Again due to boredom and anticipation thought it would burn some time to look at our commits with their strengths, weaknesses and possible position in the future...feel free to chime in or stop me at any point.

First up...Jordan Rowell-IC Catholic, Elmhurst, Illinois

Arguably one of the more physically gifted kids in the class. Plenty of offers including one from Iowa if I'm not mistaking. Listed at 603, 195 and based off film I'd say every bit of 200 and likely in the 602 range. Looks massive compared to kids he's playing around. About 2300 rushing yards and a handful receiving which makes him second or third in the state for rushing and I think top in the state scoring.

Kid is big, fast, strong and best yet, he knows it. Although he made his biggest impact on offense I do not see him as an RB at the next level. Many schools in the metro suburban are smaller and I think they are 3a. So much of his yardage is do to superior physical ability. He's a down hill runner with long stride and does not stray away from contact. With that said, especially early in his senior highlights, he bounces everything to the outside with little congestion between the tackles. Breaks big runs because he's simply faster than everyone. At the next level those are ALL TFLs. Similar to what JB as well as even Stingley did at his worse. He won't have the speed to clear the edge at this level. Not to say it can't be coached but more recruited backs are noted for what they already have and would be a hard habit to break. In comparison if you looked at Nettles (or some of our real good backs like Spann, Stingly and Wolfe) he [Nettles] hits the whole hard and reads blocks between the tackles which will avoid those lost yards. Wolfe would see the congestion on the strongside and cut between the tackles on the backside which Really accounted for all his big runs. What Rowells does is continue strongside and try to clear the edge with an open backside alley, along with the flow of the defense. Be the difference between a gain of three yards and loss of five.

Although solid with a good frame he seems a tad stiff for a skill position. Again, a long strider who does not rely on the Florida stick which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Top speed is a plus but with our system reads require quick cuts and vision. I think he's missing the elite vision primarily because he never had to do anything more than be the athlete he is. He's a good receiver out of the back and would be curious to see how he is with routes off the line. With his size, hands and top end speed I'd go outside the box and say he'd be more successful at wr than RB on offense...
maybe.

Now defense where I likely see him. There's no question IMO that he will be an outside backer for us. Doesnt really have the agility to cover deep although with some hip work and coaching could make for one hell of a run stopping SS. Kid loooves to plug. Sometimes passes on the sure tackle to get that hit stick. Successful in the hs level prob won't fly here, although this will be fixed and brings that badass aspect to the defense I really miss having. Covers the field well from sideline to sideline and although there really hasn't been enough tape to show how he gets off blocks I have a hard time believing he'd have too much of a problem doing so based off his physical nature. Looks like the type that will put on good weight quickly and could be devastating at 225/230 if he keeps that speed. Certainly has the height for it.

In summary an athlete recruit by all accounts and wouldn't be surprised to see him anywhere on the field. To me he's the typical NIU lb recruit with superior frame and athletic ability than most recruited in the past. His various techniques seem a bit off prob because he's so physically dominant. I see him as a starting backer for us for the 2019 season making a serious impact. Could very well be a guy that plays as a true freshman with significant time as a sophomore if not starting. I think we would benefit from him the most with a redshirt year to teach him up and put some weight on. I'm not a big fan of burning redshirts for special teams and very limited game play.

So for you asses (I think not so affectionately dubbed trolls?), I am not a recruiter nor do I possess superior fb knowledge but like always, enjoy good discussion and banter. Let me take your fun away now.

Looking forward to hearing from the people who have been following NIU for many years and their insight.

I agree with you assessment on Rowell. When he committed in the summer, he said NIU was recruiting him as an RB but he was open to defense as well. If we are lucky enough to hang on to him, I agree that OLB is the perfect spot for him. RB is already pretty deep so he has a better shot there. I also wouldnt be shocked if they pulled a Novak/Kill move and tried to make him a DE with our history of playing athletic RBs and converting them to DEs. Either way though, Id love to see him at OLB. With his speed and length, he could be a game changer at that position.

