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Training Camp Central: Aug. 21 Practice
08.21.2008 | Football
2008 Iowa State Football Training Camp Central
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Aug. 21 Practice
Aug. 21 Practice Multimedia
Jay Boulware Aug. 21 Practice Interview (free audio)
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With kickoff a week away, the Cyclones are making the transition into game preparations and competitions remain ongoing. The kicking competition has become slightly clearer, but consistency continues to be the key focus.
“Right now I would say that (Zach) Guyer has a leg up on field goals and (Grant) Mahoney probably has the leg up on kick offs,” running backs and special teams coach Jay Boulware said after Thursday's practice. “It is kind of opposite of what I originally thought coming into it, but they both have really strong legs and the ball just jumps off their feet. They are just lacking consistency”
Special teams have remained a focal point throughout this fall camp and the decision on a punt returner will have to wait until after the weekend.
“We've been adding a little bit more in scrimmage situations this camp, trying to get those guys more game ready,” Boulware said. “We're going to use our best players (on punt returns), just like Coach Chizik said. I don't know if we've settled on a particular guy. That competition is going to go through this weekend and we probably won't make that decision until close to game time.”
Practice Highlights
- The Iowa State football team practiced without pads Thursday in the Bergstrom Indoor Training Facility as light rain fell throughout the Ames area for the majority of the day. First and second teamers spend the majority of the practice, working with the scout team offense and defense in preparation for South Dakota State. This marks the final cyclones.com practice report for 2008 fall training camp.
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Aug. 20 Practice Multimedia |
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Aug. 20 Practice
As the clock winds down to Iowa State's 2008 football season opener Aug. 28 (7 p.m.), it is decision time at several positions. Who is a potential redshirt? Who will play right away?
“We are getting down to making those decisions,” Iowa State wide receivers coach Jay Rodgers. “We've been evaluating these guys for quite some time. Our decisions about our younger players are harder when thrown something into the mix.”
Rodgers says a receiver rotation will develop during the season.
“It isn't necessarily who is in the first group and who is in the second group,” Rodgers said. We will rotate certain people in and out and sometimes it just depends on the situation.”
One freshman who will likely play next week is wide receiver Darius Darks.
“He is a kid who we felt could come in and help us right away,” Rodgers said. “He was a heavily recruited young man out of Austin who is smart and has picked up the offense. Right now it is all about potential. I've been around guys who were great in practice but not as good during games. I have also been around men who were ordinary in practice but unbelievable during games. We will see on all our new kids.”
We all we see real soon.
Practice Highlights
Kickoffs
- PK Grant Mahoney booted his lone kickoff 4 yards deep in the endzone.
- PK Zach Guyer kicked a ball to the 6-yard line and the 3-yard line.
1st and 10 Offense vs. Defense
- QB Phillip Bates completed his lone pass attempt, a 6-yard gain to WR Marquis Hamilton. Bates carried the ball once for 7 yards.
- QB Austen Arnaud completed both of his passes, the first a 4-yard pass to Hamilton and the second a 65-yard TD on a post to WR Joel Zitek. Arnaud also carried once for 6 yards.
- For the defense, DB Kennard Banks broke up a pass and LB Michael Bibbs had a coverage sack.
3rd and 5 Offense vs. Defense
- Defensively, DE Rashawn Parker had a tackle for no gain and DB Chris Brown made an interception on a tipped ball in his first practice in 11-on-11 action.
- Arnaud completed both of his passes, a 16-yard first down to WR Jason Carlson and a 4-yarder TE Derrick Catlett. Arnaud carried once for 6 yards.
Aug. 19 Practice
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Aug. 19 Practice Multimedia |
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It was a day to catch up. Iowa State head football coach Gene Chizik had the Cyclones in shells Tuesday. ISU's football team was coming off a two-day stretch with no practice to heal up after the heart of the pre-season practice. Iowa State secondary coach Shawn Rainey said Tuesday's practice was a refresher course.
“These young kids really needed to get back in the mode and start getting ready for the season-opener,” Rainey said. “I'm not worried about making any two-deep decisions before we have to. I told the guys not to worry about who is starting. Everyone is getting equal reps in practice.”
Rainey says the youth of some challengers makes teaching the base defense important.
“Like a lot of young players, our new guys are still learning,” Rainey said. “We had a couple of veterans back today after some minor injuries. The two days off did them a lot of good and they looked much better today. We still have a lot to learn.”
Cyclone defensive lineman Michael Tate is back this season with new vigor. The senior was injured much of last season and is ready to play this fall.
“I'm not worrying about being No. 1 on depth chart,” Tate said. “I am going to stay focused and make myself better. That is my responsibility.”
Practice Highlights
6-on-6 Passing Drill
- QB Austen Arnaud went 8-of-9 passing for 81 yards as he connected with WR Darius Darks (2 catches, 24 yards), WR R.J. Sumrall (2 catches, 15 yards) and TE Derrick Catlett (2 catches, 26 yards).
- QB Phillip Bates went a perfect 4-for-4 for 56 yards, hooking up with WR Lonzie Range (11 yards), WR Jason Carlson (6 yards), TE Carter Bykowski (7 yards) and WR Chris Campbell (32 yards).
First and 10 Offense/Defense
- Defense was impressive in this 11-on-11 work as DB Leonard Johnson broke up a pass, DL Stephen Ruempolhamer had a tackle for no gain, DE Travis Ferguson had a hurry, DL's Mike Tate and Kurtis Taylor had sacks and LB Fred Garrin also had a sack
- Bates carried twice for 8 yards and completed his only pass attempt, a 6-yarder to WR Jake Williams. RB Alexander Robinson also carried one time for and 11-yard first down.
- Arnaud completed a 7-yard pass to WR Joel Zitek and a 14-yard first down strike to WR Houston Jones.
1:45 on Game Clock, No Timeouts
- Arnaud went 5-of-5 for 45 yards, including a 14-yard first down to Jones and a 16-yarder to Sumrall. Robinson carried once for 4 yards, setting up a successful 45-yard field goal (right hash) from PK Zach Guyer.
- Bates also moved the offense down the field, completing 2-of-4 passes for 20 yards (both to WR Andrew Mitchell) and running twice for 15 yards. RB Jason Scales ran once for 3 yards to setup a field goal that missed, wide-left.
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Scrimmage No. 4 Multimedia |
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The offense owned the night. The rapidly maturing group won Saturday night's Gridiron Scrimmage in Jack Trice Stadium, 43-28. It was the kind of scrimmage that left Cyclone head coach Gene Chizik feeling satisfied before his team takes a couple of days off for rest and to heal up after the heart of an intense fall camp.
“It thought it was a good scrimmage,” Chizik said. “We worked hard on special teams tonight. This was our fourth big scrimmage, including 80 plays and live action on special teams. We will give them the next two days off after 15 practices in 16 days. We still need the 11 days we have left. When they come back, we'll clean some things up and start preparing for (South Dakota State).”
No quarterback has yet to claim the No. 1 spot in the battle between sophomores Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates.
“I'm pleased with both quarterbacks,” Chizik said. “Both of them moved the ball well today. They are progressing well. We didn't turn the ball over at all today.”
The special teams are coming together. Devin McDowell, Allen Bell, Alexander Robinson and Leonard Johnson are all getting reps on the return teams.
“We're still a little sporadic because there are so many new guys in there,” Chizk said. “We are getting better and have done some good things.”
