FEED Validator

for Atom and RSS and KML

Congratulations!

This is a valid Atom 1.0 feed.

Recommendations

This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.

line 2, column 0: Missing atom:link with rel="self" [help]

<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en">

line 22, column 0: content should not contain data-dnt attribute (10 occurrences) [help]
```
&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center"&gt;
```

line 25, column 0: content should not contain script tag (14 occurrences) [help]

&lt;script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="u ...

line 47, column 0: content should not contain data-mask-text attribute (4 occurrences) [help]

        &lt;img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/ ...

line 210, column 0: style attribute contains potentially dangerous content: left (13 occurrences) [help]
```
&lt;div id="n2FY7X"&gt;&lt;div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; posit ...
```

line 210, column 0: content should not contain iframe tag (4 occurrences) [help]

&lt;div id="n2FY7X"&gt;&lt;div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; posit ...

Source: http://feeds.feedburner.com/sportsblogs/blackheartgoldpants.xml

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en">
<title>Black Heart Gold Pants - All Posts</title>
<subtitle>Swelling with Iowa Hawkeye pride since 2007</subtitle>
<icon>https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47511/bhgp-fave.png</icon>
<updated>2024-05-16T14:42:28-05:00</updated>
<id>http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/rss/current/</id>
<link type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/" rel="alternate"/>
<entry>
<published>2024-05-16T14:42:28-05:00</published>
<updated>2024-05-16T14:42:28-05:00</updated>
<title>Iowa Hawkeyes Baseball Heads to Des Moines</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BwuoI-x9BN_p8t4ZYyF_2BSUOso=/96x0:680x389/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73352230/img_2312_brecht.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brecht brings the heat | Stephen Mally</figcaption>
</figure>
The Hawkeyes head west before the B1G Tourney in Nebraska The <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> traveled to Champaign, Illinois, for a three-game series to wrap up the Big Ten regular season. The Hawks went 1-2. Based on preseason expectations, it has not been a stellar year for the Hawkeyes on the diamond, but Iowa baseball is still in a very good place. Game one saw the Hawkeyes lose 10-5 to the Illini. Cade Obermueller got roughed up going just 1 2⁄3 innings, giving up 5 earned runs. Obermueller has been tremendous this year. Aaron Savary went 2 1⁄3 innings and also was knocked around a little bit. Sam Hart and Reece Beuter shut the door over the last 3 innings. Beuter, who happens to be the son of one of my college buddies, pitched very well, striking out 2 of 3 batters.
<div id="5Vy8JB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
Beuter Birthday ‼️ Have a great day, Reece! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawkeyes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawkeyes</a> <a href="https://t.co/77rTQ17dNH">pic.twitter.com/77rTQ17dNH</a>— Iowa Baseball (@UIBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UIBaseball/status/1790745371175518423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
 Raider Tello had three hits and Ben Wilmes went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Tello has been a great addition the last two seasons. 
Game two saw Iowa’s ace, Brody Brecht, pitch like the future MLB player he is. Brecht went 7 innings, gave up 3 hits, 3 earned runs, and struck out 9. Brecht improved to 4-2 on the year. Jack Young came on and pitched 2 innings for the save, his 4th on the season. Iowa’s bats were thumping as the Hawkeyes pounded out 15 hits, including 7 extra-base hits. 
<div id="AabL6d">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
HAPPY MUR!!!! Grand slam for <a href="https://twitter.com/wilmes_ben?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wilmes_ben</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawkeyes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawkeyes</a> <a href="https://t.co/7jgVOYHFZs">pic.twitter.com/7jgVOYHFZs</a>— Iowa Baseball (@UIBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UIBaseball/status/1789428876109664402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
Game three was Iowa’s Achilles’ heel as far as starting pitching is concerned. Marcus Morgan has struggled this season, going just 2 2⁄3 innings and giving up 5 earned runs. Morgan fell to 2-4 on the year. The name of the game is pitching, pitching, and more pitching. Morgan is an excellent pitcher. I would expect a bounce-back season for Morgan next year. He has excellent stuff. Iowa’s bullpen gave up just one run after Morgan’s exit, but the damage was done. Davis Cop (1B/C) was Iowa’s only batter with a multi-hit performance. Andy Nelson hit his 7th home run of the season.
<h3 id="xv0BO2">Des Moines: Vs. Florida International University (FIU)</h3>
The Hawkeyes travel west to play three games at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa. 
May 16 6:35 pm 
May 17 6:35 pm
May 18 12:05 pm
Watch on B1G+ and/or listen on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Fans can also stream the for free on YouTube or by downloading the free The Varsity Network app. The FIU Panthers (located in the 305 - Miami!) have three Iowans on their roster. Owen Puk (CR Marion), Logan Runde (Peosta), and Ryan Reyerson (Marshalltown) all hail from the United States of Iowa.
Hawk fans heading to Des Moines will see two of the top pitchers in the college game. Brody Brecht and Cade Obermueller are both up for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-baseball">College Baseball</a> Foundation Pitcher of the Year Award (the Cy Young equivalent). Brecht is slated to start game one, and Obermueller is on the hill for game two. Game three’s starter is To Be Determined (unfortunate name).
<h3 id="5pWpH4">Big Ten Baseball Tournament</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RiKPugKDkPQ7mvt1JJi-QkTKprE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25451341/Screenshot_2024_05_16_122534.png">
<figcaption>The Hawks appear to be the 6 seed</figcaption>
</figure>
The Hawkeyes will wrap up the season in Nebraska at the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a>. The tourney will be a double-elimination format. The Hawkeyes need to win the whole thing at this point, as an at-large bid is off the table. 
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OW_OufZ-ZfWZyX0Bz9e2v9MwxtE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25451363/Screenshot_2024_05_16_123251.png">
<figcaption>win the whole... </figcaption>
</figure>
I love the idea of the Hawkeyes playing in Des Moines. The Hawks get a number of athletes from that part of the state, and it not only will help recruiting, but it gives more Hawk fans the chance to see the squad. As always, it’s great to be a Hawkeye! Go Hawks!

