In the DSM Register article yesterday, (the 10th), Birch discussed the Cyclones, unit-by-unit, then rated his estimate of depth behind the starters. 1 being no confidence, 10 being the highest rating possible.
Quarterbacks:
Birch's rating-7
My take, if only this were accurate. I think that Jacob Park will be the number two, and conceivably the 1 before the season ends. Lots of credentials and talent. That said, he has never played a down in a D-1 game. Zeb Noland is a true freshman whose completion percentage was quite low his senior season but is still regarded as a very good prospect.
My rating-3.0
Running backs:
Birch's ranking-8
Warren's going to be an all-time great at Iowa State. He's a 10. The people behind him, other than walk on Mitch Harger, (who I like by the way,) who reminds me a slower Chris Ulrich. But, it remains to be seen whether he can beat out the two very talented incoming freshman and Sheldon Croney who returns after blowing a hole in one of his hands. Have you heard his story about how it happened? Reminds me of some of the whoppers I told my folks when I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar. Another thing about Croney, everyone talks about this or that, but nobody I've seen has discussed whether or not he can hold on to a football. Isn't that the biggest issue with Croney? I'm excited about Nwangwu. You should be too. I hear that Kwah-Mensah is really fast. Does he have a chance of playing?
At any rate, basically, none of these guys have ever played D-1 football. An 8? Are you kidding me? We should be so lucky.
My rating: 4.5
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Birch rating-8
Allen Lazard is a stud. It remains to be seen whether he can break down the B12's talented defensive backs often enough to move in to the elite category, with, shall we say, 1400 yards. He'd better! Dondre Daley has shown flashes. Marchie Murdoch has D-1 experience but his stats were very ordinary at Illinois. Since he could be coming off the bench, perhaps that is relevant here. Carson Epps looks the part and was good enough to play a bit as a true freshman. Hakeem Butler is another that physically speaking, you have to love. However, just because somebody is 6'6" doesn't translate to stardom/"decentdom." See De Vario Montgomery, or whatever his name was. Trevor Ryen's a talented guy, but is nothing out of the ordinary at WR, or RB for that matter. Probably shouldn't be considered here as a depth player as he will probably start. Sue me.
As for tight ends, it's good that we have at least one veteran returner (Justin Chandler). And, for all I know he may be a great blocker. Over my head. But, it's a bad thing that we have one returning tight end with experience. How many passes did he catch last year? Two? Cliff Fernandez is a converted QB as I recall. Played the position one year. They used to rave about him. Haven't heard much lately.
Not a single experienced TE on the bench. Barring someone coming out of the haze, same can be said for WR. An 8? WTF.
My rating-3.0
Uh Oh. Out of room. Having fun. Humor me. See Part 2
Quarterbacks:
Birch's rating-7
My take, if only this were accurate. I think that Jacob Park will be the number two, and conceivably the 1 before the season ends. Lots of credentials and talent. That said, he has never played a down in a D-1 game. Zeb Noland is a true freshman whose completion percentage was quite low his senior season but is still regarded as a very good prospect.
My rating-3.0
Running backs:
Birch's ranking-8
Warren's going to be an all-time great at Iowa State. He's a 10. The people behind him, other than walk on Mitch Harger, (who I like by the way,) who reminds me a slower Chris Ulrich. But, it remains to be seen whether he can beat out the two very talented incoming freshman and Sheldon Croney who returns after blowing a hole in one of his hands. Have you heard his story about how it happened? Reminds me of some of the whoppers I told my folks when I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar. Another thing about Croney, everyone talks about this or that, but nobody I've seen has discussed whether or not he can hold on to a football. Isn't that the biggest issue with Croney? I'm excited about Nwangwu. You should be too. I hear that Kwah-Mensah is really fast. Does he have a chance of playing?
At any rate, basically, none of these guys have ever played D-1 football. An 8? Are you kidding me? We should be so lucky.
My rating: 4.5
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Birch rating-8
Allen Lazard is a stud. It remains to be seen whether he can break down the B12's talented defensive backs often enough to move in to the elite category, with, shall we say, 1400 yards. He'd better! Dondre Daley has shown flashes. Marchie Murdoch has D-1 experience but his stats were very ordinary at Illinois. Since he could be coming off the bench, perhaps that is relevant here. Carson Epps looks the part and was good enough to play a bit as a true freshman. Hakeem Butler is another that physically speaking, you have to love. However, just because somebody is 6'6" doesn't translate to stardom/"decentdom." See De Vario Montgomery, or whatever his name was. Trevor Ryen's a talented guy, but is nothing out of the ordinary at WR, or RB for that matter. Probably shouldn't be considered here as a depth player as he will probably start. Sue me.
As for tight ends, it's good that we have at least one veteran returner (Justin Chandler). And, for all I know he may be a great blocker. Over my head. But, it's a bad thing that we have one returning tight end with experience. How many passes did he catch last year? Two? Cliff Fernandez is a converted QB as I recall. Played the position one year. They used to rave about him. Haven't heard much lately.
Not a single experienced TE on the bench. Barring someone coming out of the haze, same can be said for WR. An 8? WTF.
My rating-3.0
Uh Oh. Out of room. Having fun. Humor me. See Part 2
