Iowa State
Iowa State

Iowa State Team Report

Updated: April 26, 2012 02:57 EST

At the start of spring practice, questions started with the quarterbacks for Iowa State. The spring didn't provide any answers.

Neither Steele Jantz nor Jared Barnett impressed in the spring game, and neither did much to separate from the other during the spring. Both struggled with turnovers in the spring game, combing for three interceptions.

"That is inexcusable," coach Paul Rhoads said. "We can't do those things and win the games that we got to win."

Both also played to their strengths in the spring, with Jantz showing more of a flash and knack for making plays while Barnett was more efficient in his play.

"Jared Barnett really controls the other 10 guys when he is on the field," Rhoads said. "I think Steele Jantz has the ability to make more plays because of his escape-ability and ability to improvise on the run."

The rest of the offense is a little more settled. James White and Jeff Woody return to lead the rushing game, and sophomore center Tom Farniok will anchor an offensive line. Rhoads is impressed with what he saw from a deep receiving corps, even if Josh Lenz is the only returning starter.

The defense wasn't at full strength in the spring. Linebacker Jake Knott (shoulder surgery), cornerback Matt Thomas (elbow) and defensive end Roosevelt Maggitt (torn ACL ) were either out or limited in practice.

That did allow the Cyclones to get to get younger players more experience. Linebacker Jeremiah George and cornerback Jansen Watson made the most of their extra reps and are in a position to help the defense come the fall.

"We'll have the best depth other than the safety position that we've had since our arrival," Rhoads said.

Now, the Cyclones just need to find a starting quarterback.

--There weren't major changes made when Courtney Messingham became the offensive coordinator in the offseason. He'll still run the same no-huddle, spread offense that former coordinator Tom Herman did. But Messingham did shrink the playbook. Look for the Cyclones to run fewer plays in the fall, but be more multiple (running the same play out of a variety of different formations) to confuse the defense.

--A new $20 million Iowa State football office complex is expected to be completed by the fall. The complex, which will be adjacent to the indoor practice facility, will give the Cyclones more space for team meetings rooms, the locker room, the sports medicine center and strength and conditioning facilities.

SPRING MOVERS:

CB Jansen Watson -- Watson may have made the biggest move on the depth chart this spring. Watson started out caught between the first and second defensive units, but in 15 practices, where he showed a knack for making plays in man coverage, he likely solidified a starting spot.

LB Jeremiah George -- George started to play more consistent and make big plays, including in the spring game, where he had eight tackles, one sack and one interception. When ISU plays a three-linebacker set, expect George to join A.J. Klein and Jake Knott on the field.

WR Jerome Tiller -- The former quarterback is still adjusting to receiver and will still need a good fall camp to have a shot at starting, but Tiller consistently made plays in scrimmages and the spring game. If he does the same in August, he'll see playing time in the season opener.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We don't have awards in the spring. If we did I would probably vote Jeremiah George our most improved defensive player for sure, if not most improved player." -- ISU coach Paul Rhoads

2012 OUTLOOK: The ISU program has improved by leaps and bounds since Paul Rhoads took over three years ago. If the Cyclones are to make their third bowl trip in four years, they'll need to rely on young or inexperienced talent at several positions, including at guard, defense end, wide receiver and cornerback. Rhoads has increased the talent level in recent years. Some of those players got experience last year. Most of those players will be counted on to help ISU this year. If they live up to their high school press clippings and the team gets consistent (read turnover-free play) at quarterback, they could help the Cyclones make another bowl game.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: It starts and ends at quarterback for the Cyclones. More is wanted out of the offense, and it can't happen unless Jared Barnett or Steele Jantz start turning the ball over less and complete more passes. Both will compete for the starting spot in the fall. Running back is the strength of the offense with James White and Jeff Woody leading the way. The offensive line returns three starters and is anchored by sophomore C Tom Farniok, who started all 13 games last season. Josh Lenz is the only returning receiver, but there is plenty of potential in WRs Albert Gary, Chris Young, Jarvis West and Quenton Bundrage. All possess the game-breaking speed ISU has lacked in recent years.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The defense showed this spring that there is more depth there than in previous years. With key players out or limited this spring, the reserves got plenty of reps and impressed the coaches. The defense should be at full health come the fall with All-Conference LBs A.J Klein and Jake Knott leading the way. The biggest questions revolve around who will start at defensive end and cornerback. There are plenty of options at both positions.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: P Kirby Van Der Kamp, who coach Paul Rhoads calls one of the team's best weapons, returns. ISU is loaded at returner with Jarvis West, Aaron Horne and Josh Lenz returning. The kicking competition won't get going until the fall, when incoming freshman Cole Netten, the favorite for the job, arrives.

TOP NEWCOMERS:

WR P.J. Harris -- Harris could be the deep threat at receiver the Cyclones are looking for to replace Darius Reynolds, who graduated. Harris runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and caught 52 passes for 744 yards and nine touchdowns as a high school senior. The Cyclones have plenty of young talent at receiver, and Harris may end up redshirting if he doesn't show a quick knack for getting behind defenders.

S T.J. Mutcherson -- It may take Mutcherson a year or two to see the field, but ISU coaches believe he has the talent to be a playmaker in the secondary. Mutcherson hasn't played a football game in two years, spending that time raising his standardized test scores so he could play college football, but taking part in spring practice helped Mutcherson get a head start on making up for lost time.

DB Clifford Stokes -- Stokes is already listed on the two-deep at cornerback and could see plenty of playing time as the Cyclones only return one starter at cornerback.

ROSTER REPORT:

--LB OT Brayden Burris (sprained ankle) was held out of the spring game as a precaution.

--OG Shaban Dika underwent surgery late in the spring for a torn ACL. Dika was battling with Jacob Gannon to start at right guard.

--RB Shontrelle Johnson (neck surgery) is expected to learn in July if his doctors will allow him to play football again. Johnson began 2010 as ISU's starting running back.

--WR Albert Gary pled guilty to first-degree theft and going armed with intent in early April following an incident last summer. Gary was suspended three games last year, and coach Paul Rhoads said Gary may face additional discipline this season.