</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/16/24157474/iowa-hawkeyes-baseball-heads-to-des-moines-big-ten-tournament-bhgp"/>
<id>https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/16/24157474/iowa-hawkeyes-baseball-heads-to-des-moines-big-ten-tournament-bhgp</id>
<author>
<name>Bartt Pierce</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2024-05-16T06:10:42-05:00</published>
<updated>2024-05-16T06:10:42-05:00</updated>
<title>JAN SPEAKS: Introductory Press conference! </title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Iowa City Press-Citizen" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gkThj6FlVBaiZsNo0YVaVZQ_EbI=/179x0:3896x2478/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73350912/usa_today_23281230.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
Jan Jensen deserves the world Folks…what a week. Not two full days after being announced as the head coach of the Iowa Women’s Basketball team, Jan Jensen met with the media yesterday afternoon to be introduced in her new role. 
Let’s just get right into it, because there’s a lot to cover, but I’ll just quickly say that there is no one better suited to succeed Lisa Bluder than Jan Jensen. I mean, time will obviously tell, but on paper, this continuation is an opportunity to continue the foundation that Lisa Bluder and Jensen laid for 24 years, while also bringing fresh eyes and new perspective into the program. The team is in the best hands possible. 
Check out the full transcript <a href="https://www.asapsports.com/show_conference.php?id=197186">here</a>, or watch the video on Youtube and see just how genuine and genuinely excited Jan is about this opportunity. A true world-class human. 
Let’s start with Beth Goetz’s opening statement: 
<blockquote>
BETH GOETZ: ...A relationship builder, a relentless recruiter, a post whisperer, always ready for coffee and a conversation with an athlete, a champion on someone’s most difficult day and on their best. She has always been leading, always been mapping a path for success for your Hawkeyes.
She embodies the culture of Iowa women’s basketball that our loyal fans have come to know and love and will lead this new era of the program during a new era of college athletics with creativity, grit, passion and commitment needed to build champions on and off the court.
A head coach must have a deep understanding of the game, be a teacher at heart, understand how to build culture and inspire belief. They must be a role model, a motivator, and have an unrelenting competitive drive to be the best and bring out the best in all who touch their program.
Jan models daily what it means have a tireless work ethic, to lead with compassion and fiery passion and to be confident in who you are and how to go about chasing your dreams. Everything we needed in the next leader of this storied program was right here.
Under Jan’s leadership, you will continue to see a team that plays with heart, with unmatched toughness, and plays an exciting brand of basketball. We have a coach who welcomes high expectations, has an energy that inspires all those around her, and a contagious enthusiasm that will continue to flame the passion of her team and our fans across the state and beyond.
You’ve been all in here with us, and we are all in with you. How amazing is it when the easy choice is the right choice, and in Caitlin Clark’s words, the only choice.
</blockquote>
That last line in particular is just perfect. I love Beth Goetz and how perfectly she handled this situation — and how much she understood the gravity of the moment, both for Iowa, Iowa WBB and the fans. 
From Jan’s opening statement: 
<blockquote>
JAN JENSEN: In closing, I guess I’d just like to state that I love this state, and I cannot believe the journey I have had. Oh, boy. I always say, if God would take me tomorrow, I couldn’t have had it better. A small town kid gets to play basketball, goes to the state tournament, gets a full ride, plays at another tremendous university in the state, gets to go to Germany, gets to win the German Cup, gets the GOAT like Lisa Bluder to believe in her, has incredible friendships and leaders that have mentored me, meet the love of my life and have incredible kids.
Then the last couple of years we just change the game. It has been a ride. I cannot tell you how I just am in awe of our fan base. You guys have backed us, and the way you’ve reached out to me taking over the reins, it’s just not like that. It’s not like that everywhere. As Beth said, it’s seamless, and in that way, it really is.
There’s been a big change, but most everything has remained the same, and that is that culture that Iowa has and Iowa is. It’s that way administratively, academically. It’s this way, our administration here.
I think everybody will tell you, we are just so fired up about Beth’s vision, and that’s why internally I’m so grateful to learn and grow under her.
This city, this state, there’s a lot of people that could take this job, but I promise you nobody loves this place as much as I do, and I promise you, we’ve been working together for years tirelessly, and I will commit to that. I’m going to work my hardest to continue building on everything that Dr. Christine Grant started in her vision of this Athletics Department and Lark Birdsong started it, and obviously the Vivian Stringer years, and then certainly Lisa. It is not lost on me that I’ve gotten to have my dream job at a place that I love and now I get to have my dream title. Are you kidding me? And I don’t have to move?
I am beyond blessed. I am beyond excited. I’m just in awe that I get to stand here in this capacity today.
I thank you for all the coverage you’re giving us, and I so hope I’m part of some wonderful stories you’ll get to cover in many years to come.
</blockquote>
I mean...what more can you say? Jan gets it, and we’re so lucky to have another passionate, thoughtful person leading this program as it reaches new heights. 
<blockquote>
Q. Do you anticipate any internal moves with the coaching staff, and with an assistant coach position open, have you decided on a timeline that you’d like to have to fill that position?
JAN JENSEN: No. Everything has been so fast really. I think about really the last six days of my life, it’s been kind of crazy. But it’ll be as quickly as we can with posting. Certainly I’ve had some thoughts and conversations, but I’m just thrilled that everybody is on board with the coaches that go out on the road to recruit and certainly video and player development.
We’ll do that as quickly as we can, and I think any head coach would tell you that a new head coach, as soon as you get that done, you start to bring it in even easier. But we have some great, great possibilities I think that are interested, so hopefully that’ll come to fruition.
</blockquote>
More on this later, but an initial huge victory for Jan that the coaching staff is staying on. That’s a testament to her — and her credibility within the program. 
<blockquote>
Q. A lot of what made Iowa successful is having you as the associate head coach, and so a little bit of a two-parter here. How much do you expect your role, day-to-day role to change as just the head coach, and then two, to the extent that it does change, who’s going to be your Jan Jensen?
JAN JENSEN: Yeah, well, that’s a good question. I think that some of my strengths that I had I’ll certainly carry over, just moving 20 feet down the hallway, right. But I think I haven’t made the job description yet based exactly on the day-to-day.
I don’t necessarily feel like what I do is going to change. I think that the name of the game for this level is you can’t win the race if you don’t have the horses, so it’s a lot about recruiting and making sure that our game plan that we’ve always had remains seamless, as well, because now we need to get someone in here that can do that, fulfill the role.
I feel Abby, she was our player. The minute we could hire Abby, we did. Abby’s loyalty to this university, Abby is a tremendous basketball mind, as well, but her people sense and her integrity, she’ll be definitely greater than a Jan Jensen. She believes in this place. She actually played her. I don’t feel we’ll be short on that.
I feel that’s what’s made our staff so great is we’ve all been built on integrity and have a great synergy.
Raina is on vacation or she would be here. She’s tremendous, too. I do not think we’ll skip a beat there. We have to pick the right person that’s going to be able to come in as a newbie and keep that recruiting synergy going, and obviously some of that strategy-wise, too, but those are things that we’ll be looking at, the synergy, how they gel, and certainly bringing the things I’m working on in the job descriptions, looking for people to identify all of those things.
</blockquote>
This is legitimate speculation but I’m going to go out and say that Jan is being coy here because Raina Harmon is on vacation. Before Jan was announced as HC, I wondered if she was going to retire too, and I was texting multiple people that I thought Raina was the next head coach in waiting. She still might be — but just waiting a little longer now. It’s a no-brainer to elevate her to this spot and she kind of alludes to it in the next question. I will be surprised if that doesn’t happen, but also I trust whatever decision Jan makes here.
<blockquote>
Q. I know Lisa talked to the players a lot about envisioning things. The last week or so since you’ve known maybe you might be in line for this, how do you envision this program looking under Jan Jensen leadership? Exact same as Lisa Bluder, differences, crowds? What comes to your mind when you think about that vision?
JAN JENSEN: I think whether our staff stayed intact from last year to this year, this year was going to look a lot different. It’s going to be rebuilding in the sense of you graduated tremendous seniors, certainly a generational player like Caitlin. There will be fans that were Caitlin fans.
But I believe that a lot of people came for Caitlin, but they stayed for Hannah, they stayed for Sydney, they certainly stayed for Kate and Gabbie, but I think they stayed for what that team and what this culture is.
This was the same culture when Megan Gustafson was here in 2019. We made it to the Elite 8 that year. But that same synergy and that same fun and that same joy. I think there’s that saying tradition never graduates. I don’t believe culture graduates. But you have to work on it. You have to recruit to it. You have to work at it.
