Stinson to Iowa!

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,949
24,263
113
Look at what Iowa has added to the 2026 class in the last couple of weeks:

* 4-star QB Tradon Bessinger

* 3-star TE Luke Brewer

* And now 3-star WR Xavier Stinson

 

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,949
24,263
113
There are 3 WRs now in Iowa’s 2026 class.

3-star, 6'0" Brody Schaffer (from Wisconsin)
3-star, 5'11" Diondre Smith (from Florida)
3-star, 6'2" Xavier Stinson (from Florida)

 

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,949
24,263
113
One national analyst had the following to say about 6'2" three star WR Xavier Stinson & four star QB Tradon Bessinger, who many on here called nothing more than a statue.

On Stinson: That’s a really good get for Iowa. True X prospect, good size who doesn’t turn 18 until end of spring.

On Bessinger: Iowa has its best QB prospect coming in that any of us can remember.

 
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DukeSlater

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2023
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With Iowa and even TL, it’s wait and see

the running game has looked so much better. Even this year without the RBs breaking big runs (MG has tho!) they’ve just manhandled everyone for the most part. It’s our inability to cash in or get the big play….

the passing game. Sorry. Tim has brought in his guys this year and it’s been horrible. Hank Brown looked completely lost for a ******* screen pass

MG cannot make the throw when he has to…

our top WR has 200 yards on the year

Every year we talk about how this WR or that WR gonna put up the numbers and nahhh

The talk this year was when VDZ returns the offense will open up!!! Nope. Dude has like 5 catches

Next year is next year but this is year two of no passing attack
As I explained in the Leistokow thread about wide receivers, the problem is the QB far more than it is the WRs. As I said in that thread, how impressed would you be with USC's WRs if they were playing in the Iowa offense with MG trying to get them the ball? Get a QB who throws accurately and on time, and you'll be amazed at how "improved" Iowa's WRs will be.
 

DukeSlater

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2023
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Even more restored be skeptical after we were told during Summer camp how much better the receivers looked in year two of the system. The results aren’t proving that out.
But it's not the receivers' fault that the QB can't find them or, when he finally does, the ball is late and, often, inaccurate. It's a QB problem. Get a good QB and the receivers will miraculously "improve" overnight. Guaranteed. I think Hecklinski could be that QB.
 
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UIAlumFireFighter

All-Conference
Sep 26, 2018
1,162
1,743
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??? WRs account for 54% of Iowa's receptions this year. TE's at 22%, RBs at 22%.

The WRs are getting targets.
Total for ALL wide receivers at Iowa : 79 Receptions

The following teams are next in line and in order above Iowa for worst passing offense (Yards/Game)....

Wisconsin WR group: 72 Receptions
Northwestern WRs: 99
PSU: 91
UCLA: 111
Michigan: 96

Our Neighbors to the North: 103
Our Neighbors to the West: 123

The Most....

USC WRs: 148

**Iowa has the fewest pass attempts of all Big Ten teams, and in the bottom 10 nationally**

We ALWAYS have an excuse as to why we are so deficient passing the football. Always.
 
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ClarindaA’s

All-Conference
Jun 30, 2025
1,174
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With Iowa and even TL, it’s wait and see

the running game has looked so much better. Even this year without the RBs breaking big runs (MG has tho!) they’ve just manhandled everyone for the most part. It’s our inability to cash in or get the big play….

the passing game. Sorry. Tim has brought in his guys this year and it’s been horrible. Hank Brown looked completely lost for a ******* screen pass

MG cannot make the throw when he has to…

our top WR has 200 yards on the year

Every year we talk about how this WR or that WR gonna put up the numbers and nahhh

The talk this year was when VDZ returns the offense will open up!!! Nope. Dude has like 5 catches

Next year is next year but this is year two of no passing attack
We have better routes and guys are open. We have QBs with ooor vision and mechanics
 

AnonymousNolonger

All-Conference
Jul 4, 2025
950
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MG’s biggest problem appears to be throwing the ball too low far too often.

And I get that you really don’t want to float one high over the middle. Probable interception.

But, I think he is overcompensating on that just a wee too much.
 
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LetsGoHawks83

All-American
Mar 20, 2015
2,818
5,627
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MG’s biggest problem appears to be throwing the ball too low far too often.

And I get that you really don’t want to float one high over the middle. Probable interception.

But, I think he is overcompensating on that just a wee too much.

MG tries to throw too many lasers. Causing the nose of the ball to drop and fall short.

I borrowed that take from the ANF podcast. They showed the poor throws to Wetjen.... On the Wetjen would have HOUSED.... Crossing route, no one in front of him, just lay it out there.

The ANF podcast guys did say that Wetjen being short can cause MG to not loft the ball as much, since Wetjen isn't going to win many jump balls like a big WR.
 
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The Big Z

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2023
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MG tries to throw too many lasers. Causing the nose of the ball to drop and fall short.

I borrowed that take from the ANF podcast. They showed the poor throws to Wetjen.... On the Wetjen would have HOUSED.... Crossing route, no one in front of him, just lay it out there.

The ANF podcast guys did say that Wetjen being short can cause MG to not loft the ball as much, since Wetjen isn't going to win many jump balls like a big WR.
And if Grono at this point in his career is still this inaccurate and can’t hit a receiver because he’s short that’s on him. You are that wide open the play has to be made. Everything was set up perfectly and he missed him by a mile.
 

HawksRule73

All-Conference
Jun 26, 2025
606
1,636
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MG tries to throw too many lasers. Causing the nose of the ball to drop and fall short.

I borrowed that take from the ANF podcast. They showed the poor throws to Wetjen.... On the Wetjen would have HOUSED.... Crossing route, no one in front of him, just lay it out there.

The ANF podcast guys did say that Wetjen being short can cause MG to not loft the ball as much, since Wetjen isn't going to win many jump balls like a big WR.
I've noticed that happens to him every time he tries to AIM the ball.....usually when the receiver is wide open......rather than just sling it. When he slings it, he's pretty good (i.e. the back shoulder dart to RVZ against Minny). But too often he tries to aim the ball and it always dives.
 

83Hawk

All-Conference
Jan 1, 2023
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I've noticed that happens to him every time he tries to AIM the ball.....usually when the receiver is wide open......rather than just sling it. When he slings it, he's pretty good (i.e. the back shoulder dart to RVZ against Minny). But too often he tries to aim the ball and it always dives.
Agree. I have said this before….he tries to “guide” the ball instead of slinging it. Did he do that at SDSU? I doubt it. Was he coached out of slinging the ball or did his injury mess him up? Or is it something else?

I am NOT ragging on him. Just curious.
 

BunchofAholes

All-Conference
Jul 9, 2025
2,272
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I imagine he'll see limited time...due to his need to improve his blocking.

The Kid Mero Nod GIF by Desus & Mero
 
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uihawk82

All-Conference
Nov 17, 2021
2,487
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He ran 4.48 at an Under Armour camp this year.
That is very good speed, not a 4.3 type guy but if I remember my old track days and computing, a tenth of a second is one yard (100 yards in 10 seconds) which makes a difference over 40 yard routes.

But I would say he has good enough speed especially if he gets off the LOS quick and with his size etc and easily get by a defender right across from him
 
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