Alright step one is accomplished (Asking about the 2011 recruiting class). But, my quest of education of the Cyclone football program is incomplete. I was wondering if you all could give me a break down of your roster (Position by position). I know it is a lot to ask, but it is always better to be educated other than arguing to be arguing. Also, who do you think will be the guys who really step up this year?
2011 Cyclone Breakdown
- Thread starter hawkeye1984
- Start date
1. Stop quoting that long post! Theres only so many hours in the day I can commit to scrolling down on a forum thread.
2. 2011 Iowa State Football – Projected Fall Depth Chart and Scholarship Situation | Go Iowa State - Iowa State Apparel, Cyclone Merchandise, ISU Clothing
This is sort an opion based depth chart by that site, but it does a good job of putting a lot of the pieces together.
Guys to really step it up from last seasons performance?
Shontrell Johnson
Darius Reynolds
The DL in general
Hopefully Tom Herman's X's and O's equating to a lot more points.
2. 2011 Iowa State Football – Projected Fall Depth Chart and Scholarship Situation | Go Iowa State - Iowa State Apparel, Cyclone Merchandise, ISU Clothing
This is sort an opion based depth chart by that site, but it does a good job of putting a lot of the pieces together.
Guys to really step it up from last seasons performance?
Shontrell Johnson
Darius Reynolds
The DL in general
Hopefully Tom Herman's X's and O's equating to a lot more points.
Last edited:
Anyways, in addition to the WR position I mentioned earlier, I think it will be very interesting to see what will happen at the RB position. We have a great speed/shift back (Shontrelle Johnson), a great fit at a power type of back (Jeff Woody), but no proven every down back yet. Will Johnson be able to fill that role? I hope so, if not, look for Duran Hollis or James White too. Also, we have two very talented RBs coming in, Rob Standard and DeVondrick Nealy. I see Rob staying in the backfield, and maybe eventually becoming that every down back I mentioned above, and Nealy playing in the slot, on screens, in the return game, and whereever we can get him the ball. We have a lot of young talent at RB, hopefully we can keep them all happy. RB is one of those positions where depth is huge. I'm sure you don't need me telling you that, judging by your guys' bad luck at that position recently.
Last edited by a moderator:
I'LL BITE...
Offense we lose some quality seniors, but, as with any change in personnel that opens the door for replacement good or bad.
QB - as with Iowa - losing our starting qb Arnaud this is a huge unknown for ISU. In similar positions having seen glimpses of what could be but not feeling 100% comfortable in the situation. They've recruited several qb's in that have talent but are not yet ready to take over the reigns.
My best guess right now would be:Front Runners: Jantz, Capello, Tiller with the dark horse of Barnett. QB of the future may be Richardson who has all the tools and is in a similar system in HS, but, its a big leap to play at major level. The development and play of this position will be more important then any other on the field - by far our biggest unknown.
RB - Stacked...losing Alexander Robinson is big, but, with returning players Woodie, S. Johnson and James White, and redshirted Duran Hollis then add to the mix of highly recruited florida prospect Devondrick Nealy & Missouri's TD machine, Robert Standard - this is one position our coaches have recruited highly talented players and if kept together, this position is stacked for the future.
WR - lose jake Williams a decent deep threat and Sed Johnson who never lived up to billing. Not yet up to where we need to be with this position to be successful. IMO we have multiple players that all fulfill the same role with no real game changers. We've recruited this position harder then any since herman has signed on as the OC and so far the results have not been favorable.
That said, there are some guys here that could step up and become playmakers...time will tell, but my guess for my starting three: Reynolds, Darks, Horne or Lenz. The staff recruited Juco Horne who appears on tape to have the speed needed as a deep threat which we've desperately needed. We have some talent coming in or redshirting that could push for starting positions or major time as no wr is locked imo going into the season. Here are names that could step up: Jennert, Gary, Chris Young and Jarvis West. And new recruits Tad Ecby, Teddy Lampkin, & Quenton Bundrage. Watch out for West and Bundrage - these two kids imo could be the playmakers we need on offense to open up our running game.
TE - Lose Collin Franklin - most likely to the NFL...recuited a juco te in Brun, have some decent talent remaining on the roster in Hammerschmidt and Howard. This position will be a drop off in talent regardless of whos lining up at this position but that speaks more to Franklins talents then the guys on the roster. Wouldnt be surprised to see true freshman Daniels get some snaps at this position of pass catching tight end.