The ISU tailback competition is intense.
“I'm really pleased with the running game, Chizik said. “We are getting North and South and we have more than one guy that has done a nice job.”
One reason for the running game improvement is the offensive linemen learning to play as a unit.
“The offensive line has been solid and they are getting used to playing together, which takes time,” Chizik said. “There are several young guys battling for playing time up front.”
ISU quarterback Austen Arnaud says he has been throwing to some young targets with good protection.
“The offensive executed really well, we had no penalties,” Arnaud said. “We put the ball in the end zone. I really like (offensive lineman) Hayworth Hicks, (offensive lineman) and Scott Haughton up front.
The Cyclones will have two days off and practice again on Tuesday.
Scrimmage No. 4 Highlights (Offense 43, Defense 28)
Series 1
- QB Phillip Bates completed his only two passes, the first a 10-yarder to WR Jake Williams for a first down and the second, a 46-yard TD strike to WR Jason Carlson. Carlson plucked the away from the defender, gaining 18 YAC yards en route to the score. PK Zach Guyer kicked the PAT.
- Bates carried once for two yards, RB J.J. Bass carried once for a 13-yard first down.
- For the defense, LB Michael Bibbs had a coverage sack and DB Chris Singleton deflected a pass that DB James Smith nearly picked off.
Series 2
- QB Austen Arnaud went 4-of-4 passing for 66 yards, two to WR Sedrick Johnson for 25 yards. RB Jason Harris caught a 12-yard ball and Arnaud threw a 29-yard bullet to WR Euseph Messiah over the middle to put the offense on the 2-yard line.
- RB Jeremiah Schwartz punched it in for a 2-yard TD on the ensuing play and PK Grant Mahoney kicked the PAT.
Series 3
- Defense stepped up in this series, forcing its first three-and-out. DB Mike O'Connell hit a receiver, jarring the ball loose on first down, Bibbs made a tackle for no gain on second down and DB Kennard Banks broke up a pass to bring up 4th down.
Series 4
- Offense went on a 14-play drive that ended with a Jason Harris 12-yard TD run.
- Bates went 4-of-5 passing for 26 yards, including two 7-yard passes to Carlson. He also completed a 9-yard pass to Mansfield.
- Schwartz carried five times for 18 yards and Bates ran twice for 11 yards.
- PK Grant Mahoney kicked the PAT.
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Series 5
- Defense forced its second three-and-out as Bass carried twice for 6 yards, before LB Jesse Smith made a sack to force 4th down
Series 6
- Sedrick Johnson showed his open field speed, taking a screen at the line-of-scrimmage from QB Jerome Tiller on the second play and out-running the defense for a 72-yard run to put the offense inside the 5-yard line.
- Harris punched it in on the next play from 4-yards out.
- Mahoney kicked the PAT.
Series 7
- Bates completed both of his passes, one to Jake Williams (4 yards) and another to WR Joel Zitek (15 yards)
- Bass carried three times for 29 yards.
Series 8
- Offense went on a 10-play drive with Jerome Tiller carrying twice for 30 yards.
- RB Bo Williams ran three times for 12 yards, including a 1-yard TD run on third down.
- LB Kevin Hamlin made a tackle-for-a-loss to third down to highlight the defense.
- Mahoney kicked the PAT.
Series 9
- Tiller started things off with a 14-yard first down pass to Chris Campbell.
- Bass carried twice for 7 yards and Tiller picked up a first down on a sneak.
- DB Chris Singleton came in on a corner blitz and recorded a sack.
Special Teams
- DB Dustin Land blocked a punt and LB Preston Kaufman blocked two field goals and a punt.
- Guyer nailed a 48-yard FG from straight on.
Friday, Aug. 15 Practice
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Aug. 15 Multimedia |
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Iowa State's Friday practice focused solely on special teams just 13 days before kicking off the season Aug. 28 against South Dakota State. One of those Cyclones who will be playing in their final collegiate campaign is defensive lineman Michael Tate.
“Mike has a lot to prove and he has a chip on his shoulder going into his final season,” Iowa State defensive line coach Mike Pelton. “It will be a sight to see him play healthy, which is something he hasn't been able to do until now. Mike is playing with a special purpose.”
Cyclone tailback Alexander Robinson says the running game is improving in practice.
“We've gotten better at making reads and understanding how the coaches want to run the plays,” Robinson said. “Now we hit the hole fast knowing how (the coaches) want us to make the play develop.”
Robinson is looking forward to getting out into the open to receive passes.
“We want to contribute any way we can,” Alexander said. “The coaches are looking for ways to spread it out and have us not just always stay home on plays.”
ISU will have its final scrimmage Saturday.
Special Teams Highlights
-PK Zach Guyer and PK Grant Mahoney went a combined 7-for-8 during team field goal work, the only miss a block by DL Mike Tate.
- Guyer connected on field goals of 25 yards (straight on), 37 yards (right hash), 42 yards (straight on) and 47 yards (left hash). His 47-yarder came with the entire team and coaching staff circled around him making noise, hoping to rattle the freshman, although to no avail.
- Mahoney was equally as impressive, kicking field goals of 27 yards (right hash), 37 yards (right hash) and 42 yards (straight on).
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Scrimmage No. 3 Multimedia |
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Thursday, Aug. 14
“We needed a good hot day, this was good for us” Bolt said. “Earlier in two-a-day camp we had one good hot day. Our guys looked slower, which is natural at this point in drills. Our guys are banged up and bruised up, like everyone in the country.”
Bolt said the defensive line is shaping up although the frequent rotations mean a two-deep is only cosmetic.
“Right now we've got Kurtis Taylor and Michael Tate, rotating back and forth,” Bolt said. “Nate Frere and Rashawn (Parker) are playing a lot. We haven't had a lot of injuries and these guys have been there before, which helps immensely. There have not been a lot of position changes since the start of practice.”
Bolt said Tate would have been a factor last season, if he hadn't been hurt.
“He got hurt early and was never really a factor,” Bolt said. “He came back and had a great spring and pushed himself into the mix.”
Bolt said the game plan for South Dakota State was drawn up this summer but the focus will start changing to the opener next week.
The scrimmage was won by the offense, which pleased offensive coordinator Robert McFarland.
“It was nice to see us sustain drives and score,” McFarland said. “I was very pleased to see our receivers make some really good plays. We had people step up today.”
McFarland said quarterbacks Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates continue to both play well.
“It doesn't matter which one is in there,” McFarland said. “We don't change a call because Austen or Phillip is in the game. The offense is comfortable with both guys. I see no separation at this point.”
The offensive line is getting better.
“Our starting line today included (Mike) Knapp at center, (Ben) Lamaak and (Reggie) Stephens at guard, and (Hayworth) Hicks and (Doug) Dedrick at tackle. Overall we did a good job today. The blocking was solid and our running backs were able to break some tackles. Look, almost no one in the Big 12 goes a season with just one running back and we won't be any different.”
The Cyclones have their last two-a-day practice Friday and will scrimmage again Saturday.
Scrimmage No. 3 Highlights
Special Teams Pre-Scrimmage Work
-PK Zach Guyer went 3-of-3 on field goals of 23, 27 and 32 yards, the two longer once from the right hash.
