Worrying about the Hawkeye “Contingency”
The writers at the Cedar Rapids Gazette have been cranking out quality Hawkeye content lately. This time around, Marc Morehouse does a reader’s suggestion justice by taking an in-depth look at Iowa’s conditional response plan should the unpredictable happen at any position this season.
Mitigating the damage of potential problems is rarely fun to think about, but Morehouse does a good job of analyzing the possibilities available should any Hawkeye player suffer an injury before or during the season. Below are the options as he sees them, with links to his overall analysis at each position.
Quarterback
The Man: Ricky Stanzi
The Contingency: James Vandenberg
Running Back
The Men: Brandon Wegher, Adam Robinson and Jewel Hampton
The Contingency: Brandon Wegher, Adam Robinson and Jewel Hampton [allow me to add a few more. Marcus Cooker, Brad Rodgers and--dare I say--Paki.]
Wide Receiver
The Men: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, Marvin McNutt
The Contingency: Colin Sandeman, Keenan Davis, Paul Chaney Jr.
Offensive Line
The Men: Riley Reiff and Markus Zusevics; Julian Vandervelde and Adam Gettis; James Ferentz.
The Contingencies: Nolan MacMillan, Brett Van Sloten, Kyle Haganman; Orne, Cody Hundertmark; Josh Koeppel.
Defensive Line
The Men: DE Adrian Clayborn, DE Broderick Binns, DT Karl Klug, DT Christian Ballard
The Contingencies: DT Mike Daniels, DE Lebron Daniel
Linebacker
The Men: MLB Jeff Tarpinian, WLB Jeremiha Hunter, OLB Tyler Neilsen
The Contingencies: Bruce Davis, Troy Johnson, Ross Petersen
Secondary
The Men: CB Shaun Prater, CB Micah Hyde, FS Brett Greenwood, SS Tyler Sash
The Contingencies: CB Jordan Bernstine, CB Greg Castillo, CB Willie Lowe, FS Jack Swanson, SS Nick Nielsen, SS Kyle Steinbrecher, FS Tom Donatell
Special Teams
The Men: P Ryan Donahue, K Daniel Murray, K Trent Mossbrucker, KR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Jewel Hampton, PR Colin Sandeman, LS Andrew Schulze
The Contingencies: P Eric Guthrie, K Jonny Mullings, K Mike Meyer, KR Brandon Wegher, PR Jordan Cotton, KR Adam Robinson, KR Paul Chaney Jr., LS Charlie Knipper
A few things stand out to me after reading through Morehouse’s latest series. First, and most surprising, was the lack of depth at defensive line. It sent me into panicked what-if mode where I imagined every nightmare scenario possible on defense. Let’s hope that doesn’t play itself out.
It was also clear that while the offensive line might be a bit on the inexperienced side, it could be thick on the depth chart. If some of the newer players catch on quickly, injury on the offensive line might not be a huge concern.
Other strong points are the depth at running back and the potential talent at back-up in the secondary. Hopefully all of the contingency analysis is just a time passer, though, as I would rather not experience another one of Iowa’s infamous injury-plagued seasons.
Looking at Iowa’s recent past, at least one scenario will likely play itself out. Last year we had to reconsider options at OL and RB heading into the season, and at QB with the Big Ten title on the line.
For once, I wouldn’t mind if the only contingency card pulled this at the mascot. Not that I wish any harm on Herky, but if we need a sacrificial lamb you know where my finger is pointing.
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