Greetings fellow Dolphin Fans. I've watched Matt Roth play every down of every game in his career at Iowa, watched over 10 Iowa practices, and have met him on 2 ocassions. I'm originally from Iowa, played D3 college ball, and went to The Univ. of Iowa for grad school. I'm not an expert by any stretch, but I've played enough to know a phenomenal player when I see one.
We got an utter steal with Roth at #46. He is very well coached, very technically sound, and is an absolute animal on the field, practice and game. Matt was the only unamimous 1st Team All-B10 defensive pick by the opposing B10 COACHES... that says a lot. Saban and his staff would have studied a LOT of film on Roth just a few months ago before Iowa played LSU in the Capital One Bowl, so I'm now even more confident in Saban's abilities.
In practice, the Iowa coaches have had to sit him down or ask him to back off, for fear of him hurting our offensive players. He was a champion wrestler (as many of Iowa's players were), and it shows with excellent leverage, use of his hands, and work-ethic.
VERY athletic, ran an electronic 4.74 at the NFL Combine. NFL scouts put a lot of emphasis on hand-size, and only 3 other players at the Senior Bowl had bigger hands than Roth (10.25 inches). He was touted as the most dominant defensive player at the Senior Bowl, and many of the NFL coaches there commented on his excellent technique and abilities.
He IS a bit of a wild-man... has been known to party some. He is a great young man, so I hope the South Florida scene doesn't call him to much!
With our crowded DL, it will be tough, but I would NOT be surprised to see him start sometime during his rookie season... He is that good, and will strike fear in opposing coaches and players. He only started 1 game his Sophomore year and still registered 10 sacks in 11 games!
He was a LB in H.S. and his first year at Iowa.... He can play ILB, but he is most effective with a hand on the ground and rushing QBs. His hand-work and sheer strength make him much better against the run than some scouting reports indicated... he is very good against the run.
The following is a great Matt Roth Video:
Go to "scothawk dot c0m", then "Hawkeye Highlight Videos", then "Tributes", then "Hawkeye Gladiator".
You will love it! Sorry, I can't post the link as I don't have 100 posts?!? Maybe someone can post the link?
Sorry for the long diatribe... I am simply stoked about Roth in Miami... I'd be happy to try and answer any other questions anyone might have about him...
p.s. Ronnie Brown was an awesome pick... an amazing RB with excellent character.... I'm not sold yet on Crowder's character, but his talent is undeniable. I watched Crowder play in person when Iowa played Florida in the 2004 Outback Bowl... He was mouthing off the whole game, and was even talking trash when Florida was down 37-10 in the 4th quarter?!?!... I think Saban will straighten that part out... he is way too good to have to be talking so much... Just my humble opinion... no offense meant to UF fans on here.
