2009 Spring Football Outlook Released

03.24.2009 | Football

By: cyclones.com

When Iowa State Athletics Director Jamie Pollard brought Paul Rhoads back to his native state and the Cyclone football program, Pollard called on an Iowan whose ISU roots are only exceeded by his exemplary resume. Rhoads was welcomed back to the Iowa State campus in a Dec. 20 press conference long on feelings of warmth for a man who was coming home. Born in Nevada, Iowa, just 10 minutes from Jack Trice Stadium, Rhoads came back to Iowa State after most recently coaching as defensive coordinator at Auburn. His stellar track record complements his Iowa roots. The man who was valedictorian at Ankeny High School, one of the largest schools in the state, located just 20 minutes south of Ames, was the ideal individual to take control of the ISU football program.

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Rhoads will find that despite a 2-10 record last season, the Iowa State football cupboard is not totally bare. There is talent on both sides of the football. Experienced weapons on offense, most notably starting quarterback Austen Arnaud, return. Arnaud had a stellar showing in his first season as a starter in 2008. The junior, a homegrown up and comer from Ames, led a Cyclone attack that averaged nearly 250 yards passing and 140 yards rushing per game. Junior Alexander Robinson returns at running back, as do six receivers who caught at least 15 passes in 2008. The offensive line is experienced, as seven returners earned starts a season ago. The offensive arsenal will be utilized productively by new offensive coordinator Tom Herman. His offense is explosive and scored points in bunches at Rice, his previous coaching stop.

Despite struggles in 2008, there is talent on defense. Cornerbacks Leonard Johnson and Ter'ran Benton are hard hitters who fly to the football and made an impact as true freshmen. Senior linebacker Jesse Smith and senior safety James Smith are experienced veterans up the middle who provide stability and leadership.

Iowa State won its first two games of the 2008 campaign, averaging 46 points in wins over South Dakota State and Kent State. While those would be the final wins of the season, the Cyclones had chances throughout the rest of the schedule, tell-tale signs that ISU was on the brink of success. The Cyclones were tied with Iowa on a rainy, sloppy day in Kinnick Stadium before a late score put the Hawkeyes ahead for good. A week later, Arnaud led a 98-yard scoring drive in the final 1:34 of regulation at UNLV to send the game into overtime. The Cyclones took a 20-0 lead into halftime against No. 16 Kansas and fell in shootouts to Texas A&M and at Kansas State. A final goal line play at Colorado fell short, with Iowa State just one yard from a winning score.

OFFENSE
Iowa State's offense showed explosive flashes in 2008, scoring 30 or more points in six games. It was also inconsistent and produced 22 points at Iowa, Baylor and against Nebraska, combined. The Cyclones will have to adjust to a new system, as Herman brings what can only be described as a prolific attack to Ames. Fortunately, experience abounds on the offensive side of the football. The biggest question is how fast Arnaud, Robinson and the stable of receivers and tight ends with plenty of game experience adapt to Herman's spread, no-huddle offensive system. Most importantly, every position on the offensive line returns a player who started multiple games. All this experience bodes well for a unit that was 44th nationally in total offense and was 31st in passing offense last season.

Quarterback
4 **Austen Arnaud, 6-3, 220, Jr.#
11 Jerome Tiller, 6-4, 185, Fr.#

Coming off one of the best passing seasons in school history, Arnaud returns at quarterback. He threw for 2,792 yards in 2008, setting a school record with 247 completions. He also completed 61.6 percent of his pass attempts, the third-best mark in school history. After splitting time the first four games of the campaign, Arnaud did not look back after being handed the keys to the Iowa State offense full-time. He threw for 371 yards against Texas A&M and 326 yards with a school-record 36 completions against Missouri. His final game of the season was his best. Arnaud completed 31-of-45 passes for a school-record 440 yards and three touchdowns against Kansas State.

Arnaud also emerged as a dual-threat. His 401 yards rushing were good for second on the team and he scored five touchdowns with his legs. He topped 400 yards of total offense in a pair of 2008 games, including a 493-yard effort at Kansas State that tied Cyclone great Seneca Wallace's school mark for single-game total offense.