I think that’s what these amazing loyal fans will continue to do.
I think that whether there was a coaching change or not, even two weeks ago, the majority were so ready for this next season. They’re curious. They’re excited. They want to see what the next era was going to be. Two weeks ago I didn’t know that it was going to be, quote-unquote, my era.
But the same vision that I had working with Lisa will be continuing. You want to do it at a high very level. You want to do it with integrity, never compromising your values, and you want to put a product on the floor that’s fun to watch and fun to cheer for and fun to play. That will remain the same.
Now, how we do it, I’m not going to reinvent the wheel. We’ve had pretty good success. But I’m going to put my own little stamp on it, right.
We haven’t ever full-court pressed before. I know Raina is a big proponent of that. So you might see a few things directly. If you read my bio at all, I like offense. That started way back in 1985, and it kind of stuck with us all the way. Lisa is a six-on six-girl, too, and so is Jenni, so there will be some different things. There’s different sets that maybe when we had our coaching meetings, it’s a collaboration. Some of the things that maybe I wanted to vote for, they got voted down. Well, now guess what: I’m going to give it my shot, right? I say that tongue in cheek (laughter).
It again, goes back to there’s a big change, but a lot of the same things will remain, and I’m very proud of that.
I think all the Coach K disciples, Roy Williams disciples, whether they got to play at their place or go, you’d be crazy not to take some of what they instilled in you.
Lisa, I’m going to have her stay on in some capacity. She’s going to help us, be an advisor. I’m excited that she’ll be willing to do that. So thanks to her for that.
</blockquote>
Great answer here, and some interesting tidbits. Lisa as an advisor — yes! Fans continuing to support — yes! (at least the ones that truly became Iowa women’s basketball fans and weren’t just there for Caitlin, but I honestly think that was a solid majority). And talking about full court press and saying that Raina is a big proponent — that to me is kind of a hint at her being associate head coach to me, but I don’t know. 
<blockquote>
Q. I know you’ve had opportunities to go be a head coach before this day. How close did you ever come to taking one of those opportunities, and why did you ultimately play the long game, so to speak?
JAN JENSEN: That’s the truth. I was thinking about that the other night. There’s been double digit opportunities. Everybody is strategic. You get to a certain point in the interview process. Kind of like recruiting, if you feel like they’re not in, then you shift. I’d say there was two, maybe three where I was like, ooh, kind of like maybe that’s the one, maybe I should go.
But this doesn’t work out often. You can take this risk and stay and stay and stay and then you don’t get the opportunity. That’s why I’m so grateful to Beth and President Wilson.
But I’m an Iowa kid. I believe in it. I believe my education at Drake University helped me become who I am. The way the people are in our great state, the way it feels over here.
I was never wired — there’s just two different ways to do it. Some people, they hop, hop, hop and they get back to where they wanted to go. Believe me, I had many conversations in my head and Julie and with our former AD Gary Barta. Grateful to him, as well. So at some point you have to be, okay, this is what I’m going for.
So about eight years ago, that’s what I told Lisa. Now, some people had called, and I talked, but at the end of the day, there’s no place I wanted to be. So that’s why I feel grateful that it worked out. I don’t know what the odds are in Vegas that it would work out again, but all I care about is right now.
</blockquote>
I really admire this from Jan. Now please, tell me what those 2-3 places are...
<blockquote>
We heard Beth talk about how great it was that the easy choice was the right choice, and when you talk about continuity in your program, how valuable will it be for you in your position to have that continuity when it comes to recruiting and things of that nature, to kind of just keep the juju going, so to speak?
JAN JENSEN: Yeah, great question. I feel very fortunate with that. As I alluded to, it’s been a big change, but most everything remains the same. Thankfully to our staff returning and to every one of our players, every committed player, everybody is here. Everybody stayed.
I just consider that on day one a really big win, that everybody was with me and with us.
I think that is nice, just the continuity, and I think it’s great that Lisa agreed to be an advisor role. I don’t know what we’ll exactly call that. But she’s going to be around. She built it. She loves it. She’s going to be a great resource for me. I’m going to need a little bit of great from my team as we learn and grow, and certainly I’m going to make my share of mistakes, but I’m going to have her to kind of lean on.
</blockquote>
This is so huge. This is a testament to Jan as a person, Jan as a recruiter, and Jan as a coach. It’s also a testament to the culture built by her and Lisa and Jenni. It’s culture personified, right there. Not losing a single recruit or player when a new coach comes in is huge. You truly cannot understate that. 
<blockquote>
Q. Was it different talking to Lucy Olsen just because she had already entered the portal and then she commits, she thinks Lisa is going to lead the charge? Was that a pretty easy conversation? You mentioned being alongside Lisa for such a long time. Where does that loyalty derive from? What’s sculpted you into having that quality?
JAN JENSEN: I’ll take the Lucy question first. Certainly. I really felt like the first step was our team, when we met with our team. That had a lot of emotions, too. Going back, it’s happy and sad. The team needed a little time. But then they’re just great young women. Lisa has earned this moment. So she should celebrate that, but also, whoa, you’re sad.
But we had such a good rapport that they were — we all had a process, and then when they processed, everybody was on board. So that was the first thing. It was just that first day, and I think any transition in athletes, any coach will tell you that it’s crucial that first day. You’re just like going, the intensity of it.
Then of course the very next call was to Lucy, and she was great. Disappointed, yes, but I think when the recruiting process, when it’s done well, they get to know everybody that’s part of the process, and the way Lisa has always led, she’s done tremendous things, but she’s always made us all feel a part of it, and that’s how she’s always recruited. That’s how I’ve recruited, and that’s how I’ll continue to recruit.
I think Lucy felt that, and after that initial shock, her mom and dad were great of, wow, this is a great place, the culture remains. I’ve been with this university and system for so long.
After the initial couple minutes, by the end of that conversation, she was great. I’m very, very grateful for that. Certainly, with our team, they were great. The incoming freshmen, our players are helping them through it, too. It was really a pretty cool, beautiful thing, and I’m so grateful for that.
</blockquote>
Just commenting on the Lucy part here because this is long (read the whole transcript or watch the video!), but again, this is a testament to culture (players talking the situation through with incoming freshmen) and Jan as a recruiter and person (immediately calling Lucy after talking to current players to get her renewed buy-in). It’s a masterclass. 
Let’s end with this: 
<blockquote>
Q. Never a bad day to get your dream job, but for you to start your head coaching era in this era of the game and seeing it grow the way it has, what does it mean to you to step to the top of a program that’s been at the forefront of a lot of that?
JAN JENSEN: I just think really honored. What I think is great about it is I’m in the trenches. This is going to be a different rebuilding year. But I think everybody is also ready for it. Our players, our staff. Lisa would have been, too, because the beauty of what we do — it would be great if you could always be the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">New York Yankees</a>, when they just won all the titles, hitting home runs, smacking it all the time. That doesn’t happen as much anymore.
But the fun part of what coaching is you get to have an era like we had, and that’s just fun in all the different challenges, and then you have a player like Caitlin that is just challenging and awesome in every regard, and you got to have her and got to figure it out.
But then when that graduates, you get another challenge. In this age of what’s happening, I’m very thankful for a boss that understands — we’re in a new ballgame, folks. You can recruit and you can have your normal process, but we’re in NIL. That’s the fact of the matter. Our fans have been great, but that’s part of the gig now.
Understanding you want to lean into that. You want to be at the forefront of figuring that out.
There’s one way of looking at it. It can be daunting and it’s hard. But if you love it — as fans you love it, journalists when you cover it, it’s a new game. So I am so excited to be part of that new game with Beth and figuring out how do we navigate it, how do we continue to chase greatness. It’s daunting, yes. You can look at it that way. But I look at it as exciting in everything that is changing, how can we do it the best.
We’ve got a great start with our fans, our super fans, people who are supporting the NIL, open-minded, because the game is going to change, and it’s going to change a lot, athletics overall. So I’m really proud of getting to be a part of it. I’m just excited about the changes this year and going through a reset, and now we say we’re going to do it the old-fashioned way. Now we don’t have someone that shoots from the parking lot. They actually shoot from the three-point line. We’re going to go figure that out all over again.
</blockquote>
Come on coach, I bet Lucy and Taylor McCabe can hit from the parking lot. 
I thought this was a tremendous press conference from Jan and I continue to be just as excited for next year — if not more in some ways — than I was earlier this week with Lisa at the helm. 
Iowa Women’s Basketball continues to be alive and well y’all, it’s gonna keep being a fun ride. 
GO HAWKS! 

