Spring Breakdown: The Quarterbacks

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State started spring practice on Tuesday March 3. Cyclones.com will break down each position heading into the spring game on April 11.

THE QUARTERBACKS

SYNOPSIS
For the second year in a row, Iowa State returns every scholarship quarterback on its roster. It's one of ISU's most stable positions, as the Cyclones return a pair of QBs who have combined for every start the last two seasons in Sam Richardson (6-2, 214, Sr.#, Winter Park, Fla.) and Grant Rohach (6-2, 212, Jr.#, Moorpark, Calif.). ISU also returns promising underclassman Joel Lanning (6-2, 232, So.#, Ankeny, Iowa).

Richardson can make his case as one of top returning signal-callers in the Big 12 in 2015. His 242.6 passing yards per game and 3,090 yards of total offense recorded in 2014 are the third-best returning totals in the league behind Trevone Boykin (TCU) and Davis Webb (TTU). Richardson, who has 21 career starts and has started a game in each of the last three seasons, broke ISU's season record for completions (254), ranking 13th nationally in completions per game (23.1) last season. He also tossed 18 TD passes, tying for the third-best total in school history, and will enter his senior year ranking in ISU's career top-10 in the following categories: total offense (4th- 5,617), TD passes (4th- 37), completions (4th- 421) and passing yards (6th- 4,607).

Rohach has proven to be a capable backup, filling in for the injured Richardson in each of his first two seasons with the Cyclones. He threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns in his only start of 2014 (Kansas). In the final two games of the 2013 season, he threw for over 300 yards vs. Kansas and West Virginia, both Cyclone victories. He became the only Cyclone rookie QB in school history to record a pair of 300-yard passing games.

Lanning has also impressed the coaching staff with his ability. At 6-2, 232 pounds, Lanning gives the Cyclones a big body behind center.

RHOADS ON THE QUARTERBACKS
“I'm excited going into the spring with the guys we have at the quarterback position. In Sam Richardson not only do we have an outstanding returning starter, but we have a returning fifth-year senior. Sam enters 2015 as one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12 Conference and I think my colleagues would verify that. Certainly Sam's continued improvement and his health are very important in our productive efforts this fall. Grant Rohach and Joel Lanning will be competing for the back-up spot this spring. Grant comes off of two years where he played and Joel is still looking for his first snap of playing time. Both have benefited from the tutelage of Todd Sturdy at the quarterback position and all three look forward to their second year in our offensive system.”

Players Mentioned

Joel Lanning

Joel Lanning

Sam Richardson

Grant Rohach

Grant Rohach

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