James Vandenberg: Video Highlights from Former Iowa QB

Former Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg came into the 2012 season as the top quarterback prospect in the Big Ten conference. He was given a draftable grade by many experts before the season began.

Unfortunately, his stock plummeted after a horrid senior season. Vandenberg had 24 or more pass attempts in each game last season, but he only came away with seven touchdown tosses. His production took a dramatic free fall, along with his draft stock.

Still, there are some things that Vandenberg does very well as a quarterback that may lead a team to give him a shot.

Here are some of his shining moments from his days with Iowa. 

38-Yard Pass in Scrimmage, 2012

Despite this being an 11-on-11 drill at an Iowa scrimmage, Vandenberg shows some very nice footwork in the pocket here.

He drops back and sells the play-action pass very nicely by turning his entire body away from the defense and hiding the football. He continues his drop through the play action without hesitation. This keeps the timing of the play intact.

By the time he hits the last step of his drop, he has already swiveled his head upfield to find his intended target. He steps into the throw nicely and delivers the ball with enough height to put it over the tall, trailing defender.

25-Yard Pass vs. Pitt, 2011

Unfortunately, this video was shot from the stands and begins slightly into the play. It does not give a great angle on Vandenberg’s technique here, but it does serve a very nice purpose.

This is all about the touch pass and getting the correct height and velocity on the football.

Vandenberg sees his receiver in man coverage streaking toward the end zone with a trailing defender. He anticipates the route nicely and delivers an arcing pass that is just slightly out of the reach of the defender at a spot where only his receiver has a chance to make a play on the ball.

This pass was perfectly thrown for the defensive scheme on this play. There are plenty of quarterbacks that would not be able to make as precise of a throw in this situation.

Vandenberg certainly has great touch on his passes, which could translate well at the next level.

88-Yard Pass vs. Tennessee Tech, 2011

This is not an easy pass to throw in any circumstance for any quarterback. Vandenberg puts his great touch and timing on display once again.

First, he sells the play-action pass beautifully, which helps create some space for his receivers after freezing members of the defense.

His drop is right on time. He keeps his eyes downfield while searching for his target.

He anticipates his receiver’s route very nicely and throws a carefully placed ball toward the right sideline between three defenders. The ball is thrown so well, it allows his receiver to recover after the catch and turn upfield for the big play.

47-Yard Pass vs. Northwestern, 2011

During this play, Vandenberg has a wide-open receiver streaking down the middle of the field.

Generally, this would not seem like such a highlight due to the simplicity of the completion. However, there is one thing that Vandenberg does here that other college prospects would not.

Despite having roughly five yards of space between his receiver and the nearest defensive back, Vandenberg still throws the football with perfection to allow his receiver to make the catch in stride and continue into the end zone.

Plenty of quarterbacks in this situation would fear an overthrow, which would cause the ball to be underthrown enough to allow the defensive back to catch up.

Vandenberg did not show that fear on this play, and it paid dividends.

2-Yard Run vs. Nebraska, 2012

Vandenberg is not known as a rushing quarterback by any stretch. However, there will be times at the next level when a quarterback will be called upon to make a play with his legs.

This is a great play call here—the Nebraska defense is clearly expecting either a halfback dive or a quarterback sneak.

Vandenberg takes the snap and immediately turns the corner toward the strong side of the field while finding a crease to get himself into the end zone. Take notice during this run that he keeps his eyes looking forward from the moment the ball is snapped, which allows him to find a hole leading into the end zone.

18-Yard Pass in Scrimmage, 2011

On this final highlight, Vandenberg once again shows his impeccable accuracy on a touch pass.

After taking the snap, you will see Vandenberg peek to his right at his intended target. He notices the tight coverage and wants to freeze the safety.

He scans back across the middle of the field and pump-fakes to a different receiver. This allows him just enough time to get the ball to his intended target before the safety has a chance to make a break on the ball.

The corner is in great position against his tight end, but Vandenberg squeezes the ball over the head of the defensive back with such precision that it becomes virtually impossible for the defender to make a play on the ball.

A perfectly thrown pass turns into an 18-yard gain on the very precise arm of Vandenberg.

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