 Marc MorehouseHi, I'm Marc Morehouse. I've covered sports for more than 15 years, mostly in Eastern Iowa. I've had Hayden Fry [...] |
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Four downs with the linebackers
Caption: Iowa linebacker James Morris (44) speaks to reporters during Iowa's annual NCAA college football media day on Friday, Aug. 5, 2011, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa is looking to improve on last season's 8-5 record. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
FOUR DOWNS WITH THE LINEBACKERS
The depth chart (No. 1 and then probables)
MLB — James Morris, so., 6-2, 227; Bruce Davis, sr., 5-11, 232; Terrance Pryor, jr., 6-1, 225; Melvin Spears, fr., 6-2, 224
WLB — Christian Kirksey, so., 6-2, 215 (OR) Anthony Hitchens, so., 6-0, 224; Quinton Alston, fr., 6-1, 22o; Marcus Collins, fr., 6-0, 215
OLB — Tyler Nielsen, sr., 6-4, 235; Dakota Getz, so., 6-4, 235
Injury note — Sophomore OLB Shane DiBona suffered a ruptured achilles tendon early in camp and is out for 2011.
The Guy
Easy answer here probably is James Morris, who defensive coordinator Norm Parker nominated for enshrinement on a Wheaties box this spring. But senior Tyler Nielsen put together an all-Big Ten caliber season before a broken neck took him out for the season on Oct. 30 last year. Nielsen proved to be terrific in coverage, defending four passes and picking off one. There was a drop in performance at the position when Nielsen was injured. He’s declared himself ready. His presence is major for what will be a young front seven.
Under the Radar
Bruce Davis was lost to a torn ACL before the Hawkeyes made it to the Big Ten schedule last season. He is behind Morris, who can be penciled in as Iowa’s middle linebacker for as long as he’s at Iowa. Davis’ value comes as a backup — you saw LB last season, backups were needed — and on special teams. One of the big plays in Iowa’s 35-3 victory two years ago in Ames was Davis’ onside kick recovery after an ISU field goal in the first quarter. Heady player who’ll find a way to contribute.
Top Newcomer
Because Iowa hasn’t made the call, we’re not going to pretend to do that hear. Any way you look at it, Christian Kirksey or Anthony Hitchens will have their profiles bloom this fall after freshmen seasons on special teams. In past linebacker races, the tie has gone to the more physical contender, the one who tackled better. Now, with Ohio State and Wisconsin not on Iowa’s schedule, maybe the faster, more aggressive linebacker earns the spot. Still, who knows which one between the two sophomores.
– Marc Morehouse
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How have the young guys – Alston, Collins and Spears – looked thus far, Marc?
Any word on the potential impact Nico Law may have on defense? Is he adjusting? He and John Raymon were two guys from the last recruiting class that I can definitely see being tough, physical, impact guys.
Thanks for doing all of the in-depth coverage of the Hawks, Marc. Nice to have somewhere to go for it.
Frosh LBs — I think a couple play on special teams. LB is thin, so they need to be ready.
Nico — He’s a three at SS, but will help on ST if he doesn’t take a redshirt. Game-ready body.
Raymon — It’s going to take a year to adjust to the grind and build the body. I think he redshirts.
Thank you!
I’ve read some message board chatter (so you know it’s chock-full of truthiness!) that Spears has been pretty impressive already. If true, would really like to see him redshirt so as to put some eligibility distance between him and Morris, especially since we appear to have some depth at MLB – at least relative to the other LB spots.