POST-SPRING FOOTBALL NOTES | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #64

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POST-SPRING FOOTBALL NOTES | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #64

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Episode Notes: POST-SPRING FOOTBALL NOTES | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #64 Hosts: Levi Stevenson & Carter Hanson Date/Context: Post-spring game recap (game in Ames on Saturday). Casual, detailed position-by-position breakdown after both hosts attended. Overall Impressions Strong emphasis on culture and toughness from the new staff.Midnight Alley drill (modified Oklahoma drill) kicked off the day with high energy, physicality, and mono-a-mono attitude — set the tone for the program. Brought over from NFL (Lions influence).Defense flew around and made plays; offense showed flashes but was inconsistent (especially OL).Team not the most talented ever, but will play hard and physical. Position Group Breakdown Quarterbacks Jalen Rayner: Clear starter for now; made nice throws, showed mobility (limited by no-contact).Zane Flores (note: pronounced "Floors"): Very close competitor; led both TD drives, threw multiple "dimes" (e.g., to Cody Jackson and Aiden Flora on wheel route). Not just a backup — pushing hard.Connor Moberly: Clear #3.Walk-on Wyatt Boehm got late snaps.Future: Hudson Curlin (incoming) has high arm talent.Takeaway: Battle between Rayner/Flores is real and healthy; both showed Big 12-caliber throws. Running Backs Aiden Flora & Cam Pedaway: Clear 1-2 punch (wore no-contact jerseys). Elite return tandem — possibly best in Big 12.Jaden Jackson & others (Easton Miller) got most live reps but didn’t challenge the top two.Incoming: Caleb Pressley (or similar); Isaiah Hansen noted.Takeaway: Running game limited in spring game due to OL/no-contact, but top duo looks strong. Receivers / Tight Ends Evan Boyd: Emerging WR1 — big, physical body (Lazard/Petway-like).Dom Overby: Breakout candidate; confident, good hands, deep threat potential (6'5", athletic background).Cody Jackson (Tarleton/Oklahoma): Impressive in slot/jet sweeps; consistent targets.Amari Hayes (Tulane transfer): Expected in top 3 (slot); looked quick in drills.Others: Carter Pabst (limited by hammy), Trevor Fortenberry (surprise contributor).Tight ends: Raw, mostly blockers for now; not heavily featured in new offense.Projected starters: Boyd, Hayes, Overby. Strong depth. Offensive Line Inconsistent; rotated heavily. Defense clearly ahead.Messiah King limited with first team (injury?).Garrett Rutledge got first-team reps (highly regarded by staff).Others: Braden Smith, Moss, Colin Amick, etc.Takeaway: Biggest question mark; too early for firm two-deep. Joe Thornton expected to sort it out. Defensive Line Impressive even without Isaac Terrell.Standouts: Zemir Hawk (emerging leader/jump year), Caden Crawford (high-upside transfer), Jack Janikowski, Blake Hawkins, Malachi Tease, Max Balloon, etc.Takeaway: Strong interior anchor potential with Hawk + Terrell. Linebackers Most impressive group on the field.Starters: Sullivan Schlemgen, Carson Willick, Willie Breland (nickel/hybrid).Tristan Exline (D-II): Stood out — flew around, laid wood, aggressive.Depth: Excellent rotation; can run true 4-3 sets.Takeaway: Fast, physical, versatile — huge upgrade for power run and mobile QB defense. Secondary Corners: David Coffey (reliable #1), Keon Washington, Jaheim Singletary (former 5-star), Seth Johnson, Ben Nagoya (high upside, health key).Safeties: Braden Alls out (still on roster for ratings); Drew Sergis, Michael Harper. Rhythm needed.More man coverage shown (big shift from past scheme).Takeaway: Athletic enough for man; ceiling high. Special Teams Punters: Kyle Conradi (beast), Aussie kid strong.Returns: Flora/Pedaway primary; Cody Jackson tried on punts.Clean day overall. Other Notes EA College Football Ratings speculation: Defense favored (high 70s–low 80s overall?); offense lower initially due to new pieces. Braden Alls boosts roster. Expect ratings to rise.Scheme shift under new staff: More aggressive, man-heavy defense → more turnovers expected (trade-off for occasional big plays).Optimism: Defense looks stout (run defense especially); offense a work in progress but passing game showed promise. Final Takeaways Defense (front 7 especially) is ahead and exciting — should be a strength.Offense gelling (OL key); QB competition healthy.Positive vibes post-spring; program building toughness and identity. Great listen for detailed Iowa State spring ball insights and early 2026 season outlook. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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