</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/16/24157840/jan-speaks-introductory-press-conference"/>
<id>https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/16/24157840/jan-speaks-introductory-press-conference</id>
<author>
<name>mattcabel</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2024-05-15T14:26:21-05:00</published>
<updated>2024-05-15T14:26:21-05:00</updated>
<title>Iowa Basketball: Hawkeyes Land Manhattan Transfer F Seydou Traore</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Manhattan at Kansas" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/589Dwz9qEc1K4qycZCU1Ih1HvXA=/0x0:4178x2785/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73349626/usa_today_21992765.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
Fran McCaffery and the Hawkeyes land an athletic forward in the portal. It’s the offseason for college football and basketball, but even though the transfer portal is officially closed for new entrants, it is still portal season in both sports. The <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> remain active on both fronts as the football team continues to look for some added depth at a few key positions and the men’s basketball team looks to plug some holes on the roster with multiple departures between the portal and graduation.
Fran McCaffery and company have already added Morehead State guard Drew Thelwell from the portal and on Monday, they played host to Manhattan forward transfer Seydou Traore. It took less than 24 hours for the New York native to make his decision as he announced his commitment to the Hawkeyes on Tuesday.
<div id="tHPLMY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
Hawkeye nation, let's do this All praise to the most high <a href="https://t.co/WKJkVUTfzv">pic.twitter.com/WKJkVUTfzv</a>— Seydou Traore (@iamseydou35) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamseydou35/status/1790813901111652596?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
Traore is a 6’7” forward who comes to Iowa with loads of athleticism. In his freshman season for the Manhattan Jaspers, he averaged 11.8 points and 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. 
Given his size, Traore is an interesting fit for this Iowa roster which lost center Ben Krikke to graduation, Patrick McCaffery to the portal and is at risk of still losing Payton Sandfort to the NBA. He’s not a true Krikke replacement in that he isn’t a center and he doesn’t have the same jumper Krikke brought to the table. 
Instead, Traore appears to be a good McCaffery replacement with a bit more to offer in the way of defense and rebounding. That should be music to the ears of Iowa fans who have long seen plenty of offense but yearned for some defensive intensity.
Traore, much like incoming freshman Chris Tadjo, can bring it on the defensive side of the ball and on the boards due to his excellent athleticism and quickness. That should pair very nicely with the skillset of Owen Freeman and forwards Ladji Dembele and newcomer Cooper Koch.
<div id="AtDpA5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
If you saw my earlier board, one name might have stood out as being a bit out of place. Manhattan's Seydou Traore is a 6'7", 215 lb freshman with out-the-gym level athleticism, which flashes all over the tape. A bit older for his class, but has a pro frame and solid foundation <a href="https://t.co/YHemUSQ6NI">pic.twitter.com/YHemUSQ6NI</a>— Nick Kalinowski (@kalidrafts) <a href="https://twitter.com/kalidrafts/status/1766266674951356555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
On film, Traore shows off his athleticism on the boards (his 24% defensive rebound percentage would have been tops for the Hawkeyes a season ago) and protecting the rim, where he has a 4% block rate (which would have ranked second for Iowa a season ago behind only Owen Freeman’s 8%). He also shows it in transition where he can run the floor as well as put the ball on the deck and attack the rim. 
<div id="n2FY7X"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9QieCRRYL48?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
In terms of his shooting ability, at 43.3% from the field he’s not a bad shooter and is in the ballpark of Tony Perkins. But he’s much more effective close to the hoop with 50% shooting from two and just 26% from beyond the arc. That seems to be more a reflection of the types of shots he was getting from deep than his form as Traore shot 80% from the free throw line in his freshman season.
It’s worth noting just how much Traore played as a freshman. He averaged more than 32 minutes per game on the season and only played fewer than that three times in the Jaspers’ final 15 games. 
As is the case with most freshmen, there were ups and downs and bumps along the way, but Traore didn’t just feast on lower level competition. Manhattan faced off with Kansas and <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com">UConn</a> early in the year and Traore put up 16 points with 8 rebounds and 13 points with 8 boards in those two games respectively. While the Jaspers were blown out, it’s worth noting Traore played nearly 30 minutes in each of those games and the P6 opponents played their starters roughly the same number of minutes.
Traore looks like a plug and play 3/4 who brings athleticism, defense and rebounding to a roster that needs all three. Whether Payton Sandfort stays in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA draft</a> or returns to Iowa City, look for the incoming sophomore to push for a starting spot for the Hawkeyes this fall and for three years to come. 
Welcome aboard Seydou Traore!

