers out of high school? Rhoads was calling this kid a freak of nature from day one, and it turns out his evaluation was spot on. Can't wait to watch this kid play over the next 2 years.

FWAA > News > Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Bednarik Preseason Award Watch List Announced!

Anyway, here's the question I'd pose:
Will Knott and Klein prove to be a better combo than Greenway-Hodge?

Greenway and Hodge got to play behind some of the best defensive lines in the country. That really made their lives a lot easier. Hopefully, our d-line keeps improving; that will go a long way in improving the linebackers' chances of high-level success.

[isuno1fan]

Good lord...why try to drudge up the squawks and get in a pizzing match with them???
Both are excellent LB tandoms.

[Clark]

Greenway and Hodge got to play behind some of the best defensive lines in the country. That really made their lives a lot easier. Hopefully, our d-line keeps improving; that will go a long way in improving the linebackers' chances of high-level success.

True in 2004, not true in 2005.

Anyway, playing behind a good d-line is a double edged sword. On the one hand, the o-line has to focus more on them, on the other, they tend to make more tackles at the LOS limiting the numbers you can put up.

Chad Greenway was an elite pass defender at the college level. I'm no scout so I have no idea if Knott has the tools to get to that level.

[CycloneErik]

I'm with no1 here. What's the point or benefit of this comparison? All this can amount to is a long-term spitting contest with an unprovable question.

[cyhawkdmb]

Good lord...why try to drudge up the squawks and get in a pizzing match with them???
Both are excellent LB tandoms.

im with ya on this... I saw the thread title and immediatly began SMH..... Just dont get it... why not compare them to AJ Hawk and Na'il Diggs?.............

[Cyclone06]

I'm with no1 here. What's the point or benefit of this comparison? All this can amount to is a long-term spitting contest with an unprovable question.

But isn't that the way things work in July on CycloneFanatic?

[CYCLNST8]

Greenway and Hodge got to play behind some of the best defensive lines in the country. That really made their lives a lot easier. Hopefully, our d-line keeps improving; that will go a long way in improving the linebackers' chances of high-level success.

Minnesota recently tagged Greenway as their franchise player. Granted they've got a pretty good D-line, but he must be doing something right. If we really want to start a ******* match with our pesky neighbors, why not ask this question: who's current linebacking corps would you want on the field this fall? I'll take the bash brothers.

[flynnhicks03]

Minnesota recently tagged Greenway as their franchise player. Granted they've got a pretty good D-line, but he must be doing something right. If we really want to start a ******* match with our pesky neighbors, why not ask this question: who's current linebacking corps would you want on the field this fall? I'll take the bash brothers.

I have no intention of starting a ******* match. I mean no disrepect to those players. It's just the facts, as I see them.

[Mesaclone1]

I'm with no1 here. What's the point or benefit of this comparison? All this can amount to is a long-term spitting contest with an unprovable question.

Its July, for godssakes, what else is there to talk about concerning football.

[dbqhawk1952]

Jake Knott, a small town Iowa kid who's turned out to be the best collegiate LB out of this state in many, many years. Kids got NFL written all over him...how the heck did he not get more scholarship offers out of high school? Rhoads was calling this kid a freak of nature from day one, and it turns out his evaluation was spot on. Can't wait to watch this kid play over the next 2 years.

FWAA > News > Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Bednarik Preseason Award Watch List Announced!

Anyway, here's the question I'd pose:
Will Knott and Klein prove to be a better combo than Greenway-Hodge?

You can say the same thing about Pat Angerer. He was injured for his first three years in the program but once he got healthy he was very good. IMHO, the reason they get over looked is because there is no measurement for the amount of "heart" a player has.

[snowcraig2.0]

I think Knott is a clone of Greenway, I really do. Same body, same great ability to defend the pass as well as stuff the run. I think Klien is a better player than Hodge at this point, but we'll see....

[tm3308]

I think that Knott is right up there with Greenway at this stage of their careers. Maybe not better, but certainly in the conversation. Klein may actually be better than Hodge. Hodge was a great college linebacker, who made his living with terrific instincts and hitting like a freight train. He was not an elite athlete.

I've not seen a whole lot of ISU, so I can't swear to any of this.