 | 2010 FB Position Preview - Quarterback |
 by Dr. Jay
Hawkeyes.Org Editor
Today continues with #2 in my 10-part preview of the 2010 Hawkeye Football team. In this
10-part series, I'll detail each position by pointing out who's gone, who's returning, and who's
new. Plus, I'll discuss where I feel the strengths of the team lie, and where the weak links are.
Today's installment: Quarterbacks.
Movin' On: None
Movin' Up: SR Ricky Stanzi, SO James Vandenberg, SO John Wienke, RS FR Wyatt Suess
Movin' Over: None
Movin' In: FR A.J. Derby
Movin' Out: None
This position, more than any other for 2010 is solidly locked up by last year's starter. After sharing duties
in 2008 with Jake Christensen before finally earning the starting spot, Iowa has had great success with
Stanzi at the helm. The Hawks finished the 2008 campaign 6-1, and started 2009 9-0 before Ricky was injured
vs. Northwestern. He has a good arm with good accuracy when he's in the pocket, and also has the ability
to scramble, make a good touch pass on the run, and even tuck the ball in and rush for the sticks when
he needs to. Despite his excellent W-L record as a starter, some questions still remain about his ability
to make the right decisions (read: not throw interceptions). Although his Orange Bowl 1st half began in fantastic
fashion, with 2 TD throws, he later tossed an interception that was returned for a touchdown, something he
did a number of times during the season. Overall, his TD/INT ratio in '09 was 17/15, but Ricky has
been studying film all summer, vowing to improve on those stats. What is not in question is the
confidence and leadership he shows as Iowa's signal caller. The whole team feels happy and safe with Ricky
under center, and barring injury, he'll be there all year for his senior campaign.
Even if the unthinkable happens, as it did vs. Northwestern last November, Sophomore James Vandenberg
appears ready to step in and drive the bus. James looked lost taking over in mid-stream vs. the Wildcats,
but in his first start ever, he showed guts and confidence, as well as solid execution in the Hawks' OT
loss at Ohio State with the Big Ten title on the line. He regressed some in the season finale at home
against Minnesota, but with another full year of bowl prep, spring drills, as well as summer and fall camp,
he should be much more prepared. And this year, if he's called upon, he'll step up without the first-time
jitters that belied the skills of this state record holder from Keokuk.
Sophomore John Wienke was neck and neck with Vandenberg for the backup spot last year, but appears to be
relegated to scout team duty only in 2010, along with redshirt freshman Wyatt Suess from Cedar Rapids.
Wienke, with a year experience and a size advantage at 6'5", is likely the next man in if the QB spot
was struck by total disaster and both #1 and #2 went down. After Wienke, freshman A.J. Derby of Iowa City
High's state championship team has the reputation as an athlete, and with a 6'4", 225 pound frame, could be
the QB of the future.
Iowa is in excellent shape with both WINNING experience, and a lot of depth at the QB position. It's clearly
one of the top strengths of this 2010 team, and one of the big reasons Iowa is picked to contend for the Big Ten
title. If Stanzi remains healthy and improves his TD-INT stats, it will go a long way to helping Iowa repeat
last year's 9-0 start. Plus, it might give the defense a bit more breathing room on the scoreboard, and
the fans a bit more breath in the stands.
We'll continue tomorrow with some key special teams positions. One of the strengths of Kirk Ferentz's
program at Iowa has been the guys on neither offense nor defense, but when called upon to win the game
usually have a leg up on the opponents. Next up: Kickers
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