</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/15/24154251/iowa-basketball-hawkeyes-land-manhattan-jaspers-transfer-forward-seydou-traore-bhgp"/>
<id>https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/15/24154251/iowa-basketball-hawkeyes-land-manhattan-jaspers-transfer-forward-seydou-traore-bhgp</id>
<author>
<name>JPinIC</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2024-05-13T20:18:01-05:00</published>
<updated>2024-05-13T20:18:01-05:00</updated>
<title>Lisa Bluder announces retirement, Jan Jensen announced as new WBB head coach </title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament - National Championship" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SRKrLQSTOb8vIKBPY2Fo6les1DI=/0x0:5334x3556/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73345470/2146937456.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
The end of an era Lisa Bluder has coached her last game as head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes. 
In a stunning turn of events Monday afternoon, Bluder called it a day through posts on social media, calling it quits as the head Hawk after 24 seasons: 
<div id="RaRsP8">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
Basketball Icon. Legendary Leader. All-Time Great. Lisa Bluder announces retirement.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawkeyes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawkeyes</a> <a href="https://t.co/zaCehITUu3">pic.twitter.com/zaCehITUu3</a>— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IowaWBB/status/1790117386793685333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
It’s a shocking, albeit understandable, move for Bluder, fresh off taking the program to back-to-back national championship game appearances. She closes the book as the all-time winningest coach in Big Ten history with 538-254 overall record, taking the Hawkeyes to 18 NCAA Tournaments, including 14 of the last 16. Bluder also took the Hawkeyes to five Big Ten Tournament titles and shared two regular season Big Ten titles. 
The news came as a shocker, but not even 30 minutes after the announcement, Iowa Athletics announced Bluder’s successor: none other than former associate head coach Jan Jensen: 
<div id="FnMtYo">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
Introducing our next head coach, Jan Jensen. <a href="https://twitter.com/goiowa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@goiowa</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawkeyes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawkeyes</a> <a href="https://t.co/e7DeuUW28q">pic.twitter.com/e7DeuUW28q</a>— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/IowaWBB/status/1790123106532565157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
“I am thrilled to share with you that current Associate Head Coach Jan Jensen has agreed to become the next P. Sue Beckwith, MD, Head Women’s Basketball Coach,” Iowa athletics director Beth Goetz said in the official release. “This program has always been about family, and the contributions to its incredible culture are shared by alums, current, student-athletes and the entire staff. One of those contributors has been in the team circle for 24 years as a tireless recruiter, skilled teacher of the game, and charismatic personality that has endeared her to the Hawkeye community. Coach Jensen has been an instrumental part of our success, assisting in all aspects of the program. After several conversations with Coach Bluder and President Wilson over the last few days, it is clear that everything that we are seeking in a head coach, we have found right here.”
This is the correct decision for the program, period. Jensen not only provides continuity and the backing of the players, but also an impressive skillset used to develop some of the best post players in the country during her tenure as associate head coach. 
There’s so much more to say and write about this soon. Lisa Bluder means more to me than any other Iowa coach ever, and I’m immensely sad to see her career ending. I’m also incredibly excited to see where Jensen takes the program. She was more than deserving of this position, and judging by the reaction of the players, they seem to agree too. 
So for now, thank you, Coach Bluder and welcome to the Jan Jensen era. Go Hawks! 
</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/13/24156037/lisa-bluder-announces-retirement-jan-jensen-announced-as-new-wbb-head-coach"/>
<id>https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/13/24156037/lisa-bluder-announces-retirement-jan-jensen-announced-as-new-wbb-head-coach</id>
<author>
<name>mattcabel</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2024-05-09T09:19:45-05:00</published>
<updated>2024-05-09T09:19:45-05:00</updated>
<title>Iowa Football: Hawkeyes Land Northwestern Transfer QB Brendan Sullivan in the Portal</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="Iowa v Northwestern" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TRoQ_X8A8m9kF2-jXJR1CLr40_c=/0x0:4936x3291/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73336807/1775205081.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
Deacon Hill’s replacement is a good one. 
The former Northwestern signal caller commits to the Hawks with 2 years of eligibility left.
<div id="hoDh4I">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/HawkeyeFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HawkeyeFootball</a> let’s work <a href="https://t.co/Y8kz4br2uF">pic.twitter.com/Y8kz4br2uF</a>— Brendan Sullivan (@bsully02) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsully02/status/1788301410456485964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
Brendan Sullivan, who spent his first few years under center in Evanston under the tutelage of evil wizard Pat Fitzgerald, officially committed to the University of Iowa today. Sullivan joined the Wildcats out of Davison HS (Michigan) in the class of 2021. His commitment to Iowa is not a significant surprise and it was widely speculated that Iowa was in the discussion from the second he entered the transfer portal a couple of weeks ago. A 3* prospect (Rivals) chose NW over Indiana and a bunch of MAC schools (including Western Michigan, which was led, at the time, by new Iowa OC Tim Lester).
After redshirting his Freshman year, he appeared in 13 games over the ‘22/23 seasons amassing a 68.7% completion rate while throwing 10 TDs to 5 INTs (career 136.6 passer rating). While Sullivan has some escapability in the back field as well, though he’s not exactly what you would call a “dual-threat” QB. That being said, given the cement mixers that have populated the Iowa backfield over the last 5 years, he’s definitely a step in the right direction, especially in Tim Lester’s RPO offense. His rushing stats (257 yards on 129 carries, 2.0 yard average) should not have you expecting the triple option anytime soon, but a positive yardage total means he’s far more likely to turn a sack into a short gain (Deacon Hill, as a counterpoint, finished his Iowa career with -126 yards on 50 attempts).
The question we are all now left to ask is whether or not Sullivan’s presence means that we will see a real QB competition when fall camp opens in a couple months. Cade McNamara’s recovery from offseason ACL surgery has Iowa in roughly the same place we were a year ago: on tenterhooks to see if he’ll be at full strength in time for a week 1 visit by the Illinois State Redbirds. 
Regardless of his status as QB1, it’s definitely good to have a QB with B1G starts slotted into the QB2 spot currently occupied by Marco Lainez (who did not look ready for B1G competition in the spring scrimmage). 
Unfortunately, there’s not much of a selection of Brendan Sullivan highlights from his time at Northwestern, so try to enjoy this awful YouTube Shorts package courtesy of the B1G Network:
<div id="kyc2ly"><div style="max-width: 56vh;"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 177.7778%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/52QAkVXOW5Q" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div></div>
Welcome aboard Brendan Sullivan!


