Iowa Football Recruiting: Grading the Hawkeyes' 2011 Class

With recruiting for the class of 2011 in the books, it's time to look back and see how each team did on National Signing Day.

Iowa had an impressive year, landing several four-star recruits, ranking No. 26 in Scout's recruiting rankings.

The Hawkeyes' addressed major needs on the defensive line and in the secondary and as tight ends coach Eric Johnson tweeted, this could end up being Iowa's best class ever.

Here is how Iowa's 2011 recruiting class graded out.

Darian Cooper

Darian Cooper

Position: DT

Ht/Wt: 6'2", 280

Where he fits in: Cooper could play anywhere for Iowa on the defensive line, which will be good because the Hawkeyes are losing a lot of experience on that unit. One of the things that Cooper said attracted him to Iowa was the fact that he could get a chance to play as a freshman. He already has the size and frame necessary for a Big Ten defensive lineman, and with some more work during the summer, Cooper has a legitimate chance to contribute as a freshman.

Does it fill a void: Yes. With the departures of Adrian Clayborn, Karl Klug, and Christian Ballard, Iowa will be very inexperienced on the defensive line in 2011. Mike Daniels, Broderick Binns, and Lebron Daniel all have experience, but after that the unit is very thin. Cooper could help fill that void right away.

Grade: A+. Cooper is a great prospect who seems to have embraced Iowa and the community. He could be an impact player immediately and help the team as soon as he steps on campus.

Jordan Lomax

Jordan Lomax

Position: DB

Ht/Wt: 5'10", 185

Where he fits in: Lomax says that he can pay either corner or safety depending on where he is needed. The Hawkeyes are loaded with young talent at corner right now, so Lomax could end up at safety. However, with his speed and cover skills, he could end up as a corner down the road.

Does he fill a void: Yes. With the departures of safeties Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood, both three-year starters, Iowa will need help at that position this season. If Lomax is able to transition into a Big Ten safety early, he could help fill a major void in the Hawkeyes' secondary.

Grade: A-. This was a solid late pickup for the Hawkeyes. Lomax is fast and very versatile. He has the potential to be a major contributor in Iowa's secondary in the future.

Nicholas Law

Nicholas Law

Position: DB

Ht/Wt: 6'1", 180

Where he fits in: Like Lomax, Law could be used as either a safety or a corner. However, considering the Hawkeyes' weakness at safety, that is the most likely spot for Law to end up in 2011. At 6'1", 180, Law already has Big Ten size and could be more athletic than both Greenwood and Sash.

Does he fill a void: Yes. Again, Iowa is weak at safety this year and Law could help fill that void right away.

Grade: A. Law is bigger than Lomax and may be more ready to play right away than his fellow Maryland recruit. He has the potential to compete for a starting job right away.

Rodney Coe

Rodney Coe

Position: RB

Ht/Wt: 6'3", 238

Where he fits in: Many schools recruited Coe as a linebacker and Scout called him a "running back in a defensive end's body." Iowa recruited him as a running back and his hard, downhill running style should be a great complement for projected starter Marcus Coker.

Does he fill a void: After losing all three of its top running backs last season, Iowa learned that you can never been too deep at that position. Coker is projected as the starter, but was hurt last year to start the season. Coe should be a solid complement for Coker and could possibly fill as the starter if Coker gets hurt.

Grade: A+. Like Coker, Coe reminds Iowa fans of a young Shonn Greene. Behind a solid offensive line, he and Coker could be an impressive duo in 2011.

Jordan Walsh

Jordan Walsh

Position: OG

Ht/Wt: 6'4", 260

How he fits in: Walsh played both guard an tackle in high school, but will likely start as a guard for the Hawkeyes, as that is their weakest position on an otherwise solid offensive line. He definitely needs to put on weight and should do so in Chris Doyle's strength and conditioning program. But at 6'4", he has a nice frame to build on.

Does he fill a void: Yes. As mentioned, Iowa has a guard spot vacant on the line right now, and while Walsh likely isn't big enough to contribute as a freshman, he could be a major contributor in the future.

