No Let Up for Cyclones

AMES, Iowa ? Iowa State's football team practiced twice Thursday and the drills have been demanding. The Cyclones, who came to camp in great physical shape after a summer of voluntary workouts, are feeling the effects of rounding into what ISU head coach Paul Rhoads calls “football shape.”

Count tight end Collin Franklin among that group.

“Right now after several days of hitting, everyone is a little sore,” Franklin said. “But that is what this part of camp is all about, getting into football shape.”

It has been an interesting preseason for Franklin and his fellow tight ends. There are new angles to learn about his position's role in offensive coordinator Tom Herman's spread offense.

“There are some new things to learn,” Franklin said. “If we end up catching a lot more passes, so be it. If we don't and we can help the team another way, we will.”

Tight ends coach Courtney Messingham likes what he sees from his players.

“We will line up outside, we will lineup in a receiver's stance but we still will put our hands down and play a traditional blocking role.”

Messingham says Franklin and fellow veteran Derrick Catlett will make a big contribution this season.

“Collin has done a good job,” Messingham said. “Derrick is a guy who really understands the game and knows what he needs to do no matter where he lines up, be it outside, next to the tackle or in the backfield as a fullback. He really understands the game.”

Rhoads says Friday will be more of the same.

“We will have a regular full practice,” Rhoads said. “A few guys are dinged up or a little sore but we are healthy overall and we will play real football tomorrow.”

Rhoads and his Cyclones had a few visitors at Thursday's drills. A contingent of former Iowa State letterwinners came to the afternoon practice before a feast of watermelon. Among the group were all-time ISU leading passer Bret Meyer and former receiver Jack Whitver. The overall group spanned several decades of Iowa State football.

Players Mentioned

Derrick Catlett

Derrick Catlett

Collin Franklin

Collin Franklin

Sponsors

Iowa State University Athletics