Cyclones Complete Practice No. 5

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State secondary coach and recruiting coordinator Chris Ash is in high demand. Ash, who went to five bowl games on the Cyclone football coaching staff between 2000 and 2005, was brought back to Ames by head coach Paul Rhoads. But no sooner had Ash arrived at Iowa State from San Diego State, the Ottumwa native was being pursued as a defensive coordinator by a BCS school. Ultimately, Ash stayed at ISU and Rhoads breathed a sigh of relief.

Practice Five Multimedia

Chris Ash Interview
Wide Receiver Drills

Runningback Drills
Quarterback Drills
Cornerback Drills

“It came as no surprise to me that he was a serious candidate,” Rhoads said. “The way he carries himself, his professionalism and his knowledge of the game would make him an ideal candidate. But Chris is from Iowa, his wife is from Iowa and I think after being so far away from home for four years, the Homecoming was sweeter in terms of being close to family. Chris brings a lot to the table for our staff.”

Ash told media after Tuesday's spring practice in the Bergstrom Athletic Training Facility that there is a lot of work to be done.

“Right now, we are just trying to get our players to play efficiently,” Ash said. “You can play the game as a 4.7 40-yard dash player nearly as well as a 4.3 guy if you know exactly where you need to go and to get there as fast as possible.”

Ash coaches a position where a fairly deep reservoir of quality Iowa State players, including freshman All-American and cornerback Leonard Johnson. Johnson and Ter'ran Benton both started as freshmen in 2008. James Smith is back for his senior season at free safety. But despite the return of letterwinners Devin McDowell, Allen Bell and Kennard Banks, no one comes to practice taking anything for granted.

“We are starting over here,” Ash said. “No one player at any position on the team has been promised anything. Playing time will be earned.”

Ash coached former ISU first-team all-Big 12 cornerbacks Ellis Hobbs and LaMarcus Hicks, who now play for the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions of the NFL, respectively.

“We have some individuals who have a bright future as they gain additional experience,” Ash said.

Iowa State will practice again Thursday morning.

Players Mentioned

Kennard Banks

Kennard Banks

Allen Bell

Leonard Johnson

Leonard Johnson

Devin McDowell

James Smith

James Smith

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