Grade: A. For a four-star recruit, Walsh hasn't received very much attention throughout the recruiting process. However, he could end up being a sleeper and solid player during his career as a Hawkeye.

Marcus Grant

Marcus Grant

Position: WR

Ht/Wt: 6'3", 195

How he fits in: Because he committed to Iowa so early, Grant hasn't received very much publicity. However, he is an athletic wide receiver with a tremendous skill set and great size.

Does he fill a void: Yes. Save for Marvin McNutt and Keenan Davis, Iowa is relatively weak at receiver this year. Grant definitely has the tools to be able to play as a freshman and could add another threat to Iowa's solid duo of receivers.

Grade: A. Many recruiting analysts have pointed to Grant as a sleeper in this year's class. He didn't receive very much national attention because of his early commitment, but has a chance to make a name for himself in the Big Ten as a freshman.

Ray Hamilton

Ray Hamilton

Position: TE

Ht/Wt: 6'5", 235

How he fits in: With a massive 6'5" frame, Hamilton could become one of the next in a long line of Iowa tight ends to be drafted into the NFL. He needs to put on some weight and likely won't play as a freshman, but has praised the Hawkeyes' strength program as "the best in the country."

Does he fill a void: No. Iowa is loaded at tight end, with Brad Herman and CJ Fiedorowicz likely starting next season. However, Iowa is "Tight End U" and does a great job of developing players into NFL-caliber tight ends. Plus, in the Hawkeyes' pro-style offense, they can never have too many tight ends.

Grade: A-. Hamilton's commitment wasn't a necessity for Iowa because of its depth at tight end. However, he certainly has the frame to build on and will likely play a major role in the Hawkeyes' offense down the road.

Quinton Alston

Quinton Alston

Position: LB

Ht/Wt: 6'1", 220

How he fits in: Iowa was plagued by injury at linebacker last season and was forced to play a duo of freshman—James Morris and Shane DiBona. If the injuries continue next season, Alston could have a chance to play as a freshman, as the Hawkeyes proved they aren't afraid to plug young players in early at linebacker.

Does he fill a void: Yes. Again, the depth chart is fine at linebacker right now, but the Hawkeyes are consistently injury-plagued at that position. If there are injuries next season, Alston has the skill set to play right away. If not, he has a bright future as a Hawkeye.

Grade: A. Alston has a great combination of size and athleticism and could fill in for Iowa immediately if needed. 

Austin Blythe

Austin Blythe

Position: OL

Ht/Wt: 6'3", 285

How he fits in: At 6'3", 285, Blythe is already a college-ready offensive lineman. He is a great in-state get for the Hawkeyes and has the size and skills to contribute early. And, as Blythe points out, his wrestling background helps him be more athletic on the football field

Does he fill a void: Yes and no. As mentioned, Iowa still has a spot to fill on the offensive line. However, the line should be a strength for the Hawkeyes in 2011. Blythe could play this season, but if not, expect him to be a major factor in the near future.

Grade: A. Blythe is already a Big Ten-sized offensive lineman. If he can put on even more weight in Iowa's strength program, he could end up being one of the better offensive linemen in the Big Ten.

Jake Rudock

Jake Rudock

Position: QB

Ht/Wt: 6'3", 185

How he fits in: Rudock is a pro-style quarterback, but also has mobility outside of the pocket. He put up video game-type numbers during his senior season and may be underrated as a three-star recruit. He is extremely accurate and smart with the football and also knows how to run when necessary.

Does he fill a void: No. Iowa is set at quarterback for the next few years with James Vandenberg and AJ Derby. However, Rudock will have a chance to learn behind the older players and could be a star for the Hawkeyes by the time he's a veteran.

Grade: A. Iowa set out to get one quarterback in this year's class and they seem to have gotten their man. Rudock reaffirmed his commitment to the Hawkeyes after seeing late interest from Miami and has the size and talent to be a solid Big Ten quarterback.