Re: The Career of J.D. Clark (NCAA 14)
There were times D.J. Halloway got beat. Times where he proved to be the weak link. Times where he could not handle all the work that was being given to him physically, and the coaches had to dial it back. But in the end, the talent won out. It did for him just as it did with linebacker David Bryant, who was third on the team in tackles as a freshman even though he went long periods without standing out at times.
Each contributed in a massive way in the BCS National Championship game. Bryant intercepted Heisman trophy winner Calvin Sanders before most fans had settled into their seats, stunning the national audience. Halloway just continued the theme, intercepting Sanders twice and coming away with three interceptions overall. His promise was predicated on him being a two-way player, yet he dominated solely from one side of the ball to lead the team to the ultimate prize. Though he did not see the field on offense as much as some fans would have liked, he still led the team in touchdown receptions on just 14 catches for the season.
The coaching staff says Halloway did nothing in the offseason to dissuade them from thinking he could be the best player on the field in 2021, indicating he was among the players that are improved the most this year.
"Man did he work hard," exclaimed new defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. "It's a good thing too, because we're going to need him to continue to develop, just like he did this offseason. I'm challenging him to become a true shut-down corner, and a guy that consistently makes a difference for our team. I think he can do that.
It's a bit of a friendly tug of war between DeRuyter new offensive coordinator Steve Addazio to determine just how much time Halloway will see on the field. Oddly enough, the development of other corners this offseason may allow Halloway to spend more time on offense.
"He intercepted three passes in the national championship game. That's going to be his coming out party," said Addazio. "I'm telling you this kid can play wide receiver easily at the next level as well. He wants to develop both sides of his game, so we're going to continue to push for that. It's all about maximizing the production and energy quotient; no athlete, no matter how hard they work, can play full time on both sides of the ball at the level it's being played at today. Especially with the hurry-up offense half the teams are presenting us with. So we have to manage that."
Coach Clark believes that Halloway may be faster, and says he sees a more confident tackler and hitter in addition to a much stronger player.
"The crazy thing is he's improving on both sides of the ball," said Clark. He's a lot stronger, even faster. He's getting off the line better. This year, we'll be able to pick a few more spots per game to get him in there, and have some scripted periods of the game where he might not be playing on D for a drive here or there. We want to give him a chance to do some truly special things."
Bryant may not be getting the press or pub Halloway is getting, but Clark foresees an expanded role for him as well.
"In the Dime sets it's a very good bet he'll be in there now. I don't think you'll see David miss a snap unless he's hurt next season. He's a guy we have to have on the field. He's that good."
The overall talent level of the Hawkeyes has continued to improve since Coach Clark took the helm, and it will be interesting to see how far he can take the Hawkeyes moving forward.
D.J. Halloway basked in the moment after beating Georgia to win the national championship
Promise Fulfilled at Just the Right Time
For D.J. Halloway and David Bryant, dominating the Championship a cherry on top to a season of ups and downs
Promise Fulfilled at Just the Right Time
For D.J. Halloway and David Bryant, dominating the Championship a cherry on top to a season of ups and downs
There were times D.J. Halloway got beat. Times where he proved to be the weak link. Times where he could not handle all the work that was being given to him physically, and the coaches had to dial it back. But in the end, the talent won out. It did for him just as it did with linebacker David Bryant, who was third on the team in tackles as a freshman even though he went long periods without standing out at times.
Each contributed in a massive way in the BCS National Championship game. Bryant intercepted Heisman trophy winner Calvin Sanders before most fans had settled into their seats, stunning the national audience. Halloway just continued the theme, intercepting Sanders twice and coming away with three interceptions overall. His promise was predicated on him being a two-way player, yet he dominated solely from one side of the ball to lead the team to the ultimate prize. Though he did not see the field on offense as much as some fans would have liked, he still led the team in touchdown receptions on just 14 catches for the season.
The coaching staff says Halloway did nothing in the offseason to dissuade them from thinking he could be the best player on the field in 2021, indicating he was among the players that are improved the most this year.
"Man did he work hard," exclaimed new defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. "It's a good thing too, because we're going to need him to continue to develop, just like he did this offseason. I'm challenging him to become a true shut-down corner, and a guy that consistently makes a difference for our team. I think he can do that.
It's a bit of a friendly tug of war between DeRuyter new offensive coordinator Steve Addazio to determine just how much time Halloway will see on the field. Oddly enough, the development of other corners this offseason may allow Halloway to spend more time on offense.
"He intercepted three passes in the national championship game. That's going to be his coming out party," said Addazio. "I'm telling you this kid can play wide receiver easily at the next level as well. He wants to develop both sides of his game, so we're going to continue to push for that. It's all about maximizing the production and energy quotient; no athlete, no matter how hard they work, can play full time on both sides of the ball at the level it's being played at today. Especially with the hurry-up offense half the teams are presenting us with. So we have to manage that."
Coach Clark believes that Halloway may be faster, and says he sees a more confident tackler and hitter in addition to a much stronger player.
"The crazy thing is he's improving on both sides of the ball," said Clark. He's a lot stronger, even faster. He's getting off the line better. This year, we'll be able to pick a few more spots per game to get him in there, and have some scripted periods of the game where he might not be playing on D for a drive here or there. We want to give him a chance to do some truly special things."
Bryant may not be getting the press or pub Halloway is getting, but Clark foresees an expanded role for him as well.
"In the Dime sets it's a very good bet he'll be in there now. I don't think you'll see David miss a snap unless he's hurt next season. He's a guy we have to have on the field. He's that good."
The overall talent level of the Hawkeyes has continued to improve since Coach Clark took the helm, and it will be interesting to see how far he can take the Hawkeyes moving forward.
Talking some trash is just part of the fun for Halloway
Bryant has the size, strength, athleticism, and technical skills to be an elite linebacker
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