Arnaud will be challenged for time under center. San Antonio native Jerome Tiller redshirted last season, but demonstrated his explosive athletic ability in practice. Tiller is a threat both passing and running, throwing for 1,600 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior in high school. The Lone Star State product added another 770 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing as a prep senior. Bettendorf native Brett Bueker also redshirted last season and is an option at the position.

Runningback
33 **Alexander Robinson, 5-10, 184, Jr.#
23 Jeremiah Schwartz, 5-11, 238, Fr.#
34 Bo Williams, 6-0, 217, So.#

Robinson led the Cyclones in rushing in both of the last two seasons, improving his production each year. He rushed for 465 yards with a 3.9 yards-per-carry average as a freshman in 2007. Robinson upped those totals to 703 yards and 4.6 yards per rush last season, despite missing one game with an injury. The Minneapolis, Minn., native is a combination of power and speed that can get tough yards when needed and still break away from the pack and cover large chunks of territory quickly. In each of the last two seasons, Robinson got better as the year progressed. He broke off a 67-yard touchdown run against Nebraska in 2008 and rushed for 101 yards against Colorado, giving him three career 100-yard games. Over the final six games of the 2008 campaign, Robinson averaged nearly 79 yards per game and scored five touchdowns. The 5-10, 184-pounder also continued to prove his worth as a pass-catcher. He had 17 receptions for 160 yards, including a 30-yard catch-and-run at Iowa.

Two fresh faces will share the rushing load with Robinson. Johnny “Bo” Williams, a transfer from Florida, will get the chance to showcase his talent on the field. Williams rushed for over 1,200 yards as a high school senior and was one of the top recruits coming out of Florida. He committed to Florida but was forced to miss the 2007 season because of an injury. After sitting out 2008 per NCAA transfer rules, he will be back on the field.

Also getting his chance will be redshirt freshman Jeremiah Schwartz. Schwartz is a bruising back who can dish out as much contact as he receives. He rushed for over 1,700 yards as a prep senior and was a finalist for Florida Class 6A player of the year.

Senior Derrick Catlett saw extensive action playing both at tight end and fullback. He is a strong blocker who can switch between the backfield and tight end. Catlett caught 20 passes for 230 yards in 2008, making him a threat wherever he lines up on the field.

Wide Receiver
82 ***Marquis Hamilton, 6-4, 228, Sr.#
15 **Houston Jones, 6-1, 193, Sr.#

2 *Sedrick Johnson, 6-4, 199, So.
10 Lonzie Range, 6-3, 183, Fr.#

6 *Darius Darks, 6-1, 175, So.
20 Jason Carlson, 6-0, 205, Jr.#

Tight End
88 *Collin Franklin, 6-6, 248, Jr.#
84 **Derrick Catlett, 6-4, 252, Sr.#
86 Kurt Hammerschmidt, 6-6, 249, Fr.# or
87 Carter Bykowski, 6-8, 249, So.

Offensive coordinator Tom Herman's offense has found an experienced complement of receivers. Iowa State returns four players who caught at least 18 passes a season ago. That depth will help make up for the loss of R.J. Sumrall, who graduated with the third-most receptions and fifth-most receiving yards in school history. Last season, 13 different individuals caught the football for Herman's Rice offense.

Darius Darks was second on the team with 49 receptions in 2008, setting an ISU record for catches by a freshman. Darks caught eight balls against Colorado and Missouri and became the third freshman in school history to have a 100-yard receiving game after his seven-catch, 113-yard performance at Oklahoma State.

Senior Marquis Hamilton had 26 catches for 301 yards and three scores a season ago. He has 77 career receptions for 903 yards. Senior Houston Jones saw his first extended action at receiver last season and took advantage, making 32 receptions for 384 yards. Sedrick Johnson should see more passes thrown his direction after producing a strong freshman campaign that saw him catch 18 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns. Speedster Jason Carlson, senior Joel Zitek and redshirt freshman Lonzie Range will all have opportunities to make their mark on the field as well.

