Iowa State Cyclones Spring Practice Preview: 3 Storylines To Watch


An Iowa State spring practice preview as the Cyclones look to take the next step under second-year head coach Matt Campbell.


The primary objective last season in Ames was to lay the ground floor for rookie head coach Matt Campbell. This fall, Iowa State is determined to transform the lessons and sweat equity from 2016 into results.

The Cyclones stockpiled moral victories a year ago, hanging with Baylor, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Oklahoma. But that was then and this now. The inability to close games versus superior opponents resulted in the program’s fourth straight season with three or fewer victories.

However, now that the staff has had a full year to learn the personnel, and a number of key players are back, Iowa State is cautiously optimistic that its seven-year skid of losing seasons ends in 2017.

Iowa State Cyclones Spring Practice Storylines

1. Park’s Arc

In many ways, quarterback Jacob Park was a microcosm of the Cyclone program in 2016. There were highs and there were lows, but above all else there was plenty of promise about the future.

The Georgia transfer impressed after getting his shot last year, his first at Iowa State. He threw a dozen touchdown passes, including two in four consecutive games, advertising the arm talent and leadership of a budding star. Now that Park is the undisputed leader of the offense, with a full offseason to prepare accordingly, Campbell and the staff want to see more consistency and better decision-making from their junior.

Park should have no complaints about the skill positions, particularly a receiving corps headlined by all-leaguer Allen Lazard, riser Deshaunte Jones and touted incoming freshman Josh Johnson.

2. Where Will Lanning Be Landing?

While Park will be the Cyclone quarterback in 2016, the team still wants to get his backup, senior Joel Lanning on the field.

Lanning, who began last year as the starter, accounted for 20 touchdowns, with 11 on the ground. Against Texas Tech alone, he rushed for 171 yards and five scores. He’s too valuable to not have a role this season, so Iowa State is flirting with using him at halfback or wide receiver … or linebacker.

Lanning is going to contribute at Iowa State, but where? He’s a fine all-around athlete, who sees the field well, so multiple assistant coaches could wind up making a plea for his services this offseason.

3. Rebuilding Both Lines

Iowa State is in very good shape at the skill positions, as well as the secondary. Still, if this program doesn’t plug holes on the offensive and defensive lines, there’ll be a hard ceiling on its 2017 potential.

The Cyclones were subpar at the line of scrimmage in 2016, and that was when they were flush in experience. In the regular season finale with West Virginia, Iowa State started four senior offensive linemen and three senior defensive linemen. Now, maybe new blood is needed, but the staff will use the spring and summer to find out who’s most ready to step up. Hope on offense comes from the return of offensive tackle Jake Campos, who missed last year with a leg injury, and the additions of graduate transfers Khaliel Rodgers (USC) and David Dawson (Michigan).

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