Originally posted by jreff22:Originally posted by MadDog49er:Originally posted by jreff22:Originally posted by MadDog49er:
A wrap-up on the Idaho-Bowling Green game. I was unable to watch the second half of the game, so I'll have to catch it later:
I only counted one play in the entire first half where Iupati did not execute correctly, and that was on a pull in a pile of bodies where he didn't locate the incoming LB.
He pulled on nearly every run play, was able to square up on DL, LB, and even DB's, and drive them backward. Excellent use of hands to power through players, as his legged chugged forward.
Many plays where he literally threw the defender to the ground. He has to be very careful at the next level, because sometimes grabbing and throwing guys to the ground can be called holding. I saw only one time where it was questionable, but he borders on the area where ticky-tack calls can be made.
Great footwork. Exceptional footwork. He is a leg-bender, so he has a good base and doesn't lose his feet, whether going in reverse or forward. Superb balance and strength.
I thought he was exceptional, which doesn't surprise me. This is the fourth time I've seen him play in 2009, and he is consistently solid every performance. The broadcasters had a blast isolating him on replays.
As for Barnes, he is just a very productive receiver from week-to-week, and this game was no different. He reminds me of Hines Ward (minus the nasty blocking ability). Ward is surely not a burner, but is so smart on the field that he finds ways to make plays.
That being said, there are not many Hines Ward's in the game, and sometimes highly skilled college players struggle at the next level because the game is so much faster. This may be the case with Barnes, who is going to run a slow 40 (I wouldn't be surprised to see a 4.60 time). Because of these straightline speed limitations, I think Barnes will have a difficult time being drafted any earlier than the top 80 picks.
Because you have been so high on the kid I did single him out last night (which wasn't to hard) and I was impressed. Very quick and has a very solid frame, I would like to know his body fat percentage...I'm guessing he's a lot of muscle.
The one thing that I did notice to nit pick was push after pop. When he was pulling he was locating defenders like you said very quickly and was engaging with a full head of steam. You could hear the pop so you know he is a real thumper, but matched against the bigger guys he wasn't overly dominating them. Once he made initial contact both would stay fighting but it reminded me of 2 rams butting heads....once they hit they both are stopped in their tracks. It seemed that if the defender anticipated him coming and buckled down a bit he could take the shot without being forced back or pancaked. Granted this wasn't all the time but a guy his size I was expecting him to be bulldozing people once he was able to pick up a little speed.
Overall I was very impressed with him and hope we get to see him at the Senior Bowl.
I have no doubt that he will be at the Senior Bowl. I just hope the coaches let him play OT as well as guard.
Why do you think he isn't/hasn't been playing OT to begin with...?
Not sure. I'm sure he could play anywhere on that line.