Tight end is another deep position for the Cyclones. Not only has Catlett (see fullback) proven to be a steady hand, but a host of players are poised to follow in his footsteps. Junior Collin Franklin has already blazed a trail for himself, catching 15 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with the Cyclones. Carter Bykowski saw extensive playing time as a true freshman, making three receptions. Redshirt freshman Kurt Hammerschmidt will also be clamoring for playing time.

Offensive Line
LT 75 *Hayworth Hicks, 6-3, 354, Jr.
67 **Matt Hulbert, 6-7, 299, Jr.# or
79 Brayden Burris, 6-6, 272, Fr.#

LG 73 ***Reggie Stephens, 6-4, 338, Sr.#
78 *Joseph Klerekoper, 6-5, 305, So.#

C 77 *Alex Alvarez, 6-2, 294, Jr.#
64 Ethan Tuftee, 6-4, 294, Fr.

RG 63 **Ben Lamaak, 6-5, 320, Jr.#
71 *Trey Baysinger, 6-6, 317, So.#

RT 72 *Kelechi Osemele, 6-5, 338, So.#
76 Zack Spears, 6-6, 306, So.

Experience is abundant on the offensive line. Seven returning Cyclones started in the trenches last season. Despite a constantly shifting starting lineup, ISU linemen allowed just 19 quarterback sacks last season. They also opened holes for the running attack. The Cyclones averaged 138.4 yards per game on the ground, the team's highest total since 2004. That number was up from 123 yards in 2007 and 101 yards in 2006. Iowa State scored 18 touchdowns running the football in 2008.

Reggie Stephens started all 12 games last season, the first seven at left guard and the last five at right guard. He returns for his senior campaign and has started 28 consecutive games dating back to 2006.

The center position returns two players with extensive experience. Alex Alvarez filled in admirably after stepping into the starting spot when Mike Knapp was injured last season. Alvarez will be a frontrunner to start this fall. Newcomer Ethan Tuftee will get a long look during spring ball at this position.

Ben Lamaak was also injured midway through the season, but will be back to compete for his starting spot at right guard once again. Lamaak will look to regain the form that earned him freshman all-conference honors from The Sporting News in 2007.

Matt Hulbert saw starting action at both tackle positions as a redshirt sophomore and will be in the fight to return to the starting lineup.

Redshirt sophomore Kelechi Osemele started games at left guard and right tackle in 2008 and will compete for playing time up and down the line. Trey Baysinger, Hayworth Hicks, and Joseph Klerekoper all saw action in 2008 as well and will push to see more this season. This is, without a doubt, one of the deepest and most experienced offensive lines Iowa State has put together in years. Newcomer Zack Spears will contend for playing time up front.

Special Teams
P 13 ***Mike Brandtner, 6-1, 211, Sr.#

PK 21 *Grant Mahoney, 6-1, 154, So.
25 Zach Guyer, 6-4, 173, So.

KR/PR 23 *Leonard Johnson, 5-10, 189, So.
12 **Allen Bell, 6-1, 192, Sr.
37 *Michael O'Connell, 6-0, 201, Jr.#
9 **Devin McDowell, 5-9, 177, Jr.#
15 **Houston Jones, 6-1, 193, Sr.#

DS 46 *Dakota Zimmerman, 6-0, 223, So.

Iowa State's special teams are deep with experience. Punter Mike Brandtner enters his fourth season as a starter. He averaged a career-high 41.6 yards per punt in 2008 and pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line 19 times. His career average of 40.6 yards per kick is fifth on the all-time school charts.

Grant Mahoney made a strong Iowa State debut at kicker last season. The Marion, Iowa, native made all 33 extra-point attempts and connected on 17-of-25 field-goal tries with a long of 48 yards.

Sophomore All-American kick returner Leonard Johnson led a Cyclone rebirth in the return game as a true freshman. The Clearwater, Fla., native averaged 26.4 yards per kickoff return, good for 18th nationally. He also set a NCAA (FBS) record with 319 kickoff return yards against Oklahoma State. As a team, the Cyclones averaged 26.2 yards per kick return, ranking 12th nationally. Michael O'Connell and Devin McDowell should see time returning punts, and Allen Bell will be in the mix to return both kickoffs and punts.