Series 1:
- The offense came out and marched down the field to put the offense on the board first. QB Austen Arnaud completed alll three of his passes, including a 6-yarder to WR Jason Carlson and two for 23 yards to R.J. Sumrall. RB Jason Scales carried twice for 17 yards and RB J.J. Bass carried twice for 17 yards, a 12-yard run an a 5-yard blast for a TD. DL Stephen Ruempolhamer then blocked the PAT. On defense, DB James Smith broke up a pass in the end zone.
Series 2:
- QB Phillip Bates also had a hot hand early, completing all four of his passes for 61 yards. Bates' favorite target was newcomer Sedrick Johnson, as he caught two balls for 45 yards, the last a 28-yard fade for a touchdown where he out-jumped the defender in one-on-one coverage. Freshman TE Carter Bykowski also got in on the action, catching one ball for 11 yards. RB Jeremiah Schwartz carried twice for 13 yards. DL Roosevelt Maggit made a tackle-for-a-loss on defense.
Series 3:
- Bates began the series with a 12-yard first down run and Bass followed up with a 4-yard run. On third down, James and Jesse Smith combined for a tackle-for-a-loss to force a fourth down.
Series 4:
-Schwartz 2-yard run. Schwartz 3-yard run. Singleton hit in flat to force 4th down and a three-and-out.
Series 5:
- Bass carried three times for 34 yards and Arnaud carried once for 5 yards. Bass' third run went for 19 yards, where he bounced outside to pick up a tough extra 14 yards and put the offense in the red zone. Arnaud finished the drive on a 12-yard TD pass to TE Taylor Mansfield. PK Zach Guyer booted the PAT.
Series 6:
- The running game continue to click as Bates carried twice for 14 yards, Schwartz carried three times for 41 yards, including a 21-yard rumble. Bates finished the drive off with a 12-yard TD pass to TE Patrick Neal. PK Grant Mahoney kicked the PAT. On defense, DB Brandon Hunley made a tackle-for-no-gain.
Series 7:
- Bates led off with an 11-yard first down strike to WR Darius Darks. Arnaud came in and ran once for 5 yards and then connected with Darks for 4 yards. On third down, DB Chris Singleton forced a fumble and DE Kurtis Taylor recovered to get the defenses's one and only turnover.
Series 8:
- RB Jason Harris had a great series, carrying four times for 31 yards. Bates completed two passes, the first a 6-yarder to Bykowski and the second a 4-yarder to Messiah to put the offense inside the 20. DB Ter'ran Benton deflected a pass in the end zone and DB Ryan Harklau batted a ball down at the line of scrimmage on a blitz to force a 4th down. Mahoney then booted a 36-yard field goal from the right hash for the scrimmage's only field goal.
Series 9:
- Darks caught another pass for 16 yards from Arnaud for a first down and Bass carried once for 3 yards. After an incomplete pass, DE Kurtis Taylor made a tackle-for-a-loss to force a 4th down.
Series 10:
- Bates completed all three of his passes which went for a 27-yard total. Bates connected with Schwartz for a 13-yard gain and then hooked up with Sedrick Johnson for a 12-yard first down as well as a 2-yard TD where he made a one-handed grab on a fade route in the back-corner of the end zone. Harris carried once for 8 yards, Bates ran once for 6 yards and Schwartz ran once for 5 yards prior to the score. On defense, DL Roosevelt Maggitt had a hurry and LB Kevin Hamlin made a tackle-for-a-loss. Mahoney kicked another PAT.
Series 11:
- The offense put the finishing touches on an impressive scrimmage, marching down the field on nine plays, eight of which were running plays. Bass carried six-straight times for 45 yards, Harris tacked on a 3-yard run, Bass ran again for 5 yards before Bates hit TE Taylor Mansfield on play-action for a 6-yard TD.
Wednesday, Aug. 13
It was a surprise, a good surprise. Iowa State head football coach Gene Chizik abruptly ended practice early and told his team they were headed for the movies. The ISU head coach was giving his team a break after practicing twice on Tuesday. The Cyclones will scrimmage again on Thursday so Chizik organized a team BBQ and a trip to the movie theatre for his football team.
This is not the first time Chizik has given his team a quick breather during the dog days of August. Last season the Cyclones headed for the pool for an afternoon away from football drills.
Morning Practice Highlights
6-on-6 Passing Drill
- QB Jerome Tiller completed 3-of-4 passes for 54 yards, incluing a 41-yard bomb to WR Lonzie Range, where he laid out for a nice diving catch.
- QB Brett Bueker completed a 49-yard fly route to WR Sedrick Johnson
- QB Phillip Bates went 3-of-6 for 58 yards, the longest a 38-yard ball to WR Marquis Hamilton where Hamilton out-jumped the DB near the sideline
- QB Austen Arnaud completed 2-of-3 passes for 24 yards, an 18-yarder to WR R.J. Sumrall and 6-yarder to TE Taylor Mansfield
- On defense, LB Fred Garrin and DB Chris Singleton all broke up passes, while DB Leonard Johnson made another interception.
1st and 10 Offense vs. Defense
- Offense focused on the running game. Bates carried once for 12 yards, RB J.J. Bass ran for 6 yards in his first practice in full pads, RB Jeremiah Schwartz carried once for 3 yards, Arnaud carried once for 4 yards and RB Jason Harris carried once for 7 yards.
- DE Roosevelt Maggitt had a tackle-for-a-loss to help the defense
1st and 10 Offense vs. Defense (Goal Line)
- DT Mike Tate forced a fumble which was recovered by the offense before Bates connected with TE Derrick Catlett on a 2-yard TD in the back of the end zone on the first series.
- LB Jesse Smith made a stop in series two on a third and 1 to force a fourth down.
- RB Jeremiah Schwartz looked impressive inside the five as he had two tough 4-yard TD runs.
- Arnaud scored on the final possession on a designed run.
1st and 10 Offense vs. Defense "Move the Ball"
- RB J.J. Bass carried three times for 37 yards, with a long of 22 and Schwartz carried twice for 7 yards before Allen Bell made a third down stop to stall the drive.
- DB Ter'ran Banks and DB Kennard Banks both made nice defense plays, Benton an open-field tackle to force a 4th down and Banks tipped a ball out-of-bounds.
- Bates completed three passes for 35 yards, including 13 yards to Sedrick Johnson and 8 yards to WR Andrew Mitchell. Bates alsp carried once for 6 yards.
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Aug. 12 Multimedia |
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Tuesday, Aug. 12
Sixteen days and counting until the Aug. 28 season-opener against South Dakota State. Iowa State's football special teams progress has been excellent. So says ISU running backs coach and special teams coordinator Jay Boulware.
“We're probably about two-thirds of the way on our installation,” Boulware. “We're installing the last stage right now. We've probably got another day before that is ready to go. We are now in the process of putting our best people in the best spots.”
Boulware says the Cyclones are right on target.
“We're coaching them in greater detail this year than last year,” Boulware said. “We are real anxious to see how it all plays out in game day."
“(Punter) Mike Brandtner has made major improvements,” Boulware said. “He is better this year on how he catches the snap and his release time is quicker.”
The kicker battle continues between true freshmen Grant Mahoney and Zach Guyer.
“They are progressing nicely,” Boulware said. “Their technique is improving. What we want is consistency. Anytime you go from kicking off a tee in high school to kicking off the ground there is going to be a transition.”
Boulware says the coaching staff is close to determining the deep snapper. He said his biggest challenge since coming to Ames was finding quality returners.
