Joel Lanning is the Mike Linebacker

[BoxsterCy]

He was more than serviceable as a QB, but I think he'll flourish as a LB.

If Stevie Johnson can do it without playing since 9th grade then Lanning can. And that 2000 team Johnson made playing linebacker wasn't a slouch team either.

 

[SECyclone]

With the old coaching staff I would be worried, but I get the feeling CMC and his guys know what they are doing. Glad Joel will see the field this year as the QB of the defense.

 

[Brandon]

I think joel will transition to the middle lb spot flawlessly

 

[dualthreat]

This is a good thing. Joel will be just fine at LB. We lost our top 3 MLB if you include Jordan Harris. Not worried.

 

[BBHMagic]

the two Mike linebackers we had on our depth chart, Kane Seeley and Brian Mills, are no longer on the team

I missed the Brian Mills thing. When did that happen and why's he gone?

Also. I wonder if Lanning will still have an offensive package that he runs.

 

[Bret44]

 

[Go2Guy]

When coach said he "wanted him on the field", I didn't anticipate at the MIKE position - yikes.

 

[danielyp29]

I missed the Brian Mills thing. When did that happen and why's he gone?

Also. I wonder if Lanning will still have an offensive package that he runs.

Mills is graduating and getting a job per this report...

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/st...b-park-impress-iowa-state-offseason/98518794/

 

[intrepid27]

Speaks well of our back-up QBs.

 

[TuckerBlayze]

I think this has a lot to say about how confident they are in Zeb at being the back up QB. Joel will be very good at LB. Honestly, that is the position where I thought he was originally recruited for. Still think you see him on offense in short yardage situations also!

 

[madguy30]

He's got the speed, size and toughness to be good. Should also have a great understanding of how offenses work and look as they are executing plays too.

Would be funny if he picks the play Tecmo-style in the spring game.

Gonna miss his interjections and energy at QB but the hope is MC has a good feel for what fits best and there's success from this.

 

[CyArob]

Joel Lanning is.... every position.

 

[heitclone]

I don't get the concern, from what we know about Joel, he's already an upgrade athletically over the guys we've had play MLB the last few years, he's as competitive a guy as we have on the team and he plays as physical as anyone on the team. Glad he's killing it at LB but I think not having him in the running game will hurt this offense.

 

[TheJackWePack5]

Great move by the staff IMO. The two MIKE's we lost from last year weren't exactly 1st Team All-Big 12 type of players.

Put him there all spring and summer and see what happens. He's pound for pound one of the best athletes on the field. Find a place for him.

 

[bos]

Something people either forget or didn't know is that Joel was offered a scholarship to play LB at Nebraska. Say what you will about them, but they don't just offer whoever. So, Joel making the switch and taking over the reigns isn't really all that surprising.

The kid is a talented bruiser. I would guess his work ethic and determination got him this role above all others.

 

[iacyguy]

Does anyone know if another quarterback has done this before? College or NFL?

 

[NATEizKING]

He's a RS SR, I assume he graduated or is graduating? Plenty of time to study up for the role.

 

[CyBlitz]

Joel Lanning is.... every position.

I could see him him as holder/surprise QB

 

[MeowingCows]

Joel Lanning is.... every position.

The time has come... For the rise of the Iowa State Joel Lannings

 

[clone52]

Does anyone know if another quarterback has done this before? College or NFL?

Sage Rosenfel's backup QB switched to LB for senior year and was one of the top tacklers on that Iowa State team. Can't remember his name.