I can provide some thoughts on Iowa:
QB- Concerning. I was hoping Stanely would separate himself from Wiegers this spring but that has not happened and I dont think its because of improvements that Wiegers has made. There are some things working against the QB's, lack of WR's and installing a new offense, but it has not been very encouraging so far.
RB- Wadley is a game changer and has legitimate 1500+ yard potential. Durability will always be an issue with him. Two way race to back him up between Toren Young and Toks Akinribade.
WR- Extremely short on scholarship bodies. We have 2 left at this position as of the end of spring practice. If Vandy can come back healthy, he is the #1. Jerminic Smith is probably #2 if he can get his academics in order. Junior college walk on Nick Easley really had a good spring and will play this year. At least 2 true freshmen will play in my opinion at this position with the most likely being Brandon Smith.
TE- A lot of bodies here and Brian Ferentz made some comments last week that they may look to utilize more TE's to create mismatches because of the lack of depth at WR. Noah Fant and TJ Hockensen have the most potential at this spot.
OL- Lose 1 starter but return 5 guys that started a lot of games last year. Should be the strength of the team. No doubt about their ability to run block but their pass protection needs to improve. I dont fault all the sacks on them last year though, some of that goes back on the QB.
DL- Should be solid. Jaleel Johnson is a big loss but we return all the others starters. Matt and Anthony Nelson play on the ends along with Parker Hesse and Nathan Bazata started alongside Johnson at DT. Epenesa will play.
LB- Best position group on the defense led by Josey Jewell. All three projected starters are seniors but it sounds like sophomore Amani Jones is pushing Bower for his starting spot.
DB- Lost an All American in Desmond King. The 3 guys that will play most at CB (Jackson, Rugamba and Ojemudia) have gained some experience the last couple of years and Rugamba really played well as a true freshman last year after Mabin went down. We were set to return both starters at safety (Taylor and Snyder) but Snyder tore his ACL in spring ball and is expected out all year. His replacement, Jack Gervase, had 3 INT's in the spring game but that was mostly due to poor QB play. Sophomore Amani Hooker may push Gervase from the starting spot.
Special Teams- Keith Duncan is the place kicker, Colton Rastetter will most likely be the punter and it sounds like Wadley is lobbying to return kicks and punts which would be a great weapon.
Let me know if you have questions.
QB- Concerning. I was hoping Stanely would separate himself from Wiegers this spring but that has not happened and I dont think its because of improvements that Wiegers has made. There are some things working against the QB's, lack of WR's and installing a new offense, but it has not been very encouraging so far.
RB- Wadley is a game changer and has legitimate 1500+ yard potential. Durability will always be an issue with him. Two way race to back him up between Toren Young and Toks Akinribade.
WR- Extremely short on scholarship bodies. We have 2 left at this position as of the end of spring practice. If Vandy can come back healthy, he is the #1. Jerminic Smith is probably #2 if he can get his academics in order. Junior college walk on Nick Easley really had a good spring and will play this year. At least 2 true freshmen will play in my opinion at this position with the most likely being Brandon Smith.
TE- A lot of bodies here and Brian Ferentz made some comments last week that they may look to utilize more TE's to create mismatches because of the lack of depth at WR. Noah Fant and TJ Hockensen have the most potential at this spot.
OL- Lose 1 starter but return 5 guys that started a lot of games last year. Should be the strength of the team. No doubt about their ability to run block but their pass protection needs to improve. I dont fault all the sacks on them last year though, some of that goes back on the QB.
DL- Should be solid. Jaleel Johnson is a big loss but we return all the others starters. Matt and Anthony Nelson play on the ends along with Parker Hesse and Nathan Bazata started alongside Johnson at DT. Epenesa will play.
LB- Best position group on the defense led by Josey Jewell. All three projected starters are seniors but it sounds like sophomore Amani Jones is pushing Bower for his starting spot.
DB- Lost an All American in Desmond King. The 3 guys that will play most at CB (Jackson, Rugamba and Ojemudia) have gained some experience the last couple of years and Rugamba really played well as a true freshman last year after Mabin went down. We were set to return both starters at safety (Taylor and Snyder) but Snyder tore his ACL in spring ball and is expected out all year. His replacement, Jack Gervase, had 3 INT's in the spring game but that was mostly due to poor QB play. Sophomore Amani Hooker may push Gervase from the starting spot.
Special Teams- Keith Duncan is the place kicker, Colton Rastetter will most likely be the punter and it sounds like Wadley is lobbying to return kicks and punts which would be a great weapon.
Let me know if you have questions.