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This caught my eye because of the mythical University of the Incarnate Word:

One of the best players in the FCS, Incarnate Word quarterback Cameron Ward, has entered the transfer portal.

Ward won the Jerry Rice Award as the best player in FCS during the spring season this year at the private school in San Antonio, Texas.

He then threw for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns with 10 interceptions this fall as UIW made the second round of the FCS playoffs. He owns school records for career passing TDs (71) and yards (6,908).

www.espn.com

Incarnate Word QB Cameron Ward enters college football transfer portal

Cameron Ward, who threw for 4,648 yards and 47 touchdowns with 10 interceptions this fall after winning the Jerry Rice Award as the top player in the FCS during the spring season, has entered the transfer portal.
www.espn.com www.espn.com
 
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cyclone1209 said:
I'd include LB in there too on a wishlist. Hopefully Colby Reeder from delaware picks us over rutgers and kansas state. Seems like a bonafide starter, which is what you want obviously.
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Checked Reeder's profile on the Blue Hens website. Holy cow, 2022 would be Reeder's 7th year playing college football. His first year at Delaware was 2016 season (he redshirted).
 
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cyclone1209 said:
I'd include LB in there too on a wishlist. Hopefully Colby Reeder from delaware picks us over rutgers and kansas state. Seems like a bonafide starter, which is what you want obviously.
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I'd prefer Heacock change up the 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5/3-4 hybrid. Move a stand up linebacker to the line of scrimmage (Perfect spot for R Mason, please stay committed). May even be a good spot for Cole Pedersen to grow into a beast and use his athleticism. Let Vaughn and Horne be your backers. McDonald can play in the box as well since he's huge.

But if they stay committed to the 3-3-5. I agree.
 
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cyfan92 said:
I'd prefer Heacock change up the 3-3-5 to a 4-2-5/3-4 hybrid. Move a stand up linebacker to the line of scrimmage (Perfect spot for R Mason, please stay committed). May even be a good spot for Cole Pedersen to grow into a beast and use his athleticism. Let Vaughn and Horne be your backers. McDonald can play in the box as well since he's huge.

But if they stay committed to the 3-3-5. I agree.
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Other than the formations name, doesn’t the 3-3-5 already move at least 1 linebacker to the line depending on if it is pass or rush? It sort of is 3-3-5/4-2-5 hybrid, no? I guess I don’t see how a 4-2-5 would functionally be any different than what ISU already plays.

People seem to get caught up in the name of the formation, but forget that all levels (especially linebackers and secondary) of the defense are used in run support. 3 defensive linemen, 3 linebackers, and 5 secondary does provide a lot of defensive versatility.
 
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EarthIsMan said:
Other than the formations name, doesn’t the 3-3-5 already move at least 1 linebacker to the line depending on if it is pass or rush? It sort of is 3-3-5/4-2-5 hybrid, no? I guess I don’t see how a 4-2-5 would functionally be any different than what ISU already plays.

People seem to get caught up in the name of the formation, but forget that all levels (especially linebackers and secondary) of the defense are used in run support. 3 defensive linemen, 3 linebackers, and 5 secondary does provide a lot of defensive versatility.
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That to me is the genius of this defense. Nose Guard / big interior D-Linemen are the LEAST versatile players on defense. And if your opponent isn't lining up under center in the I-formation 50% of the time, there's not as big of a need for those monster bodies. Instead put a larger linebacker or what is essentially a 3rd DE on the field and now you have another guy who is versatile. You can bring rushes or play coverage in ways that are otherwise unexpected.
 
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EarthIsMan said:
Other than the formations name, doesn’t the 3-3-5 already move at least 1 linebacker to the line depending on if it is pass or rush? It sort of is 3-3-5/4-2-5 hybrid, no? I guess I don’t see how a 4-2-5 would functionally be any different than what ISU already plays.

People seem to get caught up in the name of the formation, but forget that all levels (especially linebackers and secondary) of the defense are used in run support. 3 defensive linemen, 3 linebackers, and 5 secondary does provide a lot of defensive versatility.
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That works when you're running LBs that weigh 235, 255, and 250. Our LBs will be much, much smaller next year and won't be able to handle that same load. Though, we should see an uptick in some sideline-to-sideline ability. If McDonald comes back, running the 4-2-5 lets him stay on the field at all times without always having 2 blockers on him.

