Some of Iowa State's headliners may seem light on field duties, but the spring game is designed to promote the future
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht, 3, hits Kansas linebacker J.B. Brown, 28, during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. Throw a pass to (years old). (AP Photo/Charlie Neighborgal)
AMES — Bumps and bruises are widespread. Competition remains fierce.
And while the Iowa State spring football game at Jack Trice Stadium starting at 11 a.m. Saturday isn't an actual game, there's plenty to watch, and fans should grab some popcorn after the tailgate .
“We're beat up,” Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell said. The team is coming off its sixth winning season in the past seven years. “We've had some problems with our ankles, shoulders and stuff, but the reality is we could do a really good job on Saturday. We're wasting an opportunity to have a big crowd, wasting an opportunity to evaluate the football team. We're not going to do that, so you'll see live football. You'll see us competing.”
What about the format? never mind. And what about the players? This is an exhibition/practice, so some of the headliners, like quarterback Rocco Becht and tailback Abu Samah, may have light on-field duties, but the spring game looks set to tout future prospects. Designed and looks bright for the ISU team in terms of depth. Nineteen starters return.
“I think the biggest thing is watching our football team continue to grow,” Campbell said.
This growth is the first of five reasons to watch Saturday's “game.” Four more things should be scrutinized as the Cyclones prepare to enter summer training.
Rocco Becht is a quarterback guy
Rocco Becht emerged from the fog last fall after former starting quarterback Hunter Deckers became embroiled in a tough state investigation into sports betting among some college athletes, and the big He showed so much brilliance that he won 12 Offensive Rookie of the Year awards.
Becht threw 23 touchdown passes and just eight interceptions last season, but his accuracy and decision-making ability should be on display for at least part of Saturday's event.
“(He's) growing every day in everything he does, and that's a really positive thing,” new QB coach Jake Waters said. “I keep talking to him about his process and what will take (him) to the next level.”
Iowa State QB's brave backup
Waters said former four-star recruit JJ Cole has been “fantastic” as Becht's backup this spring, but talented freshman Connor Moberly has been “very impressive” as well.
Cole stands 6-foot-7, weighs 250 pounds and boasts elite arm talent. He pushed Becht to be the starter throughout fall camp last season. Adding Moberly's athleticism to this room (6-4, 195) gives ISU depth at the most important position on any team.
“I'm really, really impressed with their ability and (I'm) lucky to be able to coach them,” said Waters, a former Kansas State star.
Iowa State's devastating defensive line
The Cyclones return experience on the defensive line both on the edge (Joey Petersen, Tyler Onyedim) and inside (J.R. Singleton, Dom Orange), but as always, the young players make the position group the strength of the team. contributes to making it happen.
Redshirt rookie tackle Zaimir Hawk (6-3, 300) had a great offseason, as did ends Ikenna Ezeogu (6-5, 260) and Samuel Same (6-5, 215). It was similar. Sprinkling Louisiana-Monroe transfer Kennard Snyder (6-0, 248) on the edge, ISU looks strong up front on the defensive side of the ball, going three deep.
“He's a rapidly improving player,” Cyclones defensive line coach Eli Rasheed said of Snyder.
Iowa State running back fast track
Iowa State University running back Abu Samah III during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State won 30-9. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Sama and Carson Hansen shined at times last season as freshmen tailbacks, but fans should also keep an eye on current true freshman Dylan Lee in the backfield.
The 6-1, 200-pounder set the Arizona Class 6A single-game rushing record as a high school senior, gaining an astonishing 518 yards on the ground on 27 carries and will be on full display Saturday. He has a perfect skill set.
“Just from a weight room standpoint, he might be the strongest running back in the room,” first-year assistant head coach and running backs coach Tyler Rohr said. “He has natural ability.”
Comment: robgray18@icloud.com
