NOTEBOOK: What's going on with Tongamoa?

[CyValley]

So the fact that we are replacing 3 starters is evidence that we will be good? That isn't evidence. And saying the linebackers will be better is speculation. Replacing 2 starters with two guys that have never taken snaps at LB in the big 12 is concerning. Saying they will be better is based completely on hope.

Agree. But, then, hope is useful. December 8, 1941, how could not things look more hopeless? (OK, extreme illustration but used for clarity.)

We are familiar with CMC and his staff, we saw the emergence of this team and program during the course of last season. They seem to be pretty good at what they do. (Sure like what they're doing in the academic classroom, too . . . as an aside but on point for the coaches' ability to move young kids motivationally, to get them to buy in.)

We have some indication of recruiting improvements from class to class to class (not proof of capability yet, but indicative of higher performance possibilities.) Lima and Tongamoa were top 5 interior JC linemen. Again, not proof, but not reason to be dour, either.

Beef and strength . . . visible beef and strength. Height and size unlike we've seen at iSu before. Proof? Hardly. Hopeful signs? You bet!

Lots of proven weapons on offense, which can greatly aid the defense, we all hope, by keeping it off the field more than in past seasons, giving the two deeps a chance to be fresher, more lively in 4th quarters.

Tons of little details unmentioned here that give us a larger picture of the devil in question.

Hope based on anecdotal evidence gives many of us "reason" to believe this iSu team will be better than - decisively superior to - last year's squad.

I ain't apologizing for a reasonably hopefully point of view. Anyone else here willing to apologize? Speak up!

 

[CyFy]

So we kept hearing end of July. I assumed that meant for fall camp. Now that they have reported should we finally worry about tongamoa not being here?

 

[bozclone]

From Big 12 Media Days.

“I don’t have any worries,” Campbell said. “He’ll be on our campus at some point.”

He didn't actually say by the end of the month.

 

[bozclone]

Looks like the summer session at Merced College ended July 27th.

 

[TheJackWePack5]

So we kept hearing end of July. I assumed that meant for fall camp. Now that they have reported should we finally worry about tongamoa not being here?

I think he will be at ISU no matter what. He doesn't really have any other option at this point since he's a two to play two.

Whether or not he's eligible for 2017 and 2018 or just 2018 remains to be seen.

 

[Dandy]

Looks like the summer session at Merced College ended July 27th.

Probably waiting for grades to be posted.

 

[RustShack]

If classes just ended the other day he's probably just waiting for grades.

Either way he's gonna be eased in and we won't see his impact until towards the end of the season.

 

[KennyPratt42]

He will be here. However, he is unlikely to play in 2017.

Take it for what it's worth.

 

[Nuts4Cy]

If he doesn't get the desired 2.5 GPA he can still come to Ames as a transfer but has to sit out the 2017 season. Making him a 1 to play 1 guy for 2018. That's the difference. He has the 2.0 to get to Iowa State, but he needs the 2.5 to play this fall.

 

[bozclone]

Hopefully he gets the grades he needs and contributes from day one.

 

[Beyerball]

Well I certainly hope he was just taking classes over this summer...you can take classes over and the new grade replaces the old grade. It is really too bad as he seems like one of the best DLine talents we've had in quite some time. I thinkn Lima was expecting him to be here as well playing side by side..oh well things happen in life.

 

[CyArob]

It's the end of the month.

 

[ZB4CY]

I don't understand how you couldn't make a 2.5 at a community college. Do these players just absolutely have no desire for school?

I guess if you've seen Last Chance U, you really see how these kids DON'T CARE about school at all.

 

[Dandy]

If he doesn't get the desired 2.5 GPA he can still come to Ames as a transfer but has to sit out the 2017 season. Making him a 1 to play 1 guy for 2018. That's the difference. He has the 2.0 to get to Iowa State, but he needs the 2.5 to play this fall.

If he couldn't get a 2.5 at a JUCO how will he get his grades up high enough to ever play while at ISU?

 

[TheJackWePack5]

Hopefully he gets the grades he needs and contributes from day one.

Both of those are wishful thinking, it appears.

 

[jburke]

I don't understand how you couldn't make a 2.5 at a community college. Do these players just absolutely have no desire for school?

I guess if you've seen Last Chance U, you really see how these kids DON'T CARE about school at all.

So I assume this is purely speculation? The word from earlier in the thread was school just ended there Friday.

 

[CyArob]

If he couldn't get a 2.5 at a JUCO how will he get his grades up high enough to ever play while at ISU?

Tutors do all his work.

 

[ZB4CY]

So I assume this is purely speculation? The word from earlier in the thread was school just ended there Friday.

I'm not saying him in particular... He could have a 3.5 for all I know.

I'm saying in general.. there are kids out there that can't get an A in typing class and flunk out of CC.

 

[jburke]

I'm not saying him in particular... He could have a 3.5 for all I know.

I'm saying in general.. there are kids out there that can't get an A in typing class and flunk out of CC.

I agree, especially with Last Chance U in mind. Just no idea how there is not enough drive to get an average grade to make your other dream come true?

 

[ZB4CY]

I agree, especially with Last Chance U in mind. Just no idea how there is not enough drive to get an average grade to make your other dream come true?

Right, they can get up at 5:30 every morning for workouts and have 3 hour practices, but can't go to class for 4 hours of the day and then get upset when they're ineligible.