Completed Event: Football versus Iowa on September 6, 2025 , Win , 16, to, 13

04.07.2009 | Football
AMES, Iowa - The Iowa State offensive line has come a long way in the a short time this spring. Just ask Iowa State assistant head coach and offensive line coach Bill Bleil.
![]() | ||
|
_ |
"We've got some guys who can be good players," Bleil said. "We are happy with their progress but the process continues. We still need to cut down on the mental errors. We want our guys to play with a physical mentality. Some of the older guys are improving faster simply because they have done this before and aren't thinking so much on their feet. We want great technique from our guys. The people we play against on the defensive line in the Big 12 are outstanding players. To block them consistently, we must have good technique."
Bleil, who was the first coach hired by first-year Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads, says his players' transition to the new staff is more about terminology than schemes.
"Zone blocking is zone blocking," Bleil said. "The older guys realize right away that while there are new names for things, there isn't that much difference on the field this year."
Bleil singled out tackle Kelechi Osemele as a rising prospect on the Cyclone offensive line.
"Kelechi is playing really well right now," Bleil said. "I have been really impressed with him as a player. Our veteran guys like Ben Lamaak and Alex Alvarez are also playing well. We've still got to find some other guys to step up for us this season."
The Cyclones will practice again Thursday.