Positive Changes Ahead for Iowa State Starting with 2016 Recruiting Class
Written by Tom Tabler
Twitter: @tctabler
The Iowa State football program has been in need of some fresh energy and re-evaluation. The Cyclones brought in Matt Campbell from Toledo, and a solid recruiting class is perhaps just a glimpse of just what a new an approach could bring to Ames. The 2016 class, according to a number of scouting services, will be ranked in the 50’s. However, the Cyclones addressed serious needs and came away with some solid players. Iowa State has started the rebuilding process with this recruiting class.
The position that will excite Cyclones’ fans the most is that of quarterback position. Sam Richardson passed for 1,443 yards and eight touchdowns, but threw eight interceptions as well. However, Richardson has exhausted his eligibility and will not return. Joel Lanning will be returning for his junior season and is looking to improve upon last season’s numbers. Lanning threw for 1,246 yards, with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions. In addition, the Cyclones have brought in junior college transfer Jacob Park. Park was considered by many to be a top quarterback recruit in 2014 initially signing with Georgia out of high school. The Iowa State coaches are happy with Park signing with the Cyclones. Park still has three years of eligibility remaining and should have plenty of opportunities to win the starting job.
Iowa State also has Mike Warren returning at the running back spot for the 2016 season. Warren rushed for 1,339 yards last season, and Campbell did Warren a favor by bringing in plenty of talent along the offensive line. The Cyclones’ offensive line will have to play newcomers early, because it had seniors occupying key positions last season. Several offensive linemen in this 2016 class, will have no trouble catching fans’ eyes. Oge Udeogu is an offensive tackle from City College of San Francisco who should see the field on Day 1 for the Cyclones. Udeogu is a very strong tackle, and defensive linemen are going to have issues matching his strength. Another player on the offensive line that Iowa State signed is Dylan Soehner out of Prairie Grove (AR). Soehner played a number of positions for Prairie Grove but he has the potential to turn into a talented offensive tackle.
Iowa State has to improve the defensive secondary in order to compete in the Big 12. The Cyclones gave up almost 33 points per game last season and that number must be whittled down considerably to prevent a repeat of last season. To improve upon last season’s performance, Matt Campbell brought in D’Andre Payne, Thadd Daniels, and Lonnie Johnson to limit the explosive plays that plagued the Cyclones defense throughout 2015. The Cyclones should be improved, although with the number of new players, it might take a few games for things to gel and fall into place.
Iowa State fans should be prepared for a new look to the starting lineups during the 2016 season. Look for D’Andre Payne and Oge Udeogu to see immediate playing time. Payne should see action at the cornerback spot and Udeogu will hold down one of the tackle positions. Don’t be surprised to see Iowa State become more aggressive in 2016 and expect to see improvement on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Cyclones are going to improve; the first signs of that are evident with the 2016 recruiting class. It may not happen quite as quickly as Iowa State fans would like, it will happen. So, be patient, Cyclones’ fans better days are ahead for Iowa State football.
Photo credit: bleacherreport.com; Jacob Park drops back to pass during the U.S. Army All-American Game.