Heacock found something with the 3-3-5 so I doubt it's fully "abandoned" but we had pretty remarkable linebackers these past few years that allowed us to run it and still stop the run.
 
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nrg4isu said:
That to me is the genius of this defense. Nose Guard / big interior D-Linemen are the LEAST versatile players on defense. And if your opponent isn't lining up under center in the I-formation 50% of the time, there's not as big of a need for those monster bodies. Instead put a larger linebacker or what is essentially a 3rd DE on the field and now you have another guy who is versatile. You can bring rushes or play coverage in ways that are otherwise unexpected.
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Other thing is that by lining the NG over center, you are putting him over a guy at center who is usually a little smaller but quicker so he can block downfield. Now if the NG can gap hit and eat the center and guard, that leaves a guard for the downfield blocker. Typically guards have gotten bigger and less agile since they usually have a guy over them with typical 4-3 defenses. They are as solid of downfield blockers. One other way we help attack the run game.
 
Really I just want to see more blitzing from our defense.

Ant, Freyler, McDonald, Young and King can be playmakers in the secondary when you force a QB to make a quick decision. Not getting pressure exposes guys like Young and King who aren't great in deep coverage. A ton of sure tacklers on next years roster as well in the linebackers and secondary. I'd have confidence sending a 4th rusher.

4 guys at the line of scrimmage also helps with setting an edge. Less susceptible to the off-tackle zone run game that has killed ISU lately
 
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EarthIsMan said:
Other than the formations name, doesn’t the 3-3-5 already move at least 1 linebacker to the line depending on if it is pass or rush? It sort of is 3-3-5/4-2-5 hybrid, no? I guess I don’t see how a 4-2-5 would functionally be any different than what ISU already plays.

People seem to get caught up in the name of the formation, but forget that all levels (especially linebackers and secondary) of the defense are used in run support. 3 defensive linemen, 3 linebackers, and 5 secondary does provide a lot of defensive versatility.
Click to expand...

I tend to agree there can be no difference between playing a 3-3-5 or 4-2-5 as long as one of the LB's in a 3-3 front is a big LB that can also be a very effective pass rusher. A player with Will McDonald's build and quickness would be ideal.

I would like to see ISU defense to do less 3-man rush. I think bringing 3 creates bigger passing lanes along the line of scrimmage. And if rushers don't threaten the QB- not even the best DB's can consistently cover for 5+ seconds. THE BEST PASS DEFENSE IS A PASS RUSH.

My other issue with ISU's 3-3 is we tend to use a spy quite a bit. If the QB runs, having a spy can be effective. But otherwise, the LB is standing in no-man's land and as the second's pass it becomes 11 offensive players vs. 10 defensive players. Would rather bring 4 and have good pass rush discipline to eliminate run lanes for the QB.
 
EarthIsMan said:
Other than the formations name, doesn’t the 3-3-5 already move at least 1 linebacker to the line depending on if it is pass or rush? It sort of is 3-3-5/4-2-5 hybrid, no? I guess I don’t see how a 4-2-5 would functionally be any different than what ISU already plays.

People seem to get caught up in the name of the formation, but forget that all levels (especially linebackers and secondary) of the defense are used in run support. 3 defensive linemen, 3 linebackers, and 5 secondary does provide a lot of defensive versatility.
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Exactly, the beauty of our defense is it allows us to change without subbing. Vance rolled up as an edge rusher often and safeties would enter the box.
 
nrg4isu said:
That to me is the genius of this defense. Nose Guard / big interior D-Linemen are the LEAST versatile players on defense. And if your opponent isn't lining up under center in the I-formation 50% of the time, there's not as big of a need for those monster bodies. Instead put a larger linebacker or what is essentially a 3rd DE on the field and now you have another guy who is versatile. You can bring rushes or play coverage in ways that are otherwise unexpected.
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You can run the 3-3-5 with guys like Enyi and Will McDonald on the D line. I don't know if we should or can run that next year without guys like that. May be time to go to a 4 down front.
 
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