Competition Heats Up On Day Two

The mercury was again rising on the football practice fields at Iowa State Thursday afternoon, and it's becoming clear that competition for playing time will also be heated.

“We've got a lot of competition at all the positions - all 11- which is good,” said defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt. “It's an everyday thing, so we'll take it day-by-day and if somebody plays better the next day, they'll move up... and that's good. Everybody's graded on a day-to-day deal and if another guy's ready to move on, he will.”

Bolt explained that every day is a learning process for the student-athletes. The players are still getting to know the coaching staff and their systems, while the coaching staff is still learning the players' strengths and weaknesses.

“They've been around all summer with the strength coach, but we haven't talked any ball with them,” said Bolt. “We've been in it for two days, so they're still spinning, which is normal. We'll put a little bit in every day, do it halfway, and then get ready for game time.”

One player whose time on the field shouldn't be an issue is Alvin “Ace” Bowen. The nation's leading tackler last season, Bowen sees himself taking on more of a leadership role this season. But Bowen is intent on staying true to the work ethic that got him where he is today.

“Due to the fact that I'm a senior, I've got a leadership role,” said Bowen. “Just like everybody else, just make plays when you're out there, do what the coaches tell you to do. No one's really seeded above anyone else right now. Everybody's got the same job. You've got an assignment and need to get it done.”

The Cyclones will put shoulder pads on tomorrow and start hitting for the first time in the young season, something Bowen has been itching to do.

“We run to the ball all the time and I get mad when I run to the ball, and then I can't hit ?em,” said Bowen. “I always want to hit. Always.”