“Kick returners are easier to find than punt returners and I've have never been on a team that didn't have a good punt returner. Last year we struggled there. I have a good idea of who is nailing down the position.”
Last year's returning woes cost ISU dearly last season.
“When you look at a close game last year like the Colorado game, just think how 10 yards here and 12 yards there would have changed the game.”
Boulware said running back J.J. Bass is working his way into shape and has a more intense focus this season. The Cyclones will practice again Wednesday.
Practice Highlights
6-on-6 Passing Drill
- QB Austen Arnaud completed 5-of-6 for 44 yards including two to WR Marquis Hamilton (23 yards) and two to WR Darius Darks (15 yards).
- QB Phillip Bates completed 3-of-5 passes for 39 yards and hooked up twice with WR Lonzie Range, the longest a 16-yard pass. WR Sedrick Johnson also caught a 12-yard first down pass.
2nd and 10 Offense vs. Defense
- RB Alexander Robinson carried once for 6 yards before the pass defense tightened up, forcing four-straight incompletions. Bates hit TE Carter Bykowski for an 11-yard gain before running for a 4-yard gain. Arnaud ripped off an 11-yard first down run and then hit WR R.J. Sumrall for a 5-yard gain.
- DE Roosevelt Maggitt made a tackle-for-a-loss on defense.
3rd and 10 Offense vs. Defense
- Arnaud completed his only two pass attemps, a 4-yarder to WR Jason Carlson and a 6-yarder to WR Jake Williams. He also carried once for 8 yards.
- Bates went 3-of-5 for 23 yards, including a 7-yard pass to Sedrick Johnson and a 13-yard screen to RB J.J. Bass.
- DB Zac Sandvig made a nice play on a deep ball, leaping in mid-air to knock the ball out-of-bounds.
1st and 10 "Move the Ball" Offense vs. Defense
Series 1: Robinson carried for a yard before DE Rashawn Parker made a tackle-for-a-loss to force a 4th down.
Series 2: Bates carried for an 11-yard first down, Bass carried twice for 15 yards and then Bates hit Range in-stride for a 42-yard TD on a post.
Series 3: Arnaud completed two pases for 11 yards, one to TE Taylor Mansfield and another to Darks. RB Jason Scales carried once for 3 yards.
1st and 10 Red Zone Offense vs. Defense
- RB Jeremiah Schwartz carried twice for 7 yards, play was reset at the 25 and then Arnaud fired a 25-yard TD bullet over-the-middle to Hamilton to end practice.
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Aug. 11 Multimedia |
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Monday, Aug. 11
Iowa State true freshman Leonard Johnson doesn't toot his own horn. But the cornerback from Clearwater, Fla. is making a fast transition to college football. Just ask his coach Shawn Raney.
“Leonard is a football player, period,” Raney said. “He is one of those guys who is both a great athlete and has a real feel for the game.”
His high school credentials affirm his athletic ability. At Largo High School, Johnson passed for 911 yards and 12 touchdowns as a quarterback. He also rushed for 958 yards and nine scores. Johnson also played some defense, tallying 13 tackles and one interception. He led his team to the Florida Class 5A state semifinal contest. Johnson also competed in track and field and wrestling.
“I'm just so happy to be here,” Johnson said. “I am working as hard as I can and learning so much.”
Johnson was heavily recruited, receiving offers from Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, West Virginia, South Florida and Mississippi.
Johnson says his experience as a high school quarterback, helps him as a defensive back.
“I have a better feel for what the quarterback is thinking and I bring a different perspective to the position.”
Whatever his playing time in the secondary this fall, Johnson could also make a contribution on special teams.
“We have a team of guys in the secondary who are all trying to make a difference,” Johnson said.
Practice Highlights
Special Teams/Field Goal
- PK Zach Guyer went 4-for-4 on field goal attempts, with a long of 47 yards from the right hash.
- PK Grant Mahoney went 2-for-3 on field goals with a long of 46 yards straight on.
- P Mike Brandtner booted three punts of 43 yards or more.
6-on-6 Passing Drill
- QB Phillip Bates went 8-of-11 for 112 yards, including a 21-yard post-corner to WR Darius Darks and a 55-yard bomb to WR R.J. Sumrall. Bates also completed passes of 11 yards to WR Marquis Hamilton and 7 yards respectively to WR Joel Zitek and WR Alex Sandvig
- QB Austen Arnaud went 7-of-9 for 51 yards, with a long of 18 yards to WR Justin Lillie. Arnaud also completed an 11-yard pass to Euseph Messiah, where the speedster made a defender miss in the open field for a first down as well as two more to WR Jason Carlson for 9 yards.
- For the defense, DB Zac Sandvig broke up a pass, nearly getting an interception as did DB Allen Bell. LB Derec Schmidgall then made a deflection that DB Devin McDowell then picked off.
1st and 10 Offense vs. Defense
- Darks opened team play with a 13-yard run, before RB Alexander Robinson ripped off a 14-yard run for the second first down. Robinson later carried twice more for 19 yards.
- Arnaud completed two passes, one to RB Jason Harris (5 yards) and another to TE Derrick Catlett for a first down (8 yards).
- Bates then got in the action, throwing a bullet to Marquis Hamilton for 21 yards down the sideline, barely keeping his feet inbouds. Bates also threw a 9-yard strike to Catlett.
- For the defense, DB Nick Harklau broke up a pass, DE Rashawn Parker had a sack and Fred Garrin made a tackle-for-a-loss.
2nd and 6 Offense vs. Defense
- The defense came out strong early in this segment, forcing three-straight three-and-outs, highlighted by two Allen Bell tackles-for-a-losses, a Schmidgall hurry and a DE Chris Lyle sack for a 4-yard loss. The offense then turned it on as RB Jeremiah Schwartz carried four times for 19 yards and Bates connected with Darks again for a 21-yard first down pass.
Series 3:
- RB Alexander Robinson carried four times for 17 yards.
- Arnaud completed two passes, one a 31-yard first down by Sumrall and another a 10-yard catch by TE Derrick Catlett.
- LB Jesse Smith made a tackle-for-a-loss
- RB Jason Scales carried twice for 8 yards, including an 6-yard TD run.
- PK Zach Guyer kicked a PAT
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Aug. 9 Multimedia |
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Saturday, Aug. 9: Scrimmage No. 2
Scrimmage No. 2 (Defense 40, Offense 35)
Iowa State's defense won Saturday's scrimmage, but it was closer than the 40-35 score. ISU head coach Gene Chizik was proud of what he called a “physical” scrimmage. The Cyclone head coach also said that running back J.J. Bass has been reinstated to the football team.
“For just our second live scrimmage I thought there was a lot of production out there,” Chizik said. “The guys are tired and beat up but still played very physical.”
“There were good things and bad things on both sides of the ball,” Chizik said. “We kept score because I tell them ?there is always a winner and a loser.' It went back and forth but we had a lot of big plays on offense. There was a score on a bootleg pass. The defense battled back, got some turnovers and won the scrimmage. The offense had won the last scrimmage.”
Chizik said both sophomore quarterbacks, Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates, had some big moments.
“They are really battling hard to be the best quarterbacks they can be and move our football team. We are proud of them. Reps are building up and making them better, which is what happens. I've seen a great improvement in the last three days.”
The Iowa State head coach affirmed the progress made in practice by several newcomers.
