Abram = WOW

[dawgday166]

Lott was the same height and lighter than Abram. But it's a different game - training, nutrition, rules and coaching.

Abram is not a headhunter like Lott (rules, coaching).

But overall, agree - there have been very few Lott's placed on this earth. A very rare bird.

I googled Lott and I guess you right according to Wikipedia. I was pretty sure Lott was 6'1" or 6'2" and weighed about 220. I would've sworn on the 220 part.

Abram is a headhunter too.

[starkvegasdawg]

Link?

Can't find one short of a condensed game. And I may not be completely accurate calling him a head hunter. He just plays without a conscience and hits like the offense owes him money. He doesn't intentionally try to hit the head, but he plays with reckless abandon and sometimes it happens. He got his money's worth with that KSU hit.

[Hawkeyegoofball]

I googled Lott and I guess you right according to Wikipedia. I was pretty sure Lott was 6'1" or 6'2" and weighed about 220. I would've sworn on the 220 part.

Abram is a headhunter too.

Lott played bigger than he was - many of his greatest hits weren't air based, but ground based with FULL impact.

And players back then also had much larger/longer/bulkier shoulder pads back then, which made players look much bigger than they actually were.

He was prototypical size for a S in his day. Players are still the same relative height today (5'11 - 6'1) on the back end for the most part, but their lean muscle mass pushes them up 10 or so pounds that in bygone eras.

Just what I've gleaned from coaches in the know.

[Hawkeyegoofball]

Can't find one short of a condensed game. And I may not be completely accurate calling him a head hunter. He just plays without a conscience and hits like the offense owes him money. He doesn't intentionally try to hit the head, but he plays with reckless abandon and sometimes it happens. He got his money's worth with that KSU hit.

The best players in the game are going to get flagged for targeting.

I haven't seen enough of him to term his effort as 'reckless abandon' - I'll defer to you on that one. But what I have seen out of him as that he plays hard, smart, fast and with bad intention (in the right way) to end the play.

Those are things you can't coach - but you cherish in a player when they bring it to the field (game field more than practice).

[mcain31]

Don't forget that Ronnie Lott converted from CB to Safety.

[Dawg61]

Our issues aren't on defense.

[Hawkeyegoofball]

Our issues aren't on defense.

No. No they're not.

Iowa is going to attack with their own defense and special teams.

It's their two best and only shots against your team.

They'll still try to move the ball, obviously - but it's going to be extremely tough sledding.

And, MSUs offense has quite a few cracks offensively to exploit - particularly given the 30 day prep time for the game. Fitzgerald is the obvious key for Iowa, no doubt.

Same, to a lesser degree, could be said about Iowa's offense and its gaps (losing Fant, lack of consistency running) - but MSUs defense is far stronger than Iowa's offense and will travel very well, so those facts more than balances things out.

It's gonna be a good one.

[Maroon Blood]

Had an opportunity to watch a few hit films as well as game replays for MSU this weekend.

Holy 17 re: Jon Abram.

He's a big time dude - a really good player. No doubt about it.

Abram clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_DrUrg9Ycw

The things that stick out to me in the above clips, other than the fantastic plays he makes, is in the very beginning of the vid - his face, his swagger & intensity, his stride and confidence between plays. Really tells you a lot about the player and what you're up against.

Reminds me a lot of Bob Sanders from Iowa, but bigger (Sanders was 5'8 205 and I see that Abram is 6'0 and 215).

Sanders clips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2hvkx7dHQQ

Abram is better in pass coverage. Sanders (2007 NFL Defensive POY) was more of a reckless abandoned hitter (and had a shortened career because of that mentality/approach) - but Abram can still really bring the wood.

Dudes like that are tough to game plan around.

The more I watch the MSU defense the more I am impressed with them. Wow.

Iowa is going to have it's hands full with him, to say the least...as well as with the rest of that defense.

Very impressed.

Love your posts. Keep posting. I dated a girl from Indianola, Iowa back in the 80's. Yes, Indianola, just like here in Mississippi. She took me to the big air balloon festival they have in Indianola (Iowa). Also, I have friends from Davenport. The people of Iowa are fantastic. Our fan bases are going to get along and have fun in Tampa.

[DownwardDawg]

Agreed with everything you said until this.

Most State fans would agree, the most likely person to get a targeting foul on defense would be Abram. Not saying he hits dirty or anything, but he has an old school streak in him.

