Leading up to the Northern Iowa Game

After the three weeks of camp, it appears that we have learned some things about this year’s team, but some other parts appear to still be works in progress. Below are the some of my thoughts on the developments that have occurred since the start of camp.

Corner Pocket- Jordan Bernstine’s injury hurts on multiple fronts. He showed great progress last year when he was inserted in nickel coverage and certainly was on the fast track to the starting position going into camp. The potential athleticism that Iowa would have had at the cornerback position with Bernstine and Spievey would arguably have been the most athletic corner duo in Iowa football history. Alas, a younger player will have to follow the Iowa mantra of “Next Man In.” Shaun Prater would have had the inside track to the position, but he is suspended for the first two games of the year as a result of a DUI arrest. The first two-deep of the season has Greg Castillo and Willie Lowe as the co-starters at the LC position. Although I think Prater will eventually win the job, I think it will be very important for both Castillo and Lowe to see some significant reps, especially against Iowa State.

Backfield- Where to begin, where to begin. It appears as though Paki O’Meara and Adam Robinson will see the brunt of the reps against UNI. Jewel Hampton was not listed on the two-deep nor was Jeff Brinson anywhere to be found. Hampton’s status appears to be in limbo, and if I had to venture a guess, I would bet that Hampton takes a redshirt this season, but we will have to see. Brinson evidently had some ankle problems during practice, which presumably hampered his ability to have enough repetitions to lead to a spot on the two-deep. Nonetheless, I think he still sees the field for quality minutes against UNI. Either way, for better or worse, this year’s running back position appears to be headed toward RBBC (Running Back by Committee).

End of the Line- I am absolutely giddy of the thought of a Clayborn/Ballard/Klug/Binns defensive line. Do not get me wrong, I think this team will miss Matt Kroul and Mitch King but, as a unit, this year’s defensive line could be even better than last year.

Return Game­- Amari Spievey is listed as the punt returner and he will share the kickoff return duties with Paki O’Meara. This is certainly an area where Iowa can improve in 2009. Last year, Iowa averaged a serviceable 20.46 yards a return, which is certainly acceptable, but probably not where the coaching staff wants.

Specialists- Trent Mossbrucker and Daniel Murray are listed as the co-placekickers. I hope that Mossbrucker is used as the extra-point specialist while Murray is given the reigns to the field goal kicker position (for a lack of a better term). At a scrimmage several weeks ago, Murray was 12 of 13, including a salty 4/4 from 50 yards or more while Mossbrucker was 11 of 13 and 3 of 4 from 50 yards or more. Either way you cut it, it is very pleasing to know that the Hawks have two great kickers for the next few years.

O-Line Shuffle- The offensive line will undergo a musical chair routine the first three weeks of the season. The starting line for the UNI game will be (from left to right): Bulaga, Gettis, Eubanks, Doering, Richardson. However, if I were to venture a guess for the starting line against Arizona (3d game of the season), it will be: Bulaga, Vandervelde, Eubanks, Richarson, Calloway. I really hope that both Dan Doering and Dace Richardson are able to exorcise their injury demons and have healthy and productive senior seasons given all of the adversity they have been through during their college careers. I am very curious to see what the starting offensive line will be around the middle of the season.

“Game Manager”- All of the pundits have been dismissing the notion of Ricky Stanzi as a “game manager.” While I think Stanzi will take a step forward this year and be the offensive leader of the team, if he is a “game manager” who does not make mental mistakes or throw interceptions, then I am all for having a “Game Manager” at the helm of the offense.

Targets- Marvin McNutt was listed as one of the starting receivers heading into camp and he retained that position heading out of camp, while Trey Stross is listed as the starter on the other side. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is listed behind McNutt, but as many three and four receiver sets as Iowa runs, the fact that DJK is listed as number two is somewhat of a non-event in my opinion. If anything, I think that it shows McNutt is a legitimate receiving threat. Everyone knows how talented DJK is, thus having three solid sure-handed receivers is an absolute plus. Stross is due for a breakout year, as there is no question that he has exceptional hands and speed, for him it is a question of staying healthy. Speaking of health, if Tony Moeaki can avoid the small injury bug that has plagued him for the past three years, then the duo of Moeaki and Allen Reisner has the potential to be a formidable pair of TEs for opponents to deal with this season. When one looks at the injuries that Moeaki has suffered during his Iowa career, it is readily apparent that he has been unlucky. I do not buy into someone being deemed “injury prone.” Kirk Ferentz has always commented on how talented and skilled Moeaki is at his position, here is hoping for Moeaki’s chance to show the entire nation what Ferentz and Co. have seen in practice for the past three years.

Well that does it for this installment. I will be posting sometime during the week with my thoughts about the UNI game and a prediction.

Go Hawks!