“Kennard Banks (Jr., CB), Leonard Johnson (Fr., DB), Sedrick Johnson (Fr., WR) are showing up and doing well,” Chizik said. “Hayworth Hicks (So., OL), Darius Darks (Fr., WR), Scott Haughton (Fr., OL) and our young kickers (freshmen Zach Guyer and Grant Mahoney) are among those we might get something out of them this year.”
Chizik underscored the progress made by Guyer and Mahoney, both true freshmen.
“They are both doing very well kicking off and on field-goal attempts,” Chizik said. “We had a 50-yard field goal today. They are improving rapidly.”
Chizik said Bass talked to the football team this morning as part of rejoining the Cyclone football program.
“(J.J. Bass) has done a very good job working up to the expectations of our football program,” Chizik said. “He is back on the football team. He talked to our team this morning and apologized for not being here earlier.”
The team will have an off day Sunday before practicing again Monday.
Scrimmage Highlights
Series 1:
- On the first play from scrimmage, QB Phillip Bates hit WR R.J Sumrall on a post for a 70-yard touchdown. WR Houston Jones threw a great downfield block to give Sumrall an extra 21 yards after the catch.
Series 2:
- QB Austen Arnaud completed a 13-yard pass to WR Marquis Hamilton for a first down.
- DL Jerrod Black made a stop for no gain and LB Deric Schmidgall recorded a tackle-for-a-loss on third down to get the defense off the field.
Series 3:
- RB Alexander Robinson carried four times for 17 yards.
- Arnaud completed two passes, one a 31-yard first down by Sumrall and another a 10-yard catch by TE Derrick Catlett.
- LB Jesse Smith made a tackle-for-a-loss
- RB Jason Scales carried twice for 8 yards, including an 6-yard TD run.
- PK Zach Guyer kicked a PAT
Series 4:
- DE Roosevelt Maggitt shined on defense, forcing two QB hurries, the second on a third and long.
- P Mike Brandtner booted a 47-yard punt.
Series 5:
- DB Leonard Johnson made a nice hit in the flat to force another three-and-out for the defense.
- LB Prentice Kaufman recorded his second blocked punt of camp.
Series 6:
- TE Taylor Mansfield caught a 7-yard pass and RB Jeremiah Schwartz carried once for 3 yards.
- On third down, DE Chris Lyle tipped a pass and Jerrod Black made a diving catch for the interception.
Series 7:
- Arnaud completed two passes for 20 yards, one to TE Collin Franklin (11 yards) and the other to WR Alex Sandvig.
- DL Nate Frere made a tackle for a loss on a screen pass and Jesse Smith deflected a pass to force a fourth down.
- Guyer kicked a 40-yard field goal from the right hash with the wind at his back.
Series 8:
- Defense forced its third three-and-out as LB Josh Raven made a tackle-for-a-loss and DL Mike Tate had a QB hurry on third down to force the punt
Series 9:
- The running game proved to be effective as RB Bo Williams carried twice for 7 yards and RB Jason Harris carried five times for 35 yards, the longest a 12-yard first down run.
- LB Cameron Bell made a sack on defense and LB Fred Garrin made a fourth down stop to force a turnover on downs.
Series 10:
- WR Darius Darks caught a 16-yard pass and Mansfield hauled in a 7 yard pass.
- On defense, Weir made a tackle-for-a-loss before DB Ter'ran Benton made an interception on another tipped ball.
Series 11:
- Harris carried once for 15 yards, including a nifty open-field move to pick up the first down. Schwartz carried twice for 5 yards.
- On defense, Leonard Johnson nearly forced another turnover, as he made an interception but was ruled out-of-bounds.
- LB Fred Garrin made a tackle-for-a-loss.
- PK Grant Mahoney saw his first action, kicking the longest field goal of camp to date, a 45-yarder straight on with the wind at his back.
Series 12:
- Defense forced another three-and-out as Weir made another tackle-for-a-loss on third down.
Series 13:
- Josh Raven made a tackle for no gain.
- RB Jeremiah Schwartz carried four times for 26 yards.
- PK Grant Mahoney kicked his second field goal, a 26-yarder from the right hash with the wind at his back.
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Friday, Aug. 8
When coaching young quarterbacks, Iowa State signal-caller coach Tony Petersen works to slow down the game for his players.
“I'm trying to slow down the game for them as fast as I can,” Petersen said. “When you see guys playing in the NFL after 15 or 16 years of football, the game is slow to them. Our guys just need more reps."
Petersen said sophomores Austen Arnaud and Phillip Bates are making progress.
“They are both young, although Austen has some game experience,” Petersen said. “They are working on the same things. The No. 1 thing we ask our quarterback to do is make good decisions. If they are making good decisions, making the right reads, not turning over the football, they will help us move the football down the field. If they can do it in practice, they can do it in the games.”
Petersen said Arnaud is doing what the coaches need him to do.
“He is out there making good decisions,” Petersen said. “Austen has got himself in really good shape compared to last year. He is running better and doing what we ask him to do.”
Petersen pointed out that Bates is also making headway.
“The thing about Phillip is that if something doesn't go right on the field, he can use his athletic ability to make something happen, even on a broken play,” Petersen said. “That is what is exciting about what he brings to the table.”
Ultimately, what each quarterback needs are more reps.
“Phillip has had a spring and now a fall practice and Austen has even more experience,” Petersen said. “It comes down to reps. That is why camp is so long and why there are very few true freshman quarterbacks.”
The Cyclones will have the second scrimmage of camp on Saturday.
Practice Highlights
6-on-6 Passing Drill
- QB Austen Arnaud went 7-of-10 for 70 yards, the longest a 51-yard grab by WR Jake Williams on a beautifully thrown post. Arnaud also completed a 7 yards to WR Marquis Hamilton and 9 yards to Houston Jones
- QB Phillip Bates also threw the deep ball well, completing three passes of 15 yards or more to WR Darius Darks (19 yards) and twice to Zitek (18 and 28 yards).
3rd and 7 11-on-11 Offense vs. Defense
- Arnaud completed his first three passes for 66 yards, two of them to WR Euseph Messiah (20 yards) and then a 46-yard strike to Darks over the middle, where he made a man miss and picked up 21 yards after the catch.
- DE Rashawn Parker knocked a ball down at the line of scrimmage and LB Michael Bibbs had a coverage sack before Bates came in and completed two more deep passes, this time a 36-yard strike to WR R.J. Sumrall and a 39-yarder to Hamilton on the next play.
2nd and 10 11-on-11 Offense vs. Defense
- RB Alexander Robinson got in the action right away, running once for 6 yards and then taking a screen pass 12 yards for a first down from Arnaud. Bates and WR Jason Carlson then hooked up twice for 77 yards, the latter a 69-yard TD on a post corner where Carlson separate from the safety over the top, Bates laid in the throw and Carlson took it in for the score.
- For the defense, LB Jesse Smith deflected a pass over the middle that was nearly interception by DB Ter'ran Benton.
- Bates looked to go long again to another newcomer, as he threw a 32-yard dart to WR Lonzie Range for another first down.
- DE Kurtis Taylor finished practice with a sack.
Thursday, Aug. 7 Practice
With the 2008 season just around the corner, the Iowa State football team scrimmaged for the first time this fall. It was a tight battle throughout, with both the offense and defense making impressive strides.