(01-05-2017 07:12 PM)NIU32 Wrote:  I agree with you assessment on Rowell. When he committed in the summer, he said NIU was recruiting him as an RB but he was open to defense as well. If we are lucky enough to hang on to him, I agree that OLB is the perfect spot for him. RB is already pretty deep so he has a better shot there. I also wouldnt be shocked if they pulled a Novak/Kill move and tried to make him a DE with our history of playing athletic RBs and converting them to DEs. Either way though, Id love to see him at OLB. With his speed and length, he could be a game changer at that position.

Absolutely move him to DE. Let's hope he gets up to 220+ with that 6'3" frame. I think theres already some talent at LB at definitely more depth. Let him rotate some with Wynne. Im not sold on Sanders. Corcoran can have the left side locked down.

I agree that Rowell is probably not destined for RB, even though I think he indicated that the coaches said he would get a shot. If he's capable would love to see him at OLB or Safety.

That's some good stuff, keep the recruiting breakdowns coming.

(01-05-2017 05:44 PM)Suptroop Wrote:  Again due to boredom and anticipation thought it would burn some time to look at our commits with their strengths, weaknesses and possible position in the future...feel free to chime in or stop me at any point.

First up...Jordan Rowell-IC Catholic, Elmhurst, Illinois

Arguably one of the more physically gifted kids in the class. Plenty of offers including one from Iowa if I'm not mistaking. Listed at 603, 195 and based off film I'd say every bit of 200 and likely in the 602 range. Looks massive compared to kids he's playing around. About 2300 rushing yards and a handful receiving which makes him second or third in the state for rushing and I think top in the state scoring.

Kid is big, fast, strong and best yet, he knows it. Although he made his biggest impact on offense I do not see him as an RB at the next level. Many schools in the metro suburban are smaller and I think they are 3a. So much of his yardage is do to superior physical ability. He's a down hill runner with long stride and does not stray away from contact. With that said, especially early in his senior highlights, he bounces everything to the outside with little congestion between the tackles. Breaks big runs because he's simply faster than everyone. At the next level those are ALL TFLs. Similar to what JB as well as even Stingley did at his worse. He won't have the speed to clear the edge at this level. Not to say it can't be coached but more recruited backs are noted for what they already have and would be a hard habit to break. In comparison if you looked at Nettles (or some of our real good backs like Spann, Stingly and Wolfe) he [Nettles] hits the whole hard and reads blocks between the tackles which will avoid those lost yards. Wolfe would see the congestion on the strongside and cut between the tackles on the backside which Really accounted for all his big runs. What Rowells does is continue strongside and try to clear the edge with an open backside alley, along with the flow of the defense. Be the difference between a gain of three yards and loss of five.

Although solid with a good frame he seems a tad stiff for a skill position. Again, a long strider who does not rely on the Florida stick which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Top speed is a plus but with our system reads require quick cuts and vision. I think he's missing the elite vision primarily because he never had to do anything more than be the athlete he is. He's a good receiver out of the back and would be curious to see how he is with routes off the line. With his size, hands and top end speed I'd go outside the box and say he'd be more successful at wr than RB on offense...
maybe.

Now defense where I likely see him. There's no question IMO that he will be an outside backer for us. Doesnt really have the agility to cover deep although with some hip work and coaching could make for one hell of a run stopping SS. Kid loooves to plug. Sometimes passes on the sure tackle to get that hit stick. Successful in the hs level prob won't fly here, although this will be fixed and brings that badass aspect to the defense I really miss having. Covers the field well from sideline to sideline and although there really hasn't been enough tape to show how he gets off blocks I have a hard time believing he'd have too much of a problem doing so based off his physical nature. Looks like the type that will put on good weight quickly and could be devastating at 225/230 if he keeps that speed. Certainly has the height for it.

In summary an athlete recruit by all accounts and wouldn't be surprised to see him anywhere on the field. To me he's the typical NIU lb recruit with superior frame and athletic ability than most recruited in the past. His various techniques seem a bit off prob because he's so physically dominant. I see him as a starting backer for us for the 2019 season making a serious impact. Could very well be a guy that plays as a true freshman with significant time as a sophomore if not starting. I think we would benefit from him the most with a redshirt year to teach him up and put some weight on. I'm not a big fan of burning redshirts for special teams and very limited game play.

So for you asses (I think not so affectionately dubbed trolls?), I am not a recruiter nor do I possess superior fb knowledge but like always, enjoy good discussion and banter. Let me take your fun away now.