OL - Lose Ben Lamaak, Alex Alvarez - Another position that has been recruited hard and heavy has been OL. Losing two starters will poise the typical problems, but, having had injuries the past two season, that a lot of the players have seen playing time - just not substantial. We've brought in a JUCO center that should step right into Lamaaks starting spot and Caspers should step right into Alvarezs starting spot. Now one wild card would be if as discussed Scott Haughton was able to make it back on campus for fall which has been rumored, our OL would be even stronger as many believe he has sunday potential.
Defense another time....Overall offensively, it will hinge on the qb play as it is by far our biggest unknown. If the qb play is stable, i think our offense will be equal to or better then last year. If a clear cut qb does not come out of spring ball we will be headed for a long season.
Last edited:
I didn't (and I'm not talking about the OP)
As for the 2011 Iowa State Football – Projected Fall Depth Chart and Scholarship Situation | Go Iowa State - Iowa State Apparel, Cyclone Merchandise, ISU Clothing depth chart. I don't really buy Ricky Howard starting ahead of Hammerschmidt at TE
Okay - now onto the defense....Some might laugh when i say this - but i truly believe our defense has the ability to be a bit salty next year and here's why.
DL - our loses on the line were in Parker and Johnson and many would consider them not significant losses when production was the criteria. But, heres the thing, this DL will be improved. I am the president of the Rony Nelson fan club and i think his presence will be an immediate impact on the line. Hes got size, speed and experience - this is the equivalent to a redshirt junior - you expect them to be impact players and he will be. As many have discussed the DL, many have Maggitt as the starting end opposite of Lattimer. I just dont see that happening. I see the starting 4 of the DL being Lattimer, Ruempolhamer, McDonough and Nelson. This will be our most athletic DL in a while. The only person on the line with no experience is Nelson - although hes been in the system a year waiting to get his chance - he will make the most of it. Quality depth at end in Maggitt and Neal, with the DT position being a bit thin for depth so dont be surprised behind the starters and Laing whos a close third that we will not see the heralded recruit Quinton Pompey who at the time of his signing would be our biggest DT at 295 pounds and what appears to be about 7% body fat!!!! Kid is a beast and we will come to enjoy his ability to get quick early pressure up the middle, nothing disrupts the spread more then quick pressure. At the end of last season our best DL was without question Ruemp...he simply was all over. Now if we got the people to spell him once in a while, he will be able to maintain that success over the duration of the game.
LB - loses - Taufoou (DRUNK- hes suspended and not sure of his return) this loss was his own doin....leave it at that. But, this position is going to be tough to break the starting lineup. You have two ultra success projects in Klein and Knott. I think if the right guy (George) is able to step into the middle and allow K&K to roam the outsides, this group will be sick. Knott to me has reminded me a lot of Greenway....guy can do everything. Klein on the other hand might have had an equal to Knott season had he not been forced to move inside when Taufoou broke his arm last year in week one. I see J. George stepping right into the middle and having 2 all big twelve performers on your outsides to groom you and cover your mistakes only sets us up for having a stud middle lb when their gone. We play a lot of the 2 lb set in which the middle will come out and we will use a third DB as the hybrid and its been successful. in my opinon, our front seven will be salty salty salty...not iowa at their peak but vastly improved to the sieve that they've been while they've developed!!!
DB - corners are in tact and talented. i always wish our corners played tighter man to man, but, i think the db's inconsistencies have been a by product of how long they've had to cover. Longer coverage means deeper routes, being seen trailing on ESPN...just plain being cautious. If the front seven plays the way i think, this secondary will have a chance to make plays. the biggest loss of our defense is by far the safety position. Both safetys left with graduations and David Sims was an impact player at that level, his loss will be felt. We have nobody in line to step in and fill those lofty shoes. Currently this position will be manned by our youngest group on the roster with the projected starters either being a redshirt freshman or sophmore. My guess right now, the starters will be Jacques Washington and Adrian Bennett. If this position is not the weakness on our defense then we've had a great year. Corners Johnson and Benton have been tested and have played well with Reeves moving into the CB slot when the Hybrid comes into play.
As a whole, this defense is rounding out and from what Cyclone fans have experienced over the past three years, this defense will 100% be better and allow Wally to get funky with drops and coverages. IMO wallys been a bit hamstrung by the players he's had to work with, and being used to working with the athletes he's had at FSU, SFla etc, he's been putting a band aid on here or there to get through and minimize the defenses liabilities to our ability to win games. Our depth is still a bit of a concern, that is something created by coaching stability and this program has not had that in over 8 years. It takes time to develop the proper depth up through the ranks, next guy in, but, the talent is getting better by the class.
From my perspective, this is the year that the ISU defense makes its huge leap in success and as you know, success breeds success. Plus, i think if our qb position does not contribute from day one, then this defense will be relied on to keep us in games.
