Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Final Blog: Introducing Josh Lenz

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 180 pounds
Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa
High School: Hempstead
40-Yard Dash: 4.5 seconds*
Vertical Leap: 34 inches*
HS Position: Running back/Safety
2008 HS Statistics: 1,378 rush yards, 8.6 yards/attempt, 18 touchdowns (16 rushing), 372 kick return yards; Defense-- 103 tackles, 4 interceptions
College Position: Slot Receiver
Birth Date: September 22, 1990
Potential Major at ISU: Business
Favorite Sport: Football/Basketball
Favorite Athlete: Don’t have one
Favorite Pro Team: Cubs for baseball, Chiefs for football
Favorite Movie: Friday Night Lights
Favorite TV Show: CSI
Favorite Food: Meatloaf
Hobbies: Golfing, Hanging out with friends
Biggest Influence: Mom and Dad
Person I’d Most Like to Meet: Will Smith
In My iPod: Kid Cudi, Charles Hamilton, BoB
Favorite Websites: Facebook, ESPN, CycloneReport, CycloneFanatic, YouTube

*According to Rivals.com
--Image from Scout.com

Signature Plays

Josh Lenz, an Iowa State bound football recruit, is most well-known on the football field for his shiftiness, change of direction, killer speed and playmaking ability. I’ve handpicked the following four plays from Lenz’s YouTube highlight videos to best display these attributes.

For each play, Lenz offers some of his own commentary (in the text below), letting you know what he was thinking or what specifically happened on that particular play.

All plays occurred last year, Lenz’s senior year in high school at Dubuque Hempstead. Just look for No. 20, the guy that’s featured in every play of the highlight reel. Here’s where to find these four plays within the YouTube videos:

Play No. 4: 1:50 mark of the 2nd video
Play No. 3: 4:16 mark of the 1st video
Play No. 2: 4:49 mark of the 2nd video
Play No. 1: 3:09 mark of the 2nd video

Video No. 1


Video No. 2


#4: 86-yard punt return for TD versus Iowa City West

Peddling backward, Lenz caught the punt as the coverage rushed to meet him. Lenz easily evaded the first potential tackler with a quick stutter to the outside before turning it back up the middle of the field.

A gaping hole opened up right down the center. Lenz darted through it, breaking the grasp of a would be tackler. From there Lenz whizzed by the punter and off to the end zone--Touchdown!

Lenz’s take:

“It was the first game of the year and we hadn’t gone over much. Right when I caught it I didn’t think there was much there. I was able to break through and I was off to the races.”

What do you look for when returning a punt?

“I look for who’s got his guy set up. If it’s a designed return I head for where the blocking is. You don’t think much, you just react to what you see. I was just trying to make a play.”

#3: 80-yard rushing TD versus Burlington

Lenz’s underdog Mustang team went 5-4 during the regular season, securing a first round playoff match up with Burlington. Lenz showed his ability to compete on the big stage, scampering 80 yards for a touchdown to help his team to an upset victory.

The play was the patented “Right 28 sweep” in the T-formation offense Lenz’s team used. All Lenz had to do was run to the left and win the footrace to the end zone. Nobody touched him on his way to six points.

“I like the sweep. I like to get to the outside and outrun guys. On that play, all our guys were blocking the way they were supposed to and I was able to outrun them.”

#2: 53-yard rushing TD versus Cedar Rapids Prairie -- great juke

Play No. 2 of Lenz’s signature highlights from the 2008 season resembled play No. 3. It was the same play call. Only Lenz had to do a bit more work to get into the end zone on this one.

The Cedar Rapids Prairie defense sunk in, expecting a run up the middle on a play that begin at the Mustang’s own 47 yard-line. Somehow the defense let Lenz easily slip to the outside where he is as slippery as a greased pig.

As a safety came to greet him at the Prairie 45-yard line, Lenz faked to the outside and burst back to the inside. All the defender could do was crumple to a knee. Lenz raced down the right sideline--Touchdown!

“I like to do that (juke) a lot,” Lenz said. “When I get out there one-on-one, I like to stutter a little bit and get to the outside. I get them to stop in their tracks and use my speed to get around them.

“It’s all instinctive. I’m just reacting to what they’re doing. If I get them to stop, I try freaking them.”

#1: 68-yard interception return for TD versus Dubuque Wahlert

Intracity rivalry games are always a big deal in local communities. The rivalry between Hempstead and Wahlert is no different. The 2008 match up featured a pair of Division I athletes in Eric May, an Iowa basketball recruit, and Lenz.

Lenz would get the upper hand, making a play that gave the Mustangs the momentum and played a large role in the victory.

