Point/Counterpoint: Which true freshman will have the biggest effect for the Hawkeyes this season?
C.J. Fiedorowicz
C.J. Fiedorowicz is a freak of nature. Whether he likes that phrase associated with him or not, it's true.
The Johnsburg, Ill., native lit up the Illinois high-school record books, catching 44 passes for 921 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior.
In addition to playing wide receiver and tight end throughout his prep career, Fiedorowicz lined up at quarterback, running back, linebacker, safety, kick returner, and even long snapper.
So it's not a stretch to think he can absolutely be in the mix this season as a true freshman.
His athletic ability and versatility on both sides of the ball tells football observers he's agile, capable, and a team player.
With Tony Moeaki now playing in the NFL and Allen Reisner taking the reins as starter, Fiedorowicz can certainly contribute at tight end.
Iowa frequently uses two-tight end sets in its offense, adding more blocking for the running game, which is a crucial part of the Hawkeye attack. Brad Herman is second on the depth chart for Saturday's game against Eastern Illinois.
While Herman is not undersized, Fiedorowicz is noticeably bigger. His 6-7, 250-pound frame dwarfs most linebackers and almost everybody in an opposing secondary.
With that said, there is no reason Fiedorowicz can't get some reps early in the season. Let him play and see what he can do, and then the coaches can make a decision if they want to put him on the depth chart for Big Ten games. With his size, the USA Today high-school All-American can quickly become a favorite target of Ricky Stanzi's, especially over the middle.
Reisner is poised to have a breakout year, but Fiedorowicz, although young and inexperienced, can be an impact player, too.
Hawkeye fans will get to know Fiedorowicz as he continues his collegiate career, but they'll be just as familiar with him by Saturday. He should be in the regular rotation by Week 3 against Arizona — at the latest. Mark it down.
— by Matt Cozzi
James Morris
James Morris is a winner, pure and simple.
During his tenure at Solon High School, he did it all. He played linebacker, running back, and quarterback. He even dominated on the mat as a wrestler and ran track.
Morris led Solon to 41-consecutive wins and was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Iowa in his final two prep seasons. With more than 2,000 yards rushing as a senior, he solidified himself in the top 10 for career rushing yards for an Iowa high-school back.
Though he was only a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, Morris was listed as the second-best prospect in Iowa.
If you look back on Kirk Ferentz's recruiting classes from years past, it becomes obvious that recruiting rankings don't necessarily translate into future success.
Jake Christensen was a four-star recruit from Illinois, and he ended up begging Eastern Illinois for a second chance after countless failures at Iowa.
Although not listed as a starter on the depth chart, Morris will help the Hawkeyes in a number of ways. He should sub in at linebacker, where Iowa is inexperienced (minus Jeremiha Hunter). He'll also be deployed on special teams.
Additionally, Kirk Ferentz made it clear during his Tuesday press conference that Morris was one of a few true freshman who will see the field.
By the time Iowa travels to Ann Arbor, Mich., on Oct. 16, Morris will be a key contributor for the defense.
Outside linebacker Tyler Nielsen is inexperienced. It's yet to be seen whether or not he can fill in as a solid replacement for A.J. Edds, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
Although Morris probably won't get any starts this season — assuming the linebacker corps stays healthy — he will be rotated in on a regular basis and should rack up his share of tackles.
— by Jon Frank
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