DL - our loses on the line were in Parker and Johnson and many would consider them not significant losses when production was the criteria. But, heres the thing, this DL will be improved. I am the president of the Rony Nelson fan club and i think his presence will be an immediate impact on the line. Hes got size, speed and experience - this is the equivalent to a redshirt junior - you expect them to be impact players and he will be. As many have discussed the DL, many have Maggitt as the starting end opposite of Lattimer. I just dont see that happening. I see the starting 4 of the DL being Lattimer, Ruempolhamer, McDonough and Nelson. This will be our most athletic DL in a while. The only person on the line with no experience is Nelson - although hes been in the system a year waiting to get his chance - he will make the most of it. Quality depth at end in Maggitt and Neal, with the DT position being a bit thin for depth so dont be surprised behind the starters and Laing whos a close third that we will not see the heralded recruit Quinton Pompey who at the time of his signing would be our biggest DT at 295 pounds and what appears to be about 7% body fat!!!! Kid is a beast and we will come to enjoy his ability to get quick early pressure up the middle, nothing disrupts the spread more then quick pressure. At the end of last season our best DL was without question Ruemp...he simply was all over. Now if we got the people to spell him once in a while, he will be able to maintain that success over the duration of the game.
LB - loses - Taufoou (DRUNK- hes suspended and not sure of his return) this loss was his own doin....leave it at that. But, this position is going to be tough to break the starting lineup. You have two ultra success projects in Klein and Knott. I think if the right guy (George) is able to step into the middle and allow K&K to roam the outsides, this group will be sick. Knott to me has reminded me a lot of Greenway....guy can do everything. Klein on the other hand might have had an equal to Knott season had he not been forced to move inside when Taufoou broke his arm last year in week one. I see J. George stepping right into the middle and having 2 all big twelve performers on your outsides to groom you and cover your mistakes only sets us up for having a stud middle lb when their gone. We play a lot of the 2 lb set in which the middle will come out and we will use a third DB as the hybrid and its been successful. in my opinon, our front seven will be salty salty salty...not iowa at their peak but vastly improved to the sieve that they've been while they've developed!!!
DB - corners are in tact and talented. i always wish our corners played tighter man to man, but, i think the db's inconsistencies have been a by product of how long they've had to cover. Longer coverage means deeper routes, being seen trailing on ESPN...just plain being cautious. If the front seven plays the way i think, this secondary will have a chance to make plays. the biggest loss of our defense is by far the safety position. Both safetys left with graduations and David Sims was an impact player at that level, his loss will be felt. We have nobody in line to step in and fill those lofty shoes. Currently this position will be manned by our youngest group on the roster with the projected starters either being a redshirt freshman or sophmore. My guess right now, the starters will be Jacques Washington and Adrian Bennett. If this position is not the weakness on our defense then we've had a great year. Corners Johnson and Benton have been tested and have played well with Reeves moving into the CB slot when the Hybrid comes into play.
As a whole, this defense is rounding out and from what Cyclone fans have experienced over the past three years, this defense will 100% be better and allow Wally to get funky with drops and coverages. IMO wallys been a bit hamstrung by the players he's had to work with, and being used to working with the athletes he's had at FSU, SFla etc, he's been putting a band aid on here or there to get through and minimize the defenses liabilities to our ability to win games. Our depth is still a bit of a concern, that is something created by coaching stability and this program has not had that in over 8 years. It takes time to develop the proper depth up through the ranks, next guy in, but, the talent is getting better by the class.
From my perspective, this is the year that the ISU defense makes its huge leap in success and as you know, success breeds success. Plus, i think if our qb position does not contribute from day one, then this defense will be relied on to keep us in games.
Last edited:
KMac good write up.
I agree that the DL will be better but to temper expectations I don't think they'll be exceedingly good. They won't be a liability though either. But if they improve to the level of acceptable like you said it will improve the other parts of the defense exponentially.
I agree on Pompey. I think he should redshirt to improve his technique and work on his academics. Some here think that he will contribute immediately but in the game I saw on ESPN (granted it was the first game of the year) I a saw a player with great physical ability who relied on it to get by his man. He moved well and showed some agility. It appeared he did his best when they had him on stunts to take advantage of his mobility. But he needs to work on his pad level and hands. It seemed whenever an OL got a hand on him he got tied up and was a non-factor.
LB: If MT doesn't contribute I wonder if we'll move Klein to the inside and have Morgan or George move to the OLB spot. I say this because at 215 George seems to be a little light to play the middle.
DB: We might not be able to replace Sims but I think we'll be OK at Safety. I think Givens is going to play there. I recall the coaching staff mentioned him as being a very physical player. They RS him last year because they had 3 senior safety's that all could play and I think he was injured.