With the clock winding at the end of the first half. May, the Wahlert quarterback, heaved a wobbly pass 17 yards downfield over the head of his intended slot receiver. Lenz, playing his safety position, plucked the ball out of the air and immediately sensed an opportunity.

Using his speed and open field ability, Lenz weaved through traffic and as often happened, nobody could even get a finger on him--until May whirled Lenz to the ground after he had already broke the plane of the end zone.

Lenz’s take:

“We were in cover two. I just remember backing off and then (receiver Nick) Brautigam going across the middle. I saw Eric (May) throw it and I made a play on it. Then I just outran everybody to the end zone.”

Lenz Links

Bio from Cyclones.com

ESPN.com Recruiting Profile

Rivals.com Recruiting Profile

Scout.com Recruiting Profile

Interviews from the Dubuque Telegraph Herald

Photos of Lenz at Signing Day

Dubuque Telegraph Herald Article: "Lenz Picks ISU"

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Breaking Down Next Season's Roster

With 11 players on its roster, Iowa’s 2009-10 might be complete. There certainly could be an addition or two, but the core nucleus is intact. Here’s an early breakdown of next season’s roster. (All star ratings are based on a 5-point scale).

Projected Starting Lineup:

F Matt Gatens, So., 6-5, 215
Overall Rating: ****
Role: *****
Potential: ****
--Gatens is the poster-child of the Iowa program. He should easily be the best player on the team, and now with Jake Kelly gone, he should see an increase in shot opportunities.

C Jarryd Cole, Jr., 6-7, 250
Overall Rating: ***
Role: *****
Potential: ***
--Cole showed some rebounding ability and inside toughness at the end of last season. With being another year removed from his ACL tear, it should be Cole’s time to thrive.

G Anthony Tucker, So., 6-4, 200
Overall Rating: ***
Role: ****
Potential: ***
--After a trying first season in a Hawkeye uniform, Iowa desperately needs a productive Tucker. His 3-point shooting could be key in providing some scoring for an offensively-challenged team.

G Devan Bawinkel, Sr., 6-5, 210
Overall Rating: **
Role: ****
Potential: *
--Bawinkel is simply on Iowa’s roster to put up 3’s. That’s not a bad thing if the guy can make them.

G Cully Payne, Fr., 6-1, 180
Overall Rating: **
Role: ****
Potential: ***
--As the only point guard on the current roster, Payne projects as a starter. He was one of the top players in the state of Illinois. He was a nice late find for Todd Lickliter.

In the Rotation:

F Aaron Fuller, So., 6-6, 210
Overall Rating: **
Role: ***
Potential: ***
--If only Fuller were just a little taller, or a little better ball handler, or a little better shooter. Despite his shortcomings, Fuller could still be a nice piece. His skills are decent across the board.

C Brennan Cougill, Fr., 6-9, 260
Overall Rating: **
Role: ***
Potential: ***
--With the lack of inside depth, Cougill should get a crack to play right away. He’s big and beefy, and has some nice inside moves. He’ll have to get stronger and quicker, though.

G/F Eric May, Fr., 6-5, 220
Overall Rating: **
Role: ***
Potential: ****
--Iowa’s current roster is short on athletic wings. That means May should get some immediate minutes. He’s an underrated recruit who has more athleticism than anyone on the team.

F Devon Archie, So., 6-9, 215
Overall Rating: **
Role: **
Potential: ***
--Archie is a large unknown. His high school coach says he’s a late bloomer with a lot of potential. His size will get him a look at early playing time.

Get Comfortable:

F Andrew Brommer, So., 6-9, 235
Overall Rating: *
Role: **
Potential: **
--Brommer flopped as a freshman. He didn’t play particularly well when he got early minutes. But it was only his first year. He’ll get another chance. Hopefully he’ll improve.

G John Lickliter, Fr., 5-11, 175
Overall Rating: *
Role: *
Potential: *
--Will see action only in scrub time.

*Image from the AP.

10 Predictions for 2009-2010

Anthony Tucker will rebound from last season's troubles to have a solid 2009-2010 campaign.

AP Photo
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10. 6-foot-2 point guard Ben Brust of Mundelein, Ill., and 6-foot-6 small forward Zach McCabe of Sioux City, Ia., will join Cody Larson as part of Iowa’s 2010 recruiting class.

9. Iowa will average under 10,000 fans per home game for the first time in the history of Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

8. Andrew Brommer will be the next player to leave the program after seeing little playing time next season.

7. Freshman Eric May will replace Devan Bawinkel in the starting lineup midway through the season and take on a heavy dosage of minutes.

6. Anthony Tucker will lead the Big Ten in 3-point field goals.

5. Matt Gatens will average more than 15 points per game.

4. Cully Payne will be Iowa’s most pleasant surprise and establish himself as the point guard in both the short term and the long term.

