Football Background Gives Cotton an Edge

AMES, Iowa - Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads believes newcomer Darian Cotton can make a quick rise in the Cyclone secondary. Cotton's football background makes him a high-level performer on the field.

"A year ago at camp I immediately noticed how well he understood leverage and the game of football," Rhoads said. "I think he will be one of the smartest football players we put on the field."

Cotton was inspired by his father (Marshall) and brother (Jordan) to play football as a young man. Marshall was a running back at Iowa from 1983-1987. Jordan followed in his father's footsteps. He is currently a wide receiver on the Iowa football team.

Although Darian grew up decked out in black and gold, the Mount Pleasant, Iowa native chose to sport Cardinal and Gold on the field.

"The Iowa State campus is awesome and I love all the coaches here," Cotton said. "Every single coach will come up and talk to you. It just feels like a family atmosphere at Iowa State."

Coach Rhoads' energy and secondary coach Bobby Elliot's familiarity with the Cotton family enticed Darian. Elliot was part of the Hawkeye coaching staff when Darian's father played at Iowa and has kept in touch with the family over the years.

"Coach Rhoads is always excited to go out there and play," Cotton said. "He is ready for everything, which is the mentality I like. And coach Elliot knew my family already. That made the decision easier."

Cotton knew he'd end up playing football in the state of Iowa, but the Big 12's fast-paced offense was something he always liked. The 19-year-old enjoys watching Big 12 games and wanted to be part of competition with spread offenses and fast opponents.

As a starter at Mount Pleasant High School, Cotton collected 910 yards and 10 touchdowns while helping out defensively with 32 tackles and a fumble recovery. Cotton also excelled in both basketball and track for the Panthers. Most recently, Cotton competed at the state track meet and placed eighth overall in the 100-meter dash and his 4x400-meter relay team finished seventh in the finals.

"Darian has natural athleticism that extends beyond the football field," Rhoads said. "It just enhances what he does as a football player."

Before entering the 2011 season, Cotton hopes to bulk up in the weight room and become a faster player. The 5-foot-10-inch, 184-pound newcomer wants to mix in with the upperclassmen early on and take the steps necessary to find a spot on the field.

The Hawkeyes come to town on Sept. 10 for the annual Cy-Hawk series showdown. He looks forward to seeing his brother.

"My brother and I joke about this all the time," Cotton said. "We'll be going back and forth on Facebook about what's going to happen. I just want to lay him out one time because in high school practice he hit me pretty hard once. I just want to get him back one time."

Football Background Gives Cotton an Edge

Players Mentioned

Darian Cotton

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Iowa State University Athletics

Football Background Gives Cotton an Edge

Players Mentioned

Darian Cotton

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