I agree that the DL will be better but to temper expectations I don't think they'll be exceedingly good. They won't be a liability though either. But if they improve to the level of acceptable like you said it will improve the other parts of the defense exponentially.
I agree on Pompey. I think he should redshirt to improve his technique and work on his academics. Some here think that he will contribute immediately but in the game I saw on ESPN (granted it was the first game of the year) I a saw a player with great physical ability who relied on it to get by his man. He moved well and showed some agility. It appeared he did his best when they had him on stunts to take advantage of his mobility. But he needs to work on his pad level and hands. It seemed whenever an OL got a hand on him he got tied up and was a non-factor.
LB: If MT doesn't contribute I wonder if we'll move Klein to the inside and have Morgan or George move to the OLB spot. I say this because at 215 George seems to be a little light to play the middle.
DB: We might not be able to replace Sims but I think we'll be OK at Safety. I think Givens is going to play there. I recall the coaching staff mentioned him as being a very physical player. They RS him last year because they had 3 senior safety's that all could play and I think he was injured.
I think that you are right on. I think that if ISU's DL goes from poor to average, the overall defense goes from average to good.
DL: The four man DE rotation is pretty obvious. The only question is whether Maggitt or Nelson starts opposite Lattimer. Doesn't really matter, they'll both see time. On the inside, it's all about finding that fourth guy. I think that it will be Pompey, but would be happy to see him redshirt if Woods or Jensen really step up.
LB: Taufoou will be back. It's just a matter of how many games he's suspended for. I'm betting it is just 1, but could see 2. I think that there should be a ton more depth here. It will be interesting to see who plays that nickel LB role. Will TB move in from CB like he did last year? Or will someone like Morgan or Washington get this position all to himself?
DB: Again, this all starts with what they do with Benton. Last year, he played CB, but then moved up to NB in the nickel and Reeves played CB. We'll know more this spring, but my opinion is that Benton becomes a full time Safety.
Here's how I see it:
DE: Lattimer, Neal
DE: Nelson, Maggitt
DT: Laing, McDonough
NG: Rump, Pompey
WLB: Knott, Mattison
MLB: Taufoou, George
SLB: Klein, Morton
NLB: Morgan, Washington
CB: LJ, Young
CB: Reeves, Thomas
FS: Benton, Broomfield
SS: Givens, Brooks
I would like to see this. I think Benton's skills best suit him in a Safety spot or the NB. I think Reeves is the better CB and should start there. Washington has time playing both Safety and NB. The interesting thing will be who steps up from the RS freshman to gain playing time at NB or Safety. We have Morgan, Bennett, and Mattison. This gives us a lot of flexibility and depth at DB that I don't think I have ever seen at ISU.
You need to make up your mind here. Actually, Rony Nelson has no major college experience but he has some physical maturity.
"Appears" to whom? One recruiting guru said that the first thing Pompey needs to do when he gets to college is shed about twenty pounds of fat.
Your guess is that Wally will start two strong safeties? One of whom may actually be a linebacker now?
I'd be pretty sure that either Durrell Givens or Deon Broomfield will be at the free safety spot.
Knott is fast, but he won't be playing on both sides of George. Also I wouldn't be surprised in Tau'fo'ou back playing after a 2-3 game suspension.
The defense had improved both years under Wally Burnham. I see no reason for that trend not to continue now.
is mattison going to be a safety? i know rivals had him as a lb out of hs, but i always thought safety for his size/speed.
Mattison is a big mystery. By all accounts he was a physical freak out of HS. My guess is that he is very raw as a football player and is more of an athlete. His current position is probably dependent on his ability to pick up the position. I guess we will see where he ends up on the depth chart and if he breaks the 2-deeps.
Gene Chizik's 2008 Cyclone defense called, and they said the 2010 corners played tight enough coverage...especially near the line of scrimmage nefore the ball was snapped.
Comparably, last years corners didn't need a freaking telescope to see the dang LOS. Back in the Chizik days, guys were a solid 8-10 yards off their man. LJ was allowed to crowd up to within 5-7 yards of his man.
That will almost stop a high school team.
Young played last year. He will play this year as the fourth corner in the rotation if Benton is still a CB.
Mattison doesn't get mentioned because no one really knows what he's doing. He came in a little out of shape. I never understood him at LBer because he was a physical freak much like Sims but didn't look to me like he could maintain speed and put on 30 lbs. The jury is still out.
As for Pompey-He doesn't need to lose weight, he will just need to be in better condition like every other high schooler ever to come to college football. If he happens to lose weight, fine, but if not, then that's fine too if he is in shape.