</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/9/24152785/iowa-football-hawkeyes-land-northwestern-transfer-qb-brendan-sullivan-in-portal-bhgp"/>
<id>https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/9/24152785/iowa-football-hawkeyes-land-northwestern-transfer-qb-brendan-sullivan-in-portal-bhgp</id>
<author>
<name>GlendaleHawk</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2024-05-08T15:17:56-05:00</published>
<updated>2024-05-08T15:17:56-05:00</updated>
<title>Iowa Hawkeye Baseball: Pitching Problem(atic)</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: HawkCentral" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-u6jj0eDC8-8l9xCzJgio4FPcNI=/0x0:3150x2100/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73335535/usa_today_20780288.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hawks struggling to get batters out | Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
Unless your name is Brody Brecht The <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> (28-18) are coming off a sweep of Northwestern last weekend. The Hawks dropped the previous series to Nebraska, losing the first two games and winning the finale as Brody Brecht threw a gem. For the other two games, Nebraska outscored Iowa 19-6. The Hawks returned home for games against Illinois State and North Dakota State University. The Hawkeyes came back to defeat Illinois State 8-7 on Tuesday, April 30. The Hawks lost to NDSU on Wednesday, May 1st, by a football score (or at least a non-Brian Ferentz-coached football game) of 21-14. If you throw out Brecht’s 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 11 K outing against Nebby, this team has allowed 47 runs over those other four games. That’s a recipe for not having fun at the ol’ ballpark.
<h3 id="Ravlbo">Hawkeye/Opponent Batting and Fielding Statistics:</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p0sCJRBKOHeMqyfi42yxvIX_PwA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25430624/Screenshot_2024_05_02_125241.png">
<figcaption>Iowa’s offensive production is sufficient</figcaption>
</figure>
Offensively, the Hawkeyes are holding their own. During the offseason, Iowa lost infielder Sam Hojnar to conference opponent Maryland. Hojnar hit the portal, despite being a big contributor for the squad. During his Hawkeye career, Hojnar played 92 games for the Hawks, hitting .260 with 10 home runs and 70 RBI. This season for the Terrapins, Sam is hitting .302 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI. He leads the team in doubles, home runs, runs batted in, and total bases. College sports are interesting, to say the least. Sigh...
<div id="t3sdlW">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
GRAND SLAM <a href="https://twitter.com/Andyynelsonnn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Andyynelsonnn</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawkeyes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawkeyes</a> <a href="https://t.co/PVq5Y3ptwR">pic.twitter.com/PVq5Y3ptwR</a>— Iowa Baseball (@UIBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UIBaseball/status/1785826384570433743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h3 id="010aLl">Northwestern Sweep:</h3>
The weekend of May 3-5 the Hawkeyes took care of business against the <a href="https://www.insidenu.com">Northwestern Wildcats</a>. Game one had the Hawkeyes winning 4-3. Aaron Savary (5-1) got the win in relief. Jack Young picked up the save, his third on the year. Offensively, four Hawks had multi-hit games. Davis Cop, Michael Seegers, Will Mulflur, and Cade Moss each collected two hits.
Game two was all about Brody Brecht. Brecht has been lights-out lately. 
<div id="Ry1m9G">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
Simply unfair. <a href="https://twitter.com/brody_brecht?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brody_brecht</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PitchingNinja</a> <a href="https://t.co/AMRdoOKUP0">pic.twitter.com/AMRdoOKUP0</a>— Iowa Baseball (@UIBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UIBaseball/status/1786938358553264566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
Brecht went eight innings, gave up two hits and one earned run, walked two, and struck out 13 purple-clad batters. The next time you see Brecht pitch may be at Wrigley or Target Field. 
<div id="wMLv1r">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
Just Vibing<a href="https://twitter.com/brody_brecht?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@brody_brecht</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hawkeyes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hawkeyes</a> <a href="https://t.co/QeSv8BKeuV">pic.twitter.com/QeSv8BKeuV</a>— Iowa Baseball (@UIBaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UIBaseball/status/1787916428395339932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
In the 9-2 Hawk victory, Raider Tello went 3-4 with 2 RBI and a walk. 
Game three was a 6-5 Iowa win. The Hawks used six pitchers and did just enough to sweep the Wildcats back east. The Hawkeyes pounded out 14 hits on the day. 
<h3 id="v3MuRW">On Deck: </h3>
The Hawkeyes will finish up their conference schedule next weekend at Illinois. 
Friday, May 10 6pm B1G+ / Hawkeye Radio Network
Saturday, May 11 3pm B1G+ / Hawkeye Radio Network
Sunday, May 12 3pm B1G / Hawkeye Radio Network
<h3 id="ssN0CF">In the Hole: Des Moines Baseball and Big Ten Baseball Tournament</h3>
The Hawkeyes have one more mid-week game (UIC Tues, May 14 6pm in Iowa City) and then play Florida International for a three-game series in Des Moines. After that, the Hawks will travel to Inferior-Cornville (Nebby) for the B1G Tournament. 
The Big Ten holds a postseason 8-team tournament. It is a six-day, double-elimination tourney that starts May 21. It will be played at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. The B1G standings are as follows:
Illinois 13-5
Purdue 12-6
Nebraska 12-6
Indiana 12-6
Iowa 13-8
Michigan 11-7
Michigan State 9-9
Maryland 10-11
With one conference series remaining during the regular season, the Hawkeyes can improve their seeding. From a petty, sour grapes standpoint, I wouldn’t mind Maryland not making the tourney (Sorry, Sam Hojnar).
This time of year teams just want a chance. Iowa is no longer looking at making the NCAA tournament as an at-large bid. The Hawks have to go about it the hard way, but they put themselves in this hole. The Hawkeyes have not been as consistent as we have come to expect a Rick Heller-coached team. If the Hawkeyes can get the ball over the plate and play clean baseball, they have a chance to make some noise in Nebraska. The sweep against Northwestern was needed, and winning 2 out of 3 against Illinois would give the Hawkeyes some momentum. If they get hot and win the tourney, the Hawkeyes will continue playing ball. If not, it will go down as a “woulda, coulda, shoulda” season in Iowa City. As always, it’s great to be a Hawkeye! Go Hawks!