Through much of the practice the offense and defense were locked neck and neck, as the offense clung to a 27-25 lead with time left for only two more drives. The offense was placed at the 25-yard line going in for the final two drives. Quarterback Austen Arnaud found Darius Darks for a 15-yard reception to set up an eventual four-yard scoring run from Bo Williams. On the next drive Jason Harris ripped off two runs, the first for 19 yards, followed by a six-yard touchdown scamper to give the offense a 43-27 win.
Arnaud and Philip Bates split time at quarterback as they have done throughout practice. Iowa State offensive coordinator Robert McFarland was pleased with the way both players performed in their first scrimmage action of the fall.
“They looked good today,” McFarland said. “They both had a great command of the offense and control of the huddle. I was pleased with their execution and their knowledge of what we were trying to do. Both guys moved the offense up-and-down the field and made plays for us.”
While fresh faces are on both sides of the ball, the defense especially is working in players with limited experience at Iowa State. This hasn't stopped the defense, as they have picked up the Cyclone schemes very well.
“They're getting better every day,” defensive coordinator Wayne Bolt said. “Everything we've thrown at them ? and we've thrown a lot at them the first week ? they've picked it up. The goal is to get better every day and to never stay the same.”
After nearly a week of fall practice, legs are starting to get tired. The coaching staff knows this and is pushing their players to play hard so they will be ready when the season starts 21 days from now.
“This time of the year they're always tired, that's just part of the preseason,” Bolt said. “As players you have to push through it, which they have done. I'm really proud of they way they are working.”
Practice continues tomorrow for the Cyclones.
Practice Highlights
QB Austen Arnaud: Series 1: completed 2-of-3 passes for 13 yards, with a long of 7 yards to TE Taylor Mansfield. Series 3: completed a 22-yard post-corner to WR R.J. Sumrall to put the offense in field goal range. Series 4: completed two passes of 15 yards, including a 7-yard first down throw to WR Marquis Hamilton. Series 5: completed two first down passes, one to R.J. Sumrall (12 yards) and the other to TE Collin Franklin (18 yards). Series 8: connected with Hamilton twice for 15 yards. Series 9: completed a nice third down pass for 19 yards to WR Alex Sandvig for a first down. Series 12: hit WR Darius Darks on the first play for a 15-yard gain.
QB Phillip Bates: Series 6: completed two passes, the longest being a 12-yarder to Marquis Hamilton for a first down. Also carried three times for 15 yards to put the offense in the red zone. Series 7: completed four passes for 37 yards, including a 11-yard TD strike to Sumrall in the back corner of the end zone.
DB Allen Bell: Series 2: made a third down tackle to force a three-and-out
DB Kennard Banks: Series 1: laid out a big time hit, knocking a wide receiver out of bounds just inside the first down marker for force a 4th and 1. Series 5: jumped a pass in the flat to nearly have a interception for a TD, broke up a pass and blew up another receiver to force another fourth down. Series 7: teamed up with LB Michael Bibbs for a tackle-for-a-loss. Series 9: made his third big hit of the day on a WR in the flat to force his third fourth down.
DB Ter'ran Benton: Series 10: broke up a pass.
LB Michael Bibbs: Series 7: teamed up with Banks for a tackle-for-a-loss.
P Michael Brandtner: Series 4: booted a 38-yard punt to put the offense inside the 10-yard line. Series 10: had a 36-yard punt, putting the ball inside the 15.
WR Darius Darks: Series 4: caught a 6-yard pass from Arnaud. Series 12: caught a short pass from Arnaud that he turned into a 15-yard gain.
TE Collin Franklin: Series 5: caught a 18-yard pass from Arnaud for the offense's second first down.
DL Nate Frere: Series 2: made a tackle-for-a-loss to force a field goal. Series 9: made a stop for no gain.
LB Fred Garrin: Series 5: recorded a tackle for a loss
PK Zach Guyer: Series 3: booted a 25-yard field goal, his only attempt of the day. Series 7: kicked a PAT.
WR Marquis Hamilton: Series 4: caught a 7-yard pass from Arnaud. Series 8: caught two passes from Arnaud for 15 yards.
RB Jason Harris: Series 6: carried four times 28 yards, the longest being a 11-yard run where he stiff-armed a defender in the open field to pick up 6 extra yards. Series 10: carried twice for 12 yards and a first down. Series 13: sealed the win for the defense with two carries for 25 yards, including a 6-yard TD plunge.
DB Leonard Johnson: Series 7: made a big hit on a running back on a toss play for a 4-yard loss.
WR Houston Jones: Series 7: caught a 12-yard first down pass from Arnaud.
DE Roosevelt Maggitt: Series 6: forced a field goal with a sack for a 10-yard loss. Series 10: made a big stop on a 3rd and 7, forcing a punt.
PK Grant Mahoney: nailed a 35-yard field goal into the wind in his only attempt of the day.
DL Jake McDonough: Series 6: had a tackle-for-a-loss.
LB Prentice Kaufman: Series 8: made the special team's play of the day, blocking a punt.
P Daniel Kuehl: Series 1: had a 48-yard punt
DE Chris Lyle: Series 4: made a sack to force a fourth down. Series 8: made another sack to force a fourth down.
DE Rashawn Parker: Series 5: made a tackle for a loss.
LB Josh Raven: Series 9: made a sack.
RB Alexander Robinson: Series 1: carried twice for 15 yards, including a 9-yard first down run. Series 2: carried three times for 18 yards and one first down.
WR Alex Sandvig: Series 9: caught a 19-yard pass from Arnaud.
RB Jason Scales: Series 7: caught two passes from Arnaud, including a 12-yard first down on a screen pass. Series 9: carried once for 12 yards and a first down
LB Deric Schmidgall: Series 8: made a stop for no gain.
RB Jeremiah Schwartz: Series 4: carried twice for 6 yards.
WR R.J. Sumrall: Series 3: hauled in a 22-yard pass from Arnaud to put the offense in field goal range. Caught a 12-yard first down from Arnaud. Series 7: caught an 11-yard TD pass from Arnaud for the offense's first TD.
DE Kurtis Taylor: made a tackle for a loss to force a three-and-out.
QB Jerome Tiller: Series 15: completed two passes to WR Chris Campbell for 16 yards.
RB Bo Williams: Series 12: carried twice for 11 yards in the red zone, including a 4-yard TD run. Series 15: carried three times for 26 yards.
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Wednesday, Aug. 6
Iowa State defensive line coach Mike Pelton likes what he sees in his new players. The Cyclone defensive linemen were part of an ISU team that practiced twice for the first time in 2008 camp Wednesday.
“They are a little beat up, but everybody got a lot of reps today,” Pelton said. “The young guys have shown me enough that I can tell you there were no recruiting mistakes. Stephen Ruempolhamer (Tulsa, Okla.) and Jake McDonough (West Des Moines) have shown me some things. But they are young, they are surviving. They have bright futures here. Right now, I'm just trying to bring them along day by day.”
Pelton has his hands full this preseason after the Cyclones lost Bryce Braaksma and Ahtyba Rubin to graduate school and the NFL, respectively. Depth will be important. Defensive end Kurtis Taylor returns after finishing last season second in the league in sacks.
Pelton appreciates Taylor's attitude heading into his senior season.
“Kurtis is very self-motivated,” Pelton said. “He knows this is his last go and he wants it to be a great season. I like how he is helping all the younger guys. He wants to play on the next level and has the work ethic to do it.”
