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Inside The Hawkeyes

FILM ROOM: Erick All

Incoming Iowa Tight End Transfer An Explosive Athlete
Rob Howe|
Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Erick All (83) is brought down by Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Dan Jackson (47) and linebacker Nolan Smith (4) during the third quarter in the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at Hard Rock Stadium. (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

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Iowa Hawkeyes

*Editor's Note: If you came here expecting hard-core film breakdown with a lot of terminology you don't understand, well, you came to the wrong place. It's just a guy who's watched a lot of football in his 55 years on earth and loves the game. 

FILM ROOM: Cade McNamara

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Tight end isn't the first position that pops into your head when considering Iowa Football's pursuits in the transfer portal. On the other hand, it makes all the sense in the world. 

The Hawkeyes' glowing reputation at the spot opens the eyes of top targets on the market. They have an edge in their pursuit if there's playing time. And, if they're in pursuit, there's likely important reps available. 

The scenario presented itself this offseason. It helped Iowa land Michigan's Erick All, 247Sports' No. 2 tight end available in the portal behind Jaheim Bell, who moved from South Carolina to Florida State. 

With the Wolverines, All teamed up with Cade McNamara, who Iowa pulled out of the portal in December. I wrote about his clips earlier this week. 

All (6-4, 245) reported having a Hawkeye scholarship offer coming out of Fairfield (OH) High in the 2019 Class. He chose Michigan ahead of claimed offers from Iowa, Duke, Florida State, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan State, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Pitt, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse, Wake Forest and Wisconsin. 

You can see why the Hawkeyes coveted All. When healthy, he's shown he could thrive in the Iowa offense like Sam LaPorta, the conference's tight end of the year in '22 who is departing for the NFL Draft. 

Let's take a look at clips I found on Twitter. You can watch his full '21 highlights HERE.

This first clip highlights good play design, a strong understanding of the game and soft hands by All. It comes from the '21 Big Ten Championship Game against Iowa. 

He releases after, kind of, chipping the edge engaged with his left tackle. He certainly sees quickly he's not needed there and releases. He's McNamara's check-down guy and gets into space, where he adjusts nicely to a ball thrown behind him, and hauls it in. 

If the first clip didn't impress you, this one should do the trick. He catches the ball in space with Penn State blitzing and outruns defensive backs to the end zone. That's not normal or average. That's special. 

These clips also come from Michigan's 42-3 drubbing of the Hawkeyes in the '21 Big Ten title game and are different angles of the same play. I know it elicits nightmares. Look on the bright side, he's wearing your colors now.

Again, it's nice play design by Josh Gattis (that's another story) lining All up at H-Back/FB and releasing him right with the rest of the flow going left. That leaves All 1-on-1 with NFL safety Dane Belton. 

Belton isn't in poor position. All just delivers a one-handed catch while using his body and strength to shield off the defender.  

The above clip comes from the '22 season-opener against Colorado State prior to an All injury that led to spinal surgery. It again illustrates an impressive skill set. He quickly adjusts to a low throw and then steps on the gas after reeling in the ball. 

The clip represents a rare highlight for the Wolverines during a CFP matchup with Georgia. It's another quick release off of the line where he burns a linebacker and gets into space before hitting the jets. He finishes the play with physicality for a few extra yards. 

Yeah, but can he block and complement the Hawkeye rushing attack? Asked and answered during the above clips. He's technically sound with his hand placement, drives with his legs and seems to enjoy the physicality. 

The above clip doesn't require much analysis. All goes in motion and wipes out a would-be tackler with a crushing block. It's the type of play that will endear him to Hawkeye fans...and coaches. 

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Rob Howe
ROB HOWE

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