DEFENSE
A young Iowa State defense earned its stripes the hard way last season, running a gauntlet of high-octane Big 12 offenses. Games against Kansas, Oklahoma State, Missouri and Kansas State tested the Cyclones and have prepared them to return to battle those same teams in 2009. The good news for Iowa State is that most of the players who went through the Big 12 wars last season return to build on the experience they gained in 2008. The better news is that new defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, formerly in that position at South Florida, is nationally recognized for devising schemes that blunt the trendy spread offenses that currently dominate college football. His track record of success is a long one and is affirmed by the national rise to prominence of the South Florida program which was steeled by Burham's defenders.

The loss of defensive end Kurtis Taylor will hurt, but Christopher Lyle has proven to be able to consistently get to the quarterback. Linebackers Justin Rumple, Fred Garrin, Josh Raven and Jesse Smith all return, as do safety James Smith and cornerbacks Kennard Banks, Ter'ran Benton and Leonard Johnson. In all, 12 individuals who started at least one game return on the defensive side of the football, a year older and wiser after facing some of the best offenses in the country a season ago. A new defensive scheme will be introduced under coach Rhoads, who was previously the defensive coordinator at Pitt and Auburn. The defense will have its chances to shine, with its talented mix of youth and experience.

Defensive Line
LE 29 ***Rashawn Parker, 6-0, 260, Sr.
38 Roosevelt Maggitt, 6-2, 237, Fr.#

DT 96 *Austin Alburtis, 6-2, 267, Jr.#
85 *Bailey Johnson, 6-3, 272, Jr.
94 Jake McDonough, 6-6, 259, Fr.#

NG 62 **Nate Frere, 6-1, 283, Sr.
97 *Stephen Ruempolhamer, 6-3, 290, So.
98 *Jerrod Black, 6-0, 284, So.#

RE 55 **Christopher Lyle, 6-4, 252, Sr.
90 Cleyon Laing, 6-3, 268, Fr.#

The 2008 season saw the emergence of a solid core of players to do battle in the trenches. Lyle, a senior, cemented himself as a force at the end position, leading the team in sacks with five. His 38 tackles were the most by an ISU lineman and his eight tackles for loss were second on the team. Lyle, who had previously made his mark by blocking a crucial field-goal attempt in the Cyclones' 15-13 win over Iowa in 2007, forced two fumbles and recovered one in 2008.

Lyle will team up at defensive end with another proven commodity. Rashawn Parker, a senior who has proven to be able to handle the rigors of Big 12 play, led Iowa State with five quarterback hurries last season, and is an expert at putting pressure on an opponent's backfield. Lyle and Parker will help ease the departure of all-conference selection Kurtis Taylor.

Redshirt freshman Roosevelt Maggitt was named scout team defensive player of the year and will be expected to generate pressure from the outside. Fellow freshman Cleyon Laing will also see action.

Senior Nate Frere will anchor the interior of the defensive line. Frere had two sacks in 2008, and also proved to be an able run-stopper, making 26 tackles. Junior Austen Alburtis and sophomore Stephen Ruempolhamer made immediate contributions in their first season of action with the Cyclones. Alburtis returned an interception 61 yards against South Dakota State and Ruempolhamer recovered two fumbles in conference play. Both players will be asked to fill the shoes of departed senior Michael Tate. Tate started 11 games at defensive tackle in 2008, making 24 tackles with four tackles for loss. Junior Bailey Johnson and redshirt freshman Jake McDonough will also get a shot at playing time in the interior. Sophomore Jerrod Black is back as well.

