Football Practice Report 8-21-07

AMES, Iowa ? Iowa State offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Robert McFarland sees the pieces coming together after a football practice in very hot weather Tuesday. The Cyclones worked on Kent State on the east practice fields. ISU opens the season Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. against the Golden Flashes in Jack Trice Stadium.

“We have guys who have established themselves,” McFarland said. “Most of the positions have been settled but you will still see some rotation. You will see people in there as much because of what kind of package we are in as anything else.”

McFarland expressed his satisfaction with the developing depth at running back.

“(Running back) was a position we were very concerned about in the spring,” McFarland said. “But with (Jason) Scales healthy, J.J. Bass showing us what he can do and Jason Harris looking strong we feel we have some great options there.”

Offensive lineman Tom Schmeling is upbeat.

“We are really learning about each other and developing cohesiveness on double teams and signals,” Schmeling said. “(Tackle Doug) Dedrick came here needing to put on some weight and our scheme was somewhat different from what he had done in junior college. He has adjusted well and I see him being able to block Big 12 linemen week after week.”