</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/8/24147362/iowa-hawkeye-baseball-pitching-problem-atic-brody-brecht-bullpen-rick-heller-bhgp"/>
<id>https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/8/24147362/iowa-hawkeye-baseball-pitching-problem-atic-brody-brecht-bullpen-rick-heller-bhgp</id>
<author>
<name>Bartt Pierce</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2024-05-01T11:07:05-05:00</published>
<updated>2024-05-01T11:07:05-05:00</updated>
<title>The Thunder</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 02 Big Ten Championship Game - Michigan vs Iowa" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e6_XCdBCSMhzzEXiY_uiUfgY2HQ=/0x0:4845x3230/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73320328/1820504817.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
You should be hyped, Chicago. Trust us. It’s been pretty funny and altogether entertaining seeing the reaction to Tory Taylor being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 4th round of last weeks NFL Draft. I can’t get enough of the sheer comedy of it all. I can’t get enough of the “Chicago’s Favorite Suburb” Hawkeye fans telling all of the haters that they have no idea what the worst punting team in the NFL is getting in Double-T. I can’t get enough of the Chicago media trying to figure out if they should call him the “Punter from Down Under” or “Crocodile Puntee” in between calling Ryan Poles “arrogant” for making the pick altogether. I can’t get enough of people wondering if Tory Taylor has “too many miles” on his leg like he’s a 38-year old pitcher in the MLB. I can’t get enough of the confusion and stupidity of it all.
People are BIG time mad.
And some people are BIG time happy.
And some people are thinking about buying their daughters Tory Taylor Bears jerseys.
God bless football. I miss you so much.
BUT, the best part about all of this hoopla is how, ONCE AGAIN, Iowa fans came out in droves for one of their own. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen many, many Hawkeye fans that (unfortunately) support the Lions and Packers and Vikings (oh my!) out there in the Twitter-verse defending the pick. 
This is what Kirk Ferentz has done to us all. We are punting FANATICS. 
I know we joke about it, but during the Brian Ferentz Era, punting was winning. 
Scoff. Scoff. Scoff. Scoff. Scoff.
I know we may all be off our rockers, but this is what happens when you create such an impactful and strong connection with a kid that punted 295 effing times during his four years on campus for a total of 13,657 yards. 
Read that again. Go ahead. Read it again. 
13,657 total punting yards during his four seasons at Iowa.
In fact, Tory Taylor’s 4,479 punting yards last year is 641 MORE yards than the single greatest passing season for the Chicago Bears held by Erik Kramer and his 3,838 yards back in...wait for it...1995! His collegiate career punting yards of 13,657 would put him 8th on the Bears all time list in punting yards and if punting was passing, he’d be good enough for 3rd on the Bears all time passing list.
I know it’s not. But at Iowa, it kinda is... so deal with it.
Look, I know I’m a lunatic and I live on the island of misfit football toys, but when you have watched so much incompetent offensive football on Saturday and Sunday, having an elite punter is like having an endless supply of ZOA Energy drinks in your fridge. 
And I get it, it’s not for everyone. Iowa Hawkeye fans are a sadistic bunch. But let me tell you all, when you have more hope in scoring via safety than with your entire offense, there truly is no bigger volt of electricity that can flow through your veins than when your punter pins the opposition inside of the 10-yard line over and over and over and over and over (x93). 
With all of that said, my fellow Bears fans, here’s some hype to ease your brains about the Tory Taylor pick. This is what we, as a collective, have been over here celebrating for the better part of two years. When we said Tory Taylor for Heisman, bet your sweet sausage that we meant it.
And while I hope we don’t see Tory Taylor 295 times in the first six years of his Bears career, I want you all to be thankful that when Caleb Williams and this new vaunted Chicago offense can’t move the chains, you have the Melbourne Maniac kicking the rock away:
<div id="Fq2q5O">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tory Taylor is the greatest punting prospect ever. Broke 5 NCAA Records • 48.2 yrds/avg. in one season • 52.3 yrds/avg. in one game (7 att.) • Personal best punt of 67 yds • Broke 3 other NCAA punting records including 85-yr old yardage record. <a href="https://t.co/zKSTyouCu6">pic.twitter.com/zKSTyouCu6</a>— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaxMarkhamNFL/status/1784584406625403265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
You want more? I got more!
<div id="dzWBiO">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Type of Punter you give the Game Ball Tory Taylor is bringing the boot to the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChicagoBears</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AutoOwnersIns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AutoOwnersIns</a> <a href="https://t.co/abQP7ru6fB">pic.twitter.com/abQP7ru6fB</a>— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/B1Gfootball/status/1784336026258772470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
SEVENTH PUNT IN A GAME? THIS DUDE’S LEG AINT FALLING OFF! HE’S JUST OVER HERE COLLECTING MORE GUS JOHNSON GAME BALLS AND BREAKING MORE BIG TEN HEARTS!
<div id="gmy4Q6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Please enjoy this highlight video of Tory Taylor’s punting at Iowa. We sure did. <a href="https://t.co/lhfTz0uGAc">pic.twitter.com/lhfTz0uGAc</a>— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHGO_Bears/status/1784276281795715400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
You feel that?
You hear that ROAR?
That’s the TRUE Thunder from Down Under baby. 
Chicago - if this kid isn’t one of your favorite players by the end of the 2024-25 season, you’re doing football wrong.
SCOFF!
</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/1/24146279/tory-taylor-the-punt-god-iowa-hawkeyes-football-chicago-bears-punt-god-kirk-ferentz-big-ten-football"/>
<id>https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/5/1/24146279/tory-taylor-the-punt-god-iowa-hawkeyes-football-chicago-bears-punt-god-kirk-ferentz-big-ten-football</id>
<author>
<name>Jerry Scherwin</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2024-04-25T15:52:06-05:00</published>
<updated>2024-04-25T15:52:06-05:00</updated>
<title>Iowa Football: Where Will Cooper DeJean Land on NFL Draft Day?</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 11 Rutgers at Iowa" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3yhTVhvlBiJOzQ0LnTFbFkQZJto=/0x18:2074x1401/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73305775/1781143855.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
The All-American is poised to make the next leap in his career. Draft Day is upon us and for yet another year, the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> have a first round prospect set to hear their name called. 
Iowa fans have known for some time they had a star on their hands. When the Odebolt native committed to Iowa, he came not as a Swiss Army Knife, but as a freak athlete who could do literally anything. His reputation on the football field was unblemished. As a do-it-all athlete for OABCG, DeJean passed for 3,447 yards with 35 touchdowns and rushed for 1,235 yards and 24 more TDs as a senior. That came after accounting for 66 total touchdowns as a junior.
