Iowa Hawkeyes
While the offensive line, receiver and running back positions all have several
developmental players the scouts eye on this side of the ball is directed
towards senior tight end Dallas Clark, a former walk-on that originally started as a
defensive player. Clark, slowly developing into a complete tight end, is a
hard-working and athletic pass catcher that consistently finds the open spot on
the field and catches the ball with solid technique, occasionally making plays
into the secondary. Clark is a 
reliable, smart and hard-working
player that
gives top effort when asked to block (though the results are minimal and it’s the
part of his game he must work on most). Still; he is one of those middle round
tight ends that slip through the cracks yet go on to have ten year careers at
the next level. Aaron Greving now takes over the running back duties from
LaDell Betts and the underclassman has shown flashes in the past displaying some
skill for the next level. Iowa has a pair of talented tackles with bright
futures, one a senior and the other only a junior. Upperclassman David Porter
is a solid athlete that displays footwork and pass blocking skills from the
right side, while also possessing growth potential, which would only enhance his
abilities to block for the run. Porter will get late round consideration but
left tackle Robert Gallery, one year Porter’s "junior",
should be a lineman on everyone’s radar screen. Like Porter, Gallery is a
solid athlete that plays with balance and quickness, though he’s much better
blocking for the run. Gallery needs to improve his footwork, overall wherewithal
and make better use of his blocking angles. If he accomplishes that and
continues to grow into his 6-6/295 pound frame he could move into the drafts
first day in 2004. Center Bruce Nelson, guard Eric Steinbach and
receiver CJ Jones are all seniors that will garner free agent attention
for 2003, though Jones could move himself into the late rounds with a good
campaign in ’02.
The Hawkeyes have a solid defense, probably one of the best in the Big Ten,
and many of the prospects from this unit offer possibilities at the next level.
Up front Colin Cole is an athletic lineman that’s been used at both
tackle and end. He is quick, fluid and makes plays in all directions of the
field but lacks size and is easily handled at the point. He could be effective
as an under-tackle in a three-four or playing the ever-popular three technique.
Solid workouts prior to the draft will vault him into the late rounds. Middle
linebacker Fred Barr is solid stuffing the run and covers the pass well
in a small area but lacks overall lacks and as a two-down defender will be
rookie free agent in ’03. Junior Grant Steen is an athletic strong-side
‘backer with a bright future. Iowa is loaded in the secondary with several
nice prospects. Benny Sapp, Warren’s little cousin, is
a speedy corner
with solid cover instincts that has opposing quarterbacks throwing away from his
direction. Sapp still has a ways to go before we’d consider him a top-flight
corner prospect and needs time to iron out the rough edges of his game, but with
a pending suspension from the Hawkeye program which could be permanent, he will be set
back. Junior Bob Sanders is a heavy duty run defending
strong safety that constantly throws his body around the action, sacrificing it
to make the tackle. He shows a burst in a straight line and his cover skills are
improving. Barely touching the scale at 5-8, Sanders may have limits at the next
level and in many ways he reminds us of former Minnesota All American Tyrone
Carter, now starting for the Vikings. Lastly; we like what little we saw of
senior safety Derek Pagel last season and feel he has potential at the
next level.
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