Looking forward to hearing from the people who have been following NIU for many years and their insight.

Thanks for the analysis. Having watched replays of Wolfe a lot (still my favorite player) he did bounce it all the way outside and got a lot of long runs that way. But he had the speed, acceleration and cutting ability to avoid whatever defender got out there to stop him, get past that guy and it was off to the races. Very few RBs have all that though.

What other offers does Rowell have? Do you see any RB recruits that look promising? We've been spoiled with guys like Turner, Wolfe and Spann.

Rowell had Purdue and Iowa offers early on, I believe. One of the IC assistants, Matt Bowen played at Iowa.

(01-06-2017 10:29 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(01-05-2017 05:44 PM)Suptroop Wrote:  Again due to boredom and anticipation thought it would burn some time to look at our commits with their strengths, weaknesses and possible position in the future...feel free to chime in or stop me at any point.

First up...Jordan Rowell-IC Catholic, Elmhurst, Illinois

Arguably one of the more physically gifted kids in the class. Plenty of offers including one from Iowa if I'm not mistaking. Listed at 603, 195 and based off film I'd say every bit of 200 and likely in the 602 range. Looks massive compared to kids he's playing around. About 2300 rushing yards and a handful receiving which makes him second or third in the state for rushing and I think top in the state scoring.

Kid is big, fast, strong and best yet, he knows it. Although he made his biggest impact on offense I do not see him as an RB at the next level. Many schools in the metro suburban are smaller and I think they are 3a. So much of his yardage is do to superior physical ability. He's a down hill runner with long stride and does not stray away from contact. With that said, especially early in his senior highlights, he bounces everything to the outside with little congestion between the tackles. Breaks big runs because he's simply faster than everyone. At the next level those are ALL TFLs. Similar to what JB as well as even Stingley did at his worse. He won't have the speed to clear the edge at this level. Not to say it can't be coached but more recruited backs are noted for what they already have and would be a hard habit to break. In comparison if you looked at Nettles (or some of our real good backs like Spann, Stingly and Wolfe) he [Nettles] hits the whole hard and reads blocks between the tackles which will avoid those lost yards. Wolfe would see the congestion on the strongside and cut between the tackles on the backside which Really accounted for all his big runs. What Rowells does is continue strongside and try to clear the edge with an open backside alley, along with the flow of the defense. Be the difference between a gain of three yards and loss of five.

Although solid with a good frame he seems a tad stiff for a skill position. Again, a long strider who does not rely on the Florida stick which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Top speed is a plus but with our system reads require quick cuts and vision. I think he's missing the elite vision primarily because he never had to do anything more than be the athlete he is. He's a good receiver out of the back and would be curious to see how he is with routes off the line. With his size, hands and top end speed I'd go outside the box and say he'd be more successful at wr than RB on offense...
maybe.

Now defense where I likely see him. There's no question IMO that he will be an outside backer for us. Doesnt really have the agility to cover deep although with some hip work and coaching could make for one hell of a run stopping SS. Kid loooves to plug. Sometimes passes on the sure tackle to get that hit stick. Successful in the hs level prob won't fly here, although this will be fixed and brings that badass aspect to the defense I really miss having. Covers the field well from sideline to sideline and although there really hasn't been enough tape to show how he gets off blocks I have a hard time believing he'd have too much of a problem doing so based off his physical nature. Looks like the type that will put on good weight quickly and could be devastating at 225/230 if he keeps that speed. Certainly has the height for it.

In summary an athlete recruit by all accounts and wouldn't be surprised to see him anywhere on the field. To me he's the typical NIU lb recruit with superior frame and athletic ability than most recruited in the past. His various techniques seem a bit off prob because he's so physically dominant. I see him as a starting backer for us for the 2019 season making a serious impact. Could very well be a guy that plays as a true freshman with significant time as a sophomore if not starting. I think we would benefit from him the most with a redshirt year to teach him up and put some weight on. I'm not a big fan of burning redshirts for special teams and very limited game play.

So for you asses (I think not so affectionately dubbed trolls?), I am not a recruiter nor do I possess superior fb knowledge but like always, enjoy good discussion and banter. Let me take your fun away now.

Looking forward to hearing from the people who have been following NIU for many years and their insight.