Again, the key word is depth.
“It will be very important for us to have other guys who are pass-rush threats,” Pelton said. “Otherwise, teams will know all they have to do is concentrate on Kurtis. We are going to have to act as a unit, with schemes and blitzes to improve our pass rush as a team.”
The battle at the other defensive end spot between juniors Rashawn Parker and Christopher Lyle has excited Pelton.
“That position is one of the deepest on the team,” Pelton said. “On the defensive line you want to have depth, period. It's a very physical position where you are getting hit on every play, which makes injuries a factor. Often you get down to your third team.”
The Cyclones will have their first scrimmage Thursday.
Practice Highlights:
- PK Grant Mahoney went 4-of-5 on field goals and PK Zach Guyer went 2-of-3 in the morning practice.
6-on-6 Passing - Intermediate/Long Routes
- QB Austen Arnaud threw the ball well in this drill, completing three passes of 10 yards or more to WR Lonzie Range (11 yards) and WR Marquis Hamilton (13 and 26 yards). TE Collin Franklin also got in the action, catching a pass for 8 yards.
- QB Phillip Bates completed a 16-yard pass to WR Joel Zitek and QB Jerome Tiller hit R.J. Sumrall over the middle for a 6-yard gain.
6-on-6 Passing - Red Zone
- The defense dominated early as DB Kennard Banks deflected two passes, while DB Ter'ran Benton and Cameron Bell also broke up passes.
- Arnaud moved the momentum back in the offense's direction, hitting WR Jason Carlson over the middle for a 10-yard TD, as well as a 9-yard TD on a jump ball to WR Sedrick Johnson. Later on, he completed a 15-yard TD pass to TE Collin Franklin through the seam.
2nd and 3 Offense vs. Defense
- Bates got things going on the ground with three carries for 17 yards. Bates then connected with WR Houston Jones on a deep jump ball that Jones pulled down away from the defensive back for a 41-yard gain.
1st and 10 Offense vs. Defense
- Bates hit WR Euseph Messiah on a short swing pass that the speedster then turned into a 21-yard gain. Arnaud completed a 12-yard slant to Hamilton, before DE Chris Lyle forced and recovered a fumble.
3rd and 5 Offense vs. Defense
- Arnaud brought the best out of two freshman receivers, completing a tough 11-yard pass over the middle to WR Lonzie Range and then hooking up with WR Darius Darks consecutively for 16 and 6 yards, respectively.
- DB Leonard Johnson highlighted the defense as he jumped a post route to pick up the defense's only interception of the day
- For the defense, LB Deric Schmidgall, LB Kevin Hamlin (2), DB Ter'ran Benton and DB Kennard Banks all deflected or broke up passes, while LB Fred Garrin came up with the only interception of the practice.
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Tuesday, Aug. 5
While Iowa State is breaking in new starters at high-profile positions like quarterback and receiver, there is a changing of the guard at tight end as well. Iowa State will be looking to replace three-year starter Ben Barkema.
“We have some pretty big shoes to fill,” junior Derrick Catlett said. “I'm just trying to step up my game and hold my own.”
Catlett caught 21 passes for 112 yards and two scores last season and has the most experience of the returning Cyclone tight ends. There are three freshmen competing for playing time, as well as sophomores Collin Franklin and Patrick Neal.
“We have big, athletic tight ends. We all are trying to do our jobs to help the team win,” Catlett said.
Tuesday was the first practice of the fall with full pads, leading to a little more intensity on the field.
“When you put on full pads, you see kids really rise up,” Iowa State tight ends coach Scott Fountain said. “I thought practice went well. Everyone had a good day in pads. The kids got after it and I think some of them are going to be a little sore tomorrow.”
As for the tight end position, the Cyclone coaches are looking for versatile players who can play on the line or line up in the backfield.
“We're hoping to get there with every tight end we have in the program,” Fountain said. “It's a whole new ballgame when you have them playing fullback as well. Our goal with every kid we bring in at that position is to start them at tight end, sprinkle in a little fullback and then at some point get it to where they can do it all.”
The Cyclones practice again on Wednesday.
Practice Highlights:
6-on-6 Passing - Intermediate Routes
- QB Austen Arnaud started practice with a hot arm, going 6-for-8 passing, including first down completions to WR Houston Jones (12 yards), R.J. Sumrall (11 yards) and Marquis Hamilton on a beautiful thrown fly route (37 yards).
- QB Phillip Bates completed three passes for 26 yards, including a long of 18 yards to TE Andrew Mitchell. Bates also gained 23 yards on the ground on three carries.
- For the defense, LB Deric Schmidgall, LB Kevin Hamlin (2), DB Ter'ran Benton and DB Kennard Banks all deflected or broke up passes, while LB Fred Garrin came up with the only interception of the practice.
1st and 10 Offense vs. Defense
- The Cyclone defense dominated early on in the first 11-on-11 action in full pads so far in camp. Banks nearly made an interception, DB Devin McDowell jumped a slant route for a pass breakup, DL Stephen Ruempolhamer made a stop for no gain and DB Allen Bell made a tackle for a loss. This all happened in the first six plays. The offense got back on track quickly, as Arnaud hooked up with freshman WR Darius Darks for an 11-yard first down grab and then Bo Williams ripped off a 14-yard run.
Inside Running
- In an 11-on-11 drill designed specifically on running, RB Alexander Robinson carried three times for 26 yards, Jason Scales carried once for 6 yards, and RB Jeremiah Schwartz carried once for 7 yards. On defense, DE Kurtis Taylor and LB Michael Bibbs both made stops for no gain.
2nd and 6 Offense vs. Defense
- Bates got things going with a 16-yard first down pass to WR Marquis Hamilton and then gained 14 yards on a QB-designed run. Schwartz then made the most impressive run so far of camp, rumbling 46 yards, breaking several arm tackles to move the ball inside the 10. He later carried two more times for 14 yards.
- The defense then locked down quickly, as DE Travis Ferguson recorded a sack, Banks knocked down another pass, LB Cameron Bell batted a ball down at the line of scrimmage on a blitz before freshman DB Leonard Johnson blew up a RB on a screen play, jarring the ball loose.
3rd and 5 Offense vs. Defense
- The defense jumped out early, as Fred Garrin kicked team play off with a tackle for a loss followed by a Devin McDowell interception. DL Jerrod Black recorded a tackle-for-a-loss before Bates hit Houston Jones on a post-corner for a 14-yard first down.
2nd and 6 Offense vs. Defense
- In the first series, Arnaud completed a beautiful thrown ball on a bootleg to Catlett for a 29-yard gain and a first down. Arnaud completed another pass to WR Euseph Messiah for a first down before DE Kurtis Taylor picked up a sack and DB Brandon Hunley stopped a screen in the backfield.
- In the second series, Bates ran twice on QB designed runs for 5 and 11 yards, respectfully.
3rd and 3 Offense vs. Defense
- LB Cameron Bell knocked the first pass down at the line of scrimmage on a blitz, before the offense picked up back-to-back first downs on RB Jason Scales runs (4 and 6 yards). Arnaud hit R.J. Sumrall on a slant for a 4-yard first down and Bates connected with WR Houston Jones for another 7-yard first down. RB Jason Harris finished off the series with an 11-yard run.