3. Iowa will win five games in the Big Ten for the second straight season--one of those wins will come on the road.

2. Iowa will win 14 games overall.

1. Todd Lickliter’s job will be safe when he enters year four. But beyond that, who knows.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Solving the Attendance Crisis

I thought about doing a comical version of what the Iowa athletic department should do to increase attendance for next year, like paying fans to come to games. But I feel like that has been over-played on message boards. Instead, I give you my serious solutions to temporarily solve the attendance crisis.

Note: the following suggestions assume that Iowa will play 17 home games as it did in 2008-09.

10. For God sakes, change the pre-game music once in a while.

9. Re-paint the court. The black on the sidelines and on the lane look good, but it’s time for a change. Remind fans of the gold ol’ days and paint these areas gold--a flashy, snazzy gold, though.

8. Get Todd Lickliter more endorsements. He may not be that kind of guy, but having his mug on TV can’t hurt. It couldn’t hurt if Lickliter started tweeting either. It’s all about getting the name out there.

7. Ask a well-known Iowa alumnus or native Iowan to speak or answer questions at halftime of every game, and promote it. Get Tom Arnold, Ashton Kutcher, Tom Davis, Hayden Fry, Zach Johnson, Nate Kaeding, Ricky Davis, etc.

6. Hold a fan convention in the summer. This would allow fans to meet players and get autographs. Perhaps even add a dunk contest and a 3-point shooting contest open to the public. Also, hold a scrimmage game and have Todd Lickliter and his son John play one-on-one or a game of HORSE.

5. Emphasize Matt Gatens as the face of the program. Slap him on the cover of every program and media guide and make him a permanent fixture on the Hawkeyesports.com home page. Fans like to be able to identify with a star player.

4. Fix single game ticket prices at $15 for the general public (and don’t change it, no matter what); $5 for students.

3. Make season tickets $200 for the general public; $60 for students.

2. Promote these price drops vigorously. Hold a press conference, put it on billboards throughout the city and buy ads in local newspapers.

1. Win. Okay, so it’s not going to be easy. But ultimately, that’s how the program will have to bring the fans back without marketing gimmicks.

2009-2010 Top 10 Big Ten Players

1. Evan Turner, Ohio State
2008-09 Stats: 17.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.8 spg, 50.3 fg%
--Turner spurned the NBA draft and returns to Ohio State as the best player in the Big Ten. He probably should have been the conference player of the year last season, but he should be considered the favorite next season. Turner has all the skills to be a good pro someday.

2. Manny Harris, Michigan
2008-09 Stats: 16.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.4 apg, 41.5 fg%
--There may not be a more athletic player in the Big Ten than Harris. He does everything well. He can score, rebound, pass and defend. He’s the main reason why Michigan has become relevant in basketball again.

3. Kalin Lucas, Michigan State
2008-09 Stats: 14.7 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.1 rpg, 39.0 3pt%
--Lucas won last season’s Big Ten Player of the Year award and led the Spartans to the National Championship game. It’s amazing to think he’ll only be a junior. He’s got a bright future ahead as Tom Izzo’s floor leader.

4. Talor Battle, Penn State
2008-09 Stats: 16.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 5.0 apg, 40.2 fg%
--No player busted out quite like Battle did as a sophomore. His break out campaign allowed Penn State to win the NIT Championship. Battle will become an even more prolific scorer now that Jamelle Cornley and Stanley Pringle are gone.

5. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue
2008-09 Stats: 13.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 54.0 fg%
--Like Battle, Johnson improved a great deal. He became the most dominant inside presence in the Big Ten last season. He was the conference’s best shot blocker and possesses a great outside jumper for a big man.

6. DeShawn Sims, Michigan
2008-09 Stats: 15.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 0.8 bpg, 50.5 fg%
--Sims is a do-everything power forward in John Beilein’s system. Sims is a great scorer, who forces defenses to guard him out to the 3-point line. If Sims were taller, he probably would have quickly put his name in the NBA draft.

7. Raymar Morgan, Michigan State
2008-09 Stats: 10.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 52.6 fg%
--Morgan could be higher on this list, but health issues are a concern after an injury-plagued season. Morgan is explosive and dynamic. He’ll easily top his 08-09 numbers if he just stays on the court.

8. Robbie Hummel, Purdue
2008-09 Stats: 12.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 38.1 3pt%
--Like Morgan, Hummel played through significant pain last season. Hummel still managed to produce solid numbers and help Purdue get to the Sweet 16. His inside-outside game makes him one of the more well-rounded and difficult-to-defend players in the conference.

