Nice piece on Lanning ...

[surly]

http://newsok.com/is-iowa-states-joel-lanning-the-big-12s-best-pure-football-player/article/5566667

Lanning is averaging 11-1/2 tackles a game, which trails only Kansas linebacker Joe Dineen in the Big 12. Lanning also has 1.5 sacks, an interception and a broken-up pass.

You can make the argument that the best pure football player in the Big 12 plays middle linebacker for Iowa State.

 

[Cyclonepride]

He's really been outstanding. You could tell he was learning on the job a bit for the first couple of games, but he's obviously getting more comfortable, and really producing.

 

[CyInDFW]

Having Lima join Trent up front is having a huge impact. Those guys are cleaning up the interior of the OL, making it easier for JL to see the plays coming.

JL has really turned the corner from week 1.

 

[NickTheGreat]

This makes me happy. Talk about a true team player.

 

[jbindm]

He's really been outstanding. You could tell he was learning on the job a bit for the first couple of games, but he's obviously getting more comfortable, and really producing.

I thought he was practically a liability against Iowa, but the last couple weeks have been so much better. He's playing faster every week. It's too bad this move didn't happen a little earlier in his career. He looks more natural playing LB than he ever did at QB. Just my opinion.

 

[jsb]

I never thought he was as bad at QB as everyone else did. He suffered from lack of protection much like every QB we have. But he's been great on defense. It's nice that he gets the loudest cheer when they announce the starting lineup.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

My father will never let me hear the end of it. Been complaining that Lanning wasn't a LB from the start for years. Now he gets to relish it for the rest of his days.

I think Joel was a fine QB. He could have gotten better with his touch, and he throws the long balls better than Park IMO. Seeing him play LB at a high level makes me smile though. Never thought I'd see the day someone would do what Joel has done.

 

[cygrads]

JL to play on Sundays - Mark it down.

 

[CloneForever1]

I never thought he was as bad at QB as everyone else did. He suffered from lack of protection much like every QB we have. But he's been great on defense. It's nice that he gets the loudest cheer when they announce the starting lineup.

I thought he just never had an offense designed to his skill set. To me, he would have been ideal in a Colin Klein role. Probably even a better passer.

 

[HFCS]

This makes me happy. Talk about a true team player.

I don't blame players who chose the grad transfer route in some situations...but JL is pretty awesome for doing what he is doing. Would have been awesome regardless of how well he did but the fact that he's excelling is even better.

 

[madguy30]

Outside of very exceptional situations like Troy Davis, JL and Lazard should go down as two of the best football players to experience the least amount of team success while at ISU.

Seems unfair but I really appreciate their dedication.

 

[CychiatricWard]

JL to play on Sundays - Mark it down.

He's got a long ways to go now, pump the brakes a bit. It has been remarkable how quick he has made this switch, and made it look fairly seamless.

Now I'll always wonder what he would've been as a LB from day 1.....

 

[heitclone]

Joel was easy to root for when he played QB, impossible not to respect what he's done the last 10-11 months. With all he's been through, you never seem not smiling on the field. The guy loves football and he loves ISU.

 

[isu81]

It's somewhat on Joel that he didn't play LB earlier. Both Iowa and Nebraska would have offered had he agreed to play defense. He was a Hawk fan. If he'd gone there, he'd probably be a 3 year starter alongside Jewell. Similar story as AJ Derby who's now in the NFL as a TE.

 

[t-noah]

Joel deserves the accolades he's getting, he's gifted and a very hard worker. I hope he continues to improve and have even more success!

 

[jbindm]

JL to play on Sundays - Mark it down.

It's an interesting thought. I don't know. There are enough coaches in the NFL who value versatility and with rosters expanded to 90 in the offseason it's not hard to envision him getting a look and maybe landing on a practice squad next year. Teams have taken a chance on guys with less experience, that's for sure.

 

[ICHawk24]

 

[FinalFourCy]

Is Jewell still suffering from his post-Super Bowl let down?