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Monday, Aug. 4
It was hot. But temperatures that soared into the upper 90s in Central Iowa did not deter the Iowa State football team from holding its third practice Sunday afternoon. Iowa State secondary coach Jeff Koonz, sporting his own sun hat, said that familiarity has changed the tempo of practice.
“There is no doubt that having everybody back from last season has already helped a great deal in the secondary,” Koonz said. “The players know each other and that makes a big difference.”
Koonz knows the challenges that are ahead for his secondary. Iowa State is the only Big 12 school without a returning quarterback.
“The quarterbacks that we will go against are experienced and they will make you pay if you aren't ready.”
Three-year starter Chris Singleton says that his returning secondary mates are like a family.
“We do a lot together after practice and go to each other's apartments just to hang out during the off season.”
Singleton says the new players are also making a contribution.
“We've got some new guys that are very aggressive and fired up,” Singleton said. “We are showing them some new things and there are things they are showing us.”
Linebacker Fred Garrin is contending for major playing time this fall.
“I'm working a lot on my technique,” Garrin said. “We are learning. This year, because we know the schemes better we can concentrate on what the offense is doing because we already know our assignments”
The Cyclones will practice again on Monday.
Practice Highlights:
Special Teams Work
- PK Zach Guyer went 3-for-4 on field goals with a long of 37 yards.
- PK Grant Mahoney went 2-for-2 on field goals with a long of 32 yards.
6-on-6 Passing Drill
- QB Austen Arnaud completed three passes of 20 yards or more to WR Sedrick Johnson (21 yards), Joel Zitek (24 yards) and Jason Carlson (70 yards). Carlson took a 10-yard out pattern and turned the corner, outrunning the defense for the score.
- QB Phillip Bates completed six passes for 77 yards, including a long of 35 yards to R.J. Sumrall on a flag route. Bates also connected with WR Euseph Messiah (5 yards), RB Jason Harris (7 yards), WR Alex Sandvig (13 yards), WR Justin Lillie (11 yards) and Carlson (6 yards).
- Freshman QB Jerome Tiller also got in the action, completing a 5 yard pass to TE Derrick Catlett.
- On defense, DB Devin McDowell, DB Zac Sandvig, LB Justin Rumple and LB Derec Schmidgall (2) and DB Judah Linder all broke up passes. Sandvig won a jump ball with a receiver on a fly pattern, knocking the ball loose.
1st and 10 Offense vs. Defense
- For the defense, DE Kurtis Taylor recorded a sack, LB Michael Bibbs made a tackle for a loss on a pitch and DB Leonard Johnson broke up a pass. Bibbs also recovered a fumble after Jesse Smith knocked the ball loose.
- QB Phillip Bates completed passes of 11 yards (Sumrall), 6 yards (WR Marquis Hamilton), 9 yards (TE Collin Franklin), 14 yards (WR Jake Williams) and 6 yards (Sedrick Johnson). Bates also carried the ball three times for 20 yards.
- QB Austen Arnaud completed passes of 9 and 5 yards to freshman WR Darius Darks as well as 9 yards to Sedrick Johnson.
- RB Bo Williams carried once for 12 yards abd RB Alexander Robinson rushed twice for 14 yards.
Iowa State's football program was on display Saturday, as the Cyclones hosted their annual media day. ISU coaches and players spent the better part of three hours doing interviews, meeting with Special Olympians from the Ames area and posing for a variety of photographs. Ultimately, the conversation hinged on the advantages that a year of experience brings to a practice setting.
“Last year it was different as we were trying to teach them offense, defense and special teams, Iowa State head coach Gene Chizik said. “We were not able to get into the details of some of those issues. A year makes a huge difference.”
Tailback Alexander Robinson concurred with his head coach and said a year of experience has given the sophomore a clearer view of what Chizik wants out of his players.
“I started to understand what the coaches wanted from me (last season),” Alexander said. “I got more relaxed out there and the offense opened up for me. I let the game come to me.”
Alexander said the contrast from last season can be sensed in the locker room.
“Mentally things have changed a lot,” Alexander said. “We've been studying a lot more film. Physically we've changed as well. We had a great summer with (Director of Strength and Conditioning) Coach (Ken) Sheppard.
Chizik told the press that no position in the “two deep” is sacred.
“There are battles pretty much everywhere,” Chizik said. “The one everyone is probably interested in is the quarterback battle. That is the one that everyone sees the most. There are battles going on all over our football team. Because you were a starter the previous year does not mean you've inherited a position the next year. We really have battles going on all over the place. Doesn't matter how many years you've played here and it doesn't matter how many games you've started.”
Phillip Bates, who is contending for the starting spot at quarterback with fellow sophomore Austen Arnaud, affirmed that a spring of experience at signal-caller makes this fall practice so much different from 2007.
“I was out there last year and I played and then I had the spring to better my skills,” Bates said. “It's second nature. I've been on the field and I know the playbook so it's second nature to me.”
Linebacker Cameron Bell underscored Chizik's analysis that within a team framework, earning a starting position begins with no guarantees.
“Every spot is up for grabs,” Bell said. “That's not lip service. No one is a starter. There is one day that I could be working with the No. 1 team and then the next day the guy beside me is working with the No. 1 squad. It's a constant competition and everyone is working to make themselves better. That's the fun about football, when everyone is competing it makes everyone better.”
There is more fun to come, as the Cyclones practiced Saturday afternoon and will hit it again with a Sunday workout.
Be sure to check out a cyclones.com special feature entitled, "Media Day All-Access Starring Nate Frere," as Iowa State defensive lineman Nate Frere gives fans a free behind-the-scenes look at 2008 Media Day. All multimedia links are located in the upper-right hand corner.
Daily practice reports will be available at cyclones.com after the completion of each afternoon practice, beginning Sunday, Aug. 3.
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Aug. 2 / Football Media Day |
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Thursday, July 31
It's here. The beginning of training camp marks the official start of the 2008-09 Iowa State Cyclone football season and cyclones.com is your No. 1 source for camp coverage.
Cyclones.com and the Clone Zone will cover training camp starting Saturday, Aug. 2, with practice reports and interviews/analysis beginning then with the annual football media day and continuing through camp until ISU kicks off against South Dakota State at 7 p.m. inside Jack Trice Stadium. All practices are closed to the public.
will cover media day Saturday, beginning with Gene Chizik's live media conference at 12:15 p.m. Daily practice reports will be available at cyclones.com after the completion of each afternoon practice, beginning Sunday, Aug. 3.
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DE
/ Football
DB
/ FootballDB
/ Football
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/ FootballWR
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TE
/ FootballDL
/ Football
DL
/ FootballDL
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/ Football
LB
/ FootballLB
/ Football
RB
/ FootballRB
/ FootballDL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
LB
/ FootballLB
/ Football
WR
/ FootballWR
/ Football
DB
/ FootballDB
/ Football
RB
/ FootballRB
/ Football
LB
/ FootballLB
/ FootballRB
/ Football
DB
/ FootballDB
/ Football
DB
/ FootballDB
/ Football
LB
/ FootballLB
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/ FootballWR
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/ FootballJaylen Raynor 4_25_26 interview
Saturday, April 25
Zaimir Hawk 4_25_26 interview
Saturday, April 25
Tyler Roehl 2_25_26 interview
Saturday, April 25
Jesse Bobbit 4_25_26 interview
Saturday, April 25