Linebackers
SLB 31 *Justin Rumple, 6-3, 212, Jr.#
16 **Josh Raven, 5-11, 230, Sr.#
44 Kevin Hamlin, 6-3, 210, Fr.#
MLB 54 ***Jesse Smith, 6-0, 231, Sr.#
24 **Derec Schmidgall, 6-2, 230, Sr.#
91 *Patrick Neal, 6-1, 229, So.#

WLB 43 **Fred Garrin, 6-2, 230, Sr.
19 A.J. Matthews, 6-3, 197, So.#

The return of all three starters at linebacker from last season is a positive Cyclone omen. Senior Jesse Smith anchors the unit from his MIKE position. The former walk-on from Altoona has started 24 consecutive games for Iowa State and was second on the team with 84 tackles in 2008. Smith has a nose for the ball. He forced and recovered two fumbles last season, returning one 41 yards to set up a touchdown in ISU's comeback against UNLV. Along with making plays near the line of scrimmage, Smith is adept in pass coverage. His six pass break-ups led the team. In total, Smith brings 160 career tackles into his final collegiate season.

Senior Fred Garrin has emerged as a consistent performer at the WILL position. Garrin was third on the team in tackles last season with 63, starting all 12 games. He collected six tackles for loss and one sack while forcing two fumbles and recovering one. Like Smith, Garrin is at home in pass coverage. He tied for the team lead with two interceptions and broke up three passes.

Josh Raven also saw starting time at SAM. The senior from Fort Myers, Fla., had his season shortened with an injury, but was still able to make 22 tackles in seven games.

Derec Schmidgall saw meaningful action as a junior and will once again be counted on to make plays. He scored Iowa State's lone defensive touchdown of the season, taking an interception back 37 yards for a score against South Dakota State. He also forced and recovered a fumble against Kansas to go along with 11 tackles against the Jayhawks. Kevin Hamlin redshirted last season and will see his fair share of the field in 2009. Patrick Neal has moved from tight end to MIKE. A.J. Matthews will contend for attention in spring ball. Veteran Justin Rumple should see additional playing time in 2009.

Defensive Backs
LCB 23 *Leonard Johnson, 5-10, 189, So.
9 **Devin McDowell, 5-9, 177, Jr.#
12 **Allen Bell, 6-1, 192, Sr.

RCB 22 *Ter'ran Benton, 6-1, 196, So.
7 *Kennard Banks, 5-10, 189, Sr.

SS 3 **Zac Sandvig, 5-10, 190, Jr.#
5 David Sims, 5-10, 212, Jr.#
15 Dustin Land, 6-0, 201, Fr.#

FS 2 ***James Smith, 5-9, 191, Sr.#
37 *Michael O'Connell, 6-0, 201, Jr.#
1 Judah Linder, 5-11, 193, Fr.#

The most talented position group on the Iowa State roster might be the defensive backfield. It is a young contingent. The Cyclone secondary was picked on at times in 2008, but the entire unit has already shown its knack for making plays. The secondary is also deep, as seven players with starting experience return.

Two true freshmen started at cornerback last season, and both showed they were ready to face Big 12 competition. Johnson is a hard-hitter who had 47 tackles and tied for the team-lead with two interceptions. He forced two fumbles and recovered three more, proving time and time again to always be around the football. Ter'ran Benton made five starts at corner, recording 24 stops.

Junior Devin McDowell started four games at corner last season, making 16 tackles. He intercepted a pass and broke up another in the season-opening win against South Dakota State. Kennard Banks broke his arm against South Dakota State and missed the next four games, but returned to make an impact. He made four tackles against Nebraska in his second game back after the injury and finished the season with 18 tackles in eight games. Allen Bell is a proven playmaker who can change a game in coverage or on special teams and was a starter in 2007.

James Smith returns at free safety, a position at which he led Iowa State in tackles last season. Smith made 85 tackles, including 60 solo stops. He has started 23 of the last 24 games for the Cyclones and has 170 career tackles. Smith is a tackling machine, making 10 or more stops in four games last fall.

Iowa State signed junior college transfer David Sims from Butte Community College. Sims is already on campus and will be with the team throughout spring practice. He will compete for the starting spot at strong safety with junior Zac Sandvig. Sandvig started the season opener against South Dakota State and saw action in all 12 contests. He forced a fumble in his start and finished the season with 19 tackles. Michael O'Connell has seen action as a backup and will push for playing time after making 21 stops in 2008.

Dustin Land and Judah Linder redshirted last season and will get chances to make an impact right away under the tutelage of secondary coach Chris Ash.

* Two-deep italics denote returning starter.