Thanks for the analysis. Having watched replays of Wolfe a lot (still my favorite player) he did bounce it all the way outside and got a lot of long runs that way. But he had the speed, acceleration and cutting ability to avoid whatever defender got out there to stop him, get past that guy and it was off to the races. Very few RBs have all that though.

What other offers does Rowell have? Do you see any RB recruits that look promising? We've been spoiled with guys like Turner, Wolfe and Spann.

i really like our other RB commit, Jordan Nettles. Somebody earlier mentioned him being a similar runner to Chad Spann and I think thats a great comparison. Kid has great vision and cutback ability, and really hits the hole hard and accelerates. I'm excited about what he can do for us in a few years

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3965120/580d...4b1466d51e

Isaac Hawn offensive line, st Charles north, Elgin.

(Going to look at Nettles next but yes am excited about him)

So Isaac Hawn many think is our prized recruit this year. From what I think he could become, those people might be right. Played mostly played right tackle but some defense as well. I was kind of disappointed at some his post season accolades as some news sources made him sound like the tackle in Illinois for 2017. I don't put much stock into it. Most on here have seen rivals downgrade players rankings the second they commit to a mac school so could add to the effect.

Obviously a big guy but can't say 607. I knew Tripodi some time ago and he's a very solid 604. Looking at one of those pictures with the two I'd say Hawn is in the 605 mark maybe a bit above. In the area of 280 with a good body composition. Prob could get to around 310 315 without losing athleticism.

What stick out to me about him is his technique (mostly all highlights but still). You know the coaches exact scheme by looking at his first foot placement which a great thing especially in high school level. Gets his first step pointing about 45 degrees just outside the defenders outside foot and follows up the second foot with a wide base. So many young kids love to cross their feet on a downhill block which will get you destroyed at this level. His drop back pass sets are terrific. Better than many two or three year college vets. Again, he wasn't playing the Loyolas or other schools with top level ends so could have gotten away with sloppy work. To me he looks a bit awkward when running, almost like he's stomping rather than striding but regardless gets to where he's going in a hurry. Might also be due to technique taught as well.

Hand placement is also above average for a high school kid. From time to time he goes wide with his outside right are but seen more in stretch plays. For the most part his hands are placed squarely between the numbers. Means he's very coachable and should advance quickly.

He's not a "mauler" type player. Of course he's massive, people are going to fall down but not from that power clean type hit. Relays more of finesse good technique to get the job done. doesn't have that overly explosive/quick twitch which might be why he's not going SEC etc.

Plays a little high at times however actually positioned well on the defensive line. He has the ability to stay low while also having pretty good flexibility.

The one thing I really don't like is that he was at right tackle with a right handed qb. It might be an outdated notion but you want you best lineman on your qbs blindside. So is him being on the right side by scheme or because he's not really good at interchanging spots.

Most of you are going to hate me for saying this but reminds me a bit of Josh Ruka in physical play style. I think Rukas biggest issue was missed assignments. Physically, he had all the tools. Hawns potential will far outreach Rukas, I'm sure.

All in all he's a great get by all means. Huge potential, great size, coachable moves well...everything you'd look for in a recruit. Would like to see a bit more aggression and explosiveness with those hands but can be worked on. With his flexibility I really wouldn't be surprised if he played guard at some point...particularly if the coaches simply wanted the five best players I'd fix him for that move over most others. We definitely won't lose on him.

(01-06-2017 03:27 PM)NIU32 Wrote:  

(01-06-2017 10:29 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(01-05-2017 05:44 PM)Suptroop Wrote:  Again due to boredom and anticipation thought it would burn some time to look at our commits with their strengths, weaknesses and possible position in the future...feel free to chime in or stop me at any point.

First up...Jordan Rowell-IC Catholic, Elmhurst, Illinois

Arguably one of the more physically gifted kids in the class. Plenty of offers including one from Iowa if I'm not mistaking. Listed at 603, 195 and based off film I'd say every bit of 200 and likely in the 602 range. Looks massive compared to kids he's playing around. About 2300 rushing yards and a handful receiving which makes him second or third in the state for rushing and I think top in the state scoring.