I expect Abram to get kicked out every game I watch. I love that dude!!!!

[Hawkeyegoofball]

I expect Abram to get kicked out every game I watch. I love that dude!!!!

First, what's not to love about him as a player, overall?

Second, he'll have a DC and secondary coach at the next level draft who not only fall in love with him but are willing to invest and put structure/teaching/coaching in place that keep him out of trouble from a penalty/rules standpoint.

They don't kick you out of NFL games for targeting. They just fine you about $12K to $25K and up. He'll have plenty of incentive and support from a coaching and organizational perspective to adapt and keep his bank account healthy.

I see him as a violent, 100% player - but not an angry one with outside issues carried onto the field (Donte Burfect). Which is perfect for this game and the next step he will be taking.

I haven't seen or read anything character-wise to suggest that he's a risk in that regard.

He has excellent talent and even better motor, drive and instinct. He's a leader on the field (you can see it on the film) and I'm certain in the locker room.

Here's hoping he lands in the right place and has a very long and productive professional career. As well as a robust bank account.



I love watching guys like him play. It's a bit of a lost art in many respects. But its tough, given how the NFL rules slant these days.

He's a dude on the field - and that's what everyone wants in this game.

[Hawkeyegoofball]

Love your posts. Keep posting. I dated a girl from Indianola, Iowa back in the 80's. Yes, Indianola, just like here in Mississippi. She took me to the big air balloon festival they have in Indianola (Iowa). Also, I have friends from Davenport. The people of Iowa are fantastic. Our fan bases are going to get along and have fun in Tampa.

Thank you. I will.

As we move closer to the game I'll continue to push thoughts forward for conversation, discussion and debate.

I too think that our fan bases will get along swimmingly on Jan. 1 in Tampa.

I know there has been debate on whether or not Iowa is more like Ole Miss because of it's law school, med school, etc., but I'm telling you - without knowing much about Ole Miss fans and alumni - that as football programs, Iowa and MSU are pretty dang closely connected.

Peace.

[KnightHawk]

Thank you. I will.

As we move closer to the game I'll continue to push thoughts forward for conversation, discussion and debate.

I too think that our fan bases will get along swimmingly on Jan. 1 in Tampa.

I know there has been debate on whether or not Iowa is more like Ole Miss because of it's law school, med school, etc., but I'm telling you - without knowing much about Ole Miss fans and alumni - that as football programs, Iowa and MSU are pretty dang closely connected.

Peace.

Yep, just like MSU (and unlike OM), we don't cheat.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Yeah he is a baller. When he was moved to our Star position towards the end of the year, he pretty much took over every game, shutting down half the field depending on where he was assigned.

[Mjoelner34]

Link?

About the :40 mark. This video is the 2018 highlights.

[Lord McBuckethead]

Reminded me of Troy Palomalo or the honey badger.

[BuckyIsAB****]

C'mon guys.

First, I wouldn't trade Jonathon Abram for anybody, but let's say he's among the best safeties in the country... not the best.

Second, you've gotta give EVERY opponent respect (well, except for the Bearsharts) instead of saying "good chance of not scoring at all unless we help yall." Everybody thought it would be difficult for Kentucky to score more than 10 and they hung 28 on the scoreboard.

It's okay to have a little swagger, but be humble and respectful (as opposed to cocky and pretentious like our nonstop cheating sisters in Oxford).

Sowwy

[TNDawg35]

And he has a mean Pimp Slap. Just ask AJ Brown...

[RocketDawg]

Love your posts. Keep posting. I dated a girl from Indianola, Iowa back in the 80's. Yes, Indianola, just like here in Mississippi. She took me to the big air balloon festival they have in Indianola (Iowa). Also, I have friends from Davenport. The people of Iowa are fantastic. Our fan bases are going to get along and have fun in Tampa.

One of my roommates at MSU was from Humbolt, Iowa. Do you Hawkeyes know where that town is?

[Dawgpile]

His nickname is M1-A1 (Abrams). Hits like a tank. You've already figured that out.

[Hawkeyegoofball]

About the :40 mark. This video is the 2018 highlights.

Loved his speed and explosiveness vs. KSU @ :40 (and the rest of the vid, too). Everyone else looked to be in slow motion on that play compared to him. The offensive player stumbling and turning was at minimum equally to blame for the high contact. Did he get flagged or ejected for that play?

That dude is a missile.