9. Kevin Coble, Northwestern
2008-09 Stats: 15.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 39.5 3pt%
--Because he plays for Northwestern, Coble doesn’t get the attention he truly deserves. He is one of the more reliable point scorers in the conference, who has great range. With Craig Moore leaving, Coble’s scoring opportunities could increase.

10. E’Twaun Moore, Purdue
2008-09 Stats: 13.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.0 apg, 42.2 fg%
--Moore gives Purdue another outside scoring option. His rainbow 3’s usually go down with regularity, although his 33.7 percent clip from beyond the arc was surprisingly low last season. Moore is also an adept passer and rebounder.

In Consideration: Chris Allen, Michigan State; William Buford, Ohio State; Mike Davis, Illinois; Devan Dumes, Indiana; Matt Gatens, Iowa; Keaton Grant, Purdue; Trevon Hughes, Wisconsin; Jon Leuer, Wisconsin; Demetri McCamey, Illinois; Delvon Roe, Michigan State; Durrell Summers, Michigan State; Lawrence Westbrook, Minnesota; Royce White, Minnesota.


*Photo from Getty Images

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Armstead Eliminates Iowa

According to the latest Pat Harty blog entry on the Press-Citizen website, Chipola Junior College point guard Malcolm Armstead has basically eliminated Iowa from his list of possible schools.

Armstead will reportedly choose between Oregon and St. John's. He also had received offers from Arkansas, Iowa and Providence.

While Armstead has made no public declaration that Iowa is out of the running, he has yet to even visit the campus. It appears Armstead's interest in Iowa was only luke-warm, contrary to what Harty had heard at one time.

In his blog, Harty wrote that someone close to the Iowa athletic department had informed him that Armstead had been a "silent commitment" to the Hawkeyes. Obviously, it wasn't true.

This means Iowa's 2009-10 roster may be complete. However, there are many cases in which players off the radar suddenly become of interest to Todd Lickliter, as in the situation with Cully Payne.

If Iowa is unable to secure another point guard, Anthony Tucker better be prepared to play some point as well. Payne is currently the only viable point guard option on the team, though Tucker may be able to fill the role. His meager assist numbers from last season don't bode well for him at that position, though.

Another Roy Marble At Iowa?

Roy Marble Jr., has some pretty good bloodlines. His dad still holds down the top spot in the Iowa record book with 2,116 career points scored, playing in Iowa City from 1986-89. He even helped the Tom Davis-led Hawkeyes to an Elite Eight appearance and currently works for the Big Ten Network as a color commentator.

Meanwhile, the younger Marble is one of the top players in the state of Michigan for the class of 2010. The 6-foot-5 Southfield native has a lot to live up to with a former NBA player as a father.

“I’m more comfortable on the court this year, and as a result, I see the game unfolding better and can react accordingly,” Marble Jr., told the Oakland Press back in January. “I don’t really feel hindered by the comparisons to my dad, because I think we have different types of games. He was a hard-core slasher, and I’m a better shooter than he was. His style was his style, and I know I’ve been able to create my own, so I just go from there.”

As a junior in high school, Marble earned Class A first team all-state in Michigan, averaging 21.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 4.0 steals. According to rivals.com, Marble has received recruiting interest from Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Providence--none have offered a scholarship, however.

Even with Marble’s pedigree and solid play, he hasn’t gotten as much attention as he hoped for. Mike Avery, his head coach at Lathrup High School, believes it’s a mistake for D-1 colleges to overlook him.

From the Oakland Press: “For some reason, Junior has stayed under the radar for most of his career so far,” he said. “If the college recruiters are doing their job, he’ll be hard not to find as things move forward. Somebody will be able to snatch him away to their program and they’ll have a real diamond in the rough. He’s a pure scorer.”

Scott Burnstein, a sportswriter for the Oakland Press, seems to share Avery’s viewpoint.

“Roy Jr. is one of the true hidden gems of the 2010 recruiting class,” Burnstein wrote. “Just like his father, Roy Sr. - an all-Big Ten player at Iowa in the late-80's and NBA first round draft pick of the Atlanta Hawks - he has a knack for the bucket, utilizing a tantalizing array of offensive moves. An owner of one of the sweetest strokes in the state, Marble will be a huge sleeper for whatever college coach grabs him.”

Sounds like a good fit for Todd Lickliter’s Hawkeyes. It would be surprising if Iowa didn’t offer this talented wing player. Marble appears to have the stroke to fit into the system and a father who’s obviously familiar with the area. Recent reports indicate Iowa is interested.

And with little other major college competition, at least to this point, the Hawkeyes could have the inside track in gaining Marble’s services.

*Photo from Detroit Free Press.