<div id="uJ1U6C"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9sj3gRbDq9w?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
Despite the offensive accomplishments, he came to Iowa City to play in Phil Parker’s defense and be next in the long line of defensive backs to make the NFL. Today, that dream is set to come true. And DeJean shouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called.
The measurables are solid for CDJ, who came in above 6’ tall and north of 200 pounds. His arm length is adequate for corner. 
Ht: 6’0.5” Wt: 203 lbs Arms: 31 1/8” Hands: 9 5/8”
But more notable than the physical measurables are the scores DeJean put up at his pro day related to athleticism. While he recovered from the broken leg that kept him out of Iowa’s final three regular season games as well as the disappointing bowl loss to Tennessee, CDJ missed the draft combine. 
Nonetheless, CDJ put up some very good numbers on his pro day running a 4.42 40 with a 38.5” vertical leap and a 10’4” broad jump. His athleticism score, though unofficial given it was from his pro day and not the combine, ranks tops among all corners in this year’s draft.
Prospect Grade: 6.36 Production Score: 87 (2nd among CBs) Relative Athleticism Score: 9.89 (top among CBs)
It’s that athleticism and his remarkable production as a Hawkeye (both as a corner and as a punt returner) that have DeJean poised to be drafted in the first round. 
At the next level, CDJ has a range of potential outcomes depending on landing spot. As noted, he has the speed and athleticism to be a corner in the league. While his production came in the Big Ten West which was notably devoid of offense, he was a lockdown for the Hawkeyes. After securing 5 INTs, including 3 pick-6s, and 8 Pass Breakups his junior season, DeJean didn’t allow a single touchdown in 388 coverage snaps his junior season while securing two more INTs with 4 Pass Breakups.
<div id="1E35H6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
Cooper DeJean was shutdown for the Hawkeyes <a href="https://t.co/C5SH0Bi5OE">pic.twitter.com/C5SH0Bi5OE</a>— PFF College (@PFF_College) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1783218603124285843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
While he has the speed and athleticism to be a man corner, his experience in Parker’s zone system makes him a great fit for the direction the NFL is heading with an uptick in zone recently. He also is a willing and able tackler in open space with 120 career tackles. He has good instincts and as every Hawkeye fan will tell you, a multi-year starter on Iowa’s defense is going to be ready to go from a scheme and play identification standpoint out of the gate.
Where past Iowa corners have been dinged is on their raw athleticism. While DeJean doesn’t have those knocks coming into the night, one potential weakness is his relatively stiff hips. He isn’t as fluid as some of the more elite corners in the class and that could push some teams to view him as more of a nickel corner or safety prospect.
That may push his value down a bit from the top-15, but his starting experience in Iowa’s “cash” role as a hybrid corner/safety should prove valuable. There is no questioning whether he could transition from corner to nickel or safety as he has starting experience in that role and performed very well. Notably, Iowa’s has a strong track record of putting those “cash” players into the league as safeties with Dane Belton, Geno Stone and Amani Hooker each finding roles in the NFL after starting in that same role for Parker in recent years.
Here’s what NFL.com’s <a href="https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cooper-dejean/32004445-4a22-6521-966b-4b5a2f95ff19">Daniel Jeremiah had to say about DeJean</a> as a prospect for the NFL:
<blockquote>Highly competitive defensive back with plus ball skills and noteworthy special teams value. DeJean is big and bundled for a cornerback, with muscular arms and tight hips. He has fantastic interception production, but his movements are more linear than fluid, and he doesn’t have the easy change of direction needed in man coverage on the next level. His best football is played with his eyes forward, using his instincts to challenge quarterbacks and his big downhill burst to smack whatever needs smacking. He would seem to be a no-brainer as a punt returner and gunner in Year 1. DeJean should be a big athletic tester, which will help get the hype train going, but finding the proper schematic fit will be important in unlocking his best football as a zone corner or interchangeable safety.</blockquote>
As for when to expect CDJ to come off the board, he’s been relatively consistent in the rumored landing spots. He’s a consensus first round pick and has been anywhere from as high as #15 overall to #24 in mock drafts leading up to this week. 
Per the <a href="https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2024/cooper-dejean">NFL Mock Draft Database</a>, DeJean is the #20 overall prospect and is expected to go 22nd overall to Philadelphia according to the consensus.
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3Ra514BZuQY31tawgCZ7KJXP3ek=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25418439/CDJ_Mock_Drafts.PNG">
</figure>
While that may be the consensus, the most common places to see him mocked have largely been in the NFC North. Green Bay is among the favorite landings spots at 25 while Detroit has seemingly fallen in love with Hawkeyes in recent drafts and would likely jump all over him if he fell to 29. Meanwhile, the Vikings have a pair of first round picks and if they don’t package them to move up and grab a select QB in the top-10, they’re expected to take a corner at pick 23. DeJean may just be a fit.
Wherever he lands, look for DeJean to be an instant starter and immediate contributor on special teams. As remarkable as he was as a corner for the Hawkeyes, his senior season seemed to take on a life of its own given his penchant for the unthinkable in the return game. 
Someone is getting an elite human being and a potential star when they select Cooper DeJean on draft night.
<div id="DkQNjc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ChEadTSaUs?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>




</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/4/25/24140469/iowa-hawkeye-football-mock-project-cooper-dejean-nfl-draft-green-bay-detroit-minnesota-bhgp"/>
<id>https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2024/4/25/24140469/iowa-hawkeye-football-mock-project-cooper-dejean-nfl-draft-green-bay-detroit-minnesota-bhgp</id>
<author>
<name>JPinIC</name>
</author>
</entry>
</feed>

If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:

Download the "valid Atom 1.0" banner.
Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)
Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):

<a href="http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=http%3A//feeds.feedburner.com/sportsblogs/blackheartgoldpants.xml"><img src="valid-atom.png" alt="[Valid Atom 1.0]" title="Validate my Atom 1.0 feed" /></a>

If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:

http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=http%3A//feeds.feedburner.com/sportsblogs/blackheartgoldpants.xml

Home · About · News · Docs · Terms