Kid is big, fast, strong and best yet, he knows it. Although he made his biggest impact on offense I do not see him as an RB at the next level. Many schools in the metro suburban are smaller and I think they are 3a. So much of his yardage is do to superior physical ability. He's a down hill runner with long stride and does not stray away from contact. With that said, especially early in his senior highlights, he bounces everything to the outside with little congestion between the tackles. Breaks big runs because he's simply faster than everyone. At the next level those are ALL TFLs. Similar to what JB as well as even Stingley did at his worse. He won't have the speed to clear the edge at this level. Not to say it can't be coached but more recruited backs are noted for what they already have and would be a hard habit to break. In comparison if you looked at Nettles (or some of our real good backs like Spann, Stingly and Wolfe) he [Nettles] hits the whole hard and reads blocks between the tackles which will avoid those lost yards. Wolfe would see the congestion on the strongside and cut between the tackles on the backside which Really accounted for all his big runs. What Rowells does is continue strongside and try to clear the edge with an open backside alley, along with the flow of the defense. Be the difference between a gain of three yards and loss of five.

Although solid with a good frame he seems a tad stiff for a skill position. Again, a long strider who does not rely on the Florida stick which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Top speed is a plus but with our system reads require quick cuts and vision. I think he's missing the elite vision primarily because he never had to do anything more than be the athlete he is. He's a good receiver out of the back and would be curious to see how he is with routes off the line. With his size, hands and top end speed I'd go outside the box and say he'd be more successful at wr than RB on offense...
maybe.

Now defense where I likely see him. There's no question IMO that he will be an outside backer for us. Doesnt really have the agility to cover deep although with some hip work and coaching could make for one hell of a run stopping SS. Kid loooves to plug. Sometimes passes on the sure tackle to get that hit stick. Successful in the hs level prob won't fly here, although this will be fixed and brings that badass aspect to the defense I really miss having. Covers the field well from sideline to sideline and although there really hasn't been enough tape to show how he gets off blocks I have a hard time believing he'd have too much of a problem doing so based off his physical nature. Looks like the type that will put on good weight quickly and could be devastating at 225/230 if he keeps that speed. Certainly has the height for it.

In summary an athlete recruit by all accounts and wouldn't be surprised to see him anywhere on the field. To me he's the typical NIU lb recruit with superior frame and athletic ability than most recruited in the past. His various techniques seem a bit off prob because he's so physically dominant. I see him as a starting backer for us for the 2019 season making a serious impact. Could very well be a guy that plays as a true freshman with significant time as a sophomore if not starting. I think we would benefit from him the most with a redshirt year to teach him up and put some weight on. I'm not a big fan of burning redshirts for special teams and very limited game play.

So for you asses (I think not so affectionately dubbed trolls?), I am not a recruiter nor do I possess superior fb knowledge but like always, enjoy good discussion and banter. Let me take your fun away now.

Looking forward to hearing from the people who have been following NIU for many years and their insight.

Thanks for the analysis. Having watched replays of Wolfe a lot (still my favorite player) he did bounce it all the way outside and got a lot of long runs that way. But he had the speed, acceleration and cutting ability to avoid whatever defender got out there to stop him, get past that guy and it was off to the races. Very few RBs have all that though.

What other offers does Rowell have? Do you see any RB recruits that look promising? We've been spoiled with guys like Turner, Wolfe and Spann.

i really like our other RB commit, Jordan Nettles. Somebody earlier mentioned him being a similar runner to Chad Spann and I think thats a great comparison. Kid has great vision and cutback ability, and really hits the hole hard and accelerates. I'm excited about what he can do for us in a few years

http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3965120/580d...4b1466d51e

Rowells has reported offers from ball state, Iowa, Purdue, Wyoming and Miami of O. Sure prob other but those were of note.

I do think Nettles has the better chances for the future. Bred to be a running back.

Believe it or not both AJ Harris and Montel Clanton were faster in the straight away than Worlfe was. He had great vision, cutting ability, small stature behind monsters like Free and Luek, patience and people forget, tackle braking ability. He was very strong.

Reason Chad was my favorite was because he was just a violent runner. Nothing finesse about it. He was undersized and not overly fast...just reckless and hard to bring down. Nettles kind of fits that mold. Looks like he should be more of a skat back but makes his money between the tackles.