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Rhoads sees defensive improvement
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-04-18
Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads doesn’t settle for average. But right now, he’ll take it.
Rhoads liked the tackling progress the defense made during the spring game Saturday, and he hopes it’s just the first step to improving the units’ fundamentals come the fall.
“The defense did an average job of tackling, and coming from where we were, I’m pleased with that,†Rhoads said. “We got to climb above average if we are going to be the type of football team that’s going to compete week in and week out.â€
They’ll also need to make big plays like they did Saturday.
Linebacker Jesse Smith had a 39-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Cardinal and Gold defenses also combined for three interceptions, six sacks and numerous quarterback hurries.
Rhoads said a key to the defensive success was having everyone playing together.
“We don’t have erasers,†Rhoads said. â€We don’t have (it where) a couple of kids can screw up and someone else shows up on the field and erases the play. We’ve got to play together as 11 guys.â€
Defensive end Roosevelt Maggitt, who had six tackles and a sack, said getting pressure from the front four is just one aspect of what coach Rhoads was talking about.
“If we don’t get in the quarterback’s face and do our job the rest of the defense suffers†Maggitt said. “But if we do that the defense plays so much better.â€
JOHNSON INJURES KNEE
Cornerback Leonard Johnson said he was fine after a left knee injury forced him to miss part of Saturday’s game. Johnson “came down funny†on the knee after breaking up a fade route in the end zone during the first half.
The ISU medical staff told Rhoads Johnson’s injury wasn’t serious, but Johnson sat out the rest of the scrimmage for precautionary reasons.
“Any time a skill player gets his legs banged up a little bit, he gets a little nervous,†Rhoads said.
ACADEMICS KEEP HAUGHTON OUT
Rhoads said offensive tackle Scott Haughton did not play in the spring game, or take part in spring practices, because “he is addressing some academic needs.†Rhoads did say it looks like Haughton will be able to play in the fall.
Haughton appeared in 11 games as a true freshman last year, starting four games down the stretch.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Guard Reggie Stephens spent some time at center Saturday. With Stephens at center, Alex Alvarez shifted to guard. Alvarez started seven games at center in 2008. Also, Ben Lamaak, who has played all over the line this spring, saw action at left tackle.
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929, or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
By Bobby La Gesse
Date Posted: 2009-04-18
Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads said the Cyclones improved their tackling in the spring game.
Tribune file photo
Tribune file photo
Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads doesn’t settle for average. But right now, he’ll take it.
Rhoads liked the tackling progress the defense made during the spring game Saturday, and he hopes it’s just the first step to improving the units’ fundamentals come the fall.
“The defense did an average job of tackling, and coming from where we were, I’m pleased with that,†Rhoads said. “We got to climb above average if we are going to be the type of football team that’s going to compete week in and week out.â€
They’ll also need to make big plays like they did Saturday.
Linebacker Jesse Smith had a 39-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Cardinal and Gold defenses also combined for three interceptions, six sacks and numerous quarterback hurries.
Rhoads said a key to the defensive success was having everyone playing together.
“We don’t have erasers,†Rhoads said. â€We don’t have (it where) a couple of kids can screw up and someone else shows up on the field and erases the play. We’ve got to play together as 11 guys.â€
Defensive end Roosevelt Maggitt, who had six tackles and a sack, said getting pressure from the front four is just one aspect of what coach Rhoads was talking about.
“If we don’t get in the quarterback’s face and do our job the rest of the defense suffers†Maggitt said. “But if we do that the defense plays so much better.â€
JOHNSON INJURES KNEE
Cornerback Leonard Johnson said he was fine after a left knee injury forced him to miss part of Saturday’s game. Johnson “came down funny†on the knee after breaking up a fade route in the end zone during the first half.
The ISU medical staff told Rhoads Johnson’s injury wasn’t serious, but Johnson sat out the rest of the scrimmage for precautionary reasons.
“Any time a skill player gets his legs banged up a little bit, he gets a little nervous,†Rhoads said.
ACADEMICS KEEP HAUGHTON OUT
Rhoads said offensive tackle Scott Haughton did not play in the spring game, or take part in spring practices, because “he is addressing some academic needs.†Rhoads did say it looks like Haughton will be able to play in the fall.
Haughton appeared in 11 games as a true freshman last year, starting four games down the stretch.
MUSICAL CHAIRS
Guard Reggie Stephens spent some time at center Saturday. With Stephens at center, Alex Alvarez shifted to guard. Alvarez started seven games at center in 2008. Also, Ben Lamaak, who has played all over the line this spring, saw action at left tackle.
Bobby La Gesse can be reached at (515) 663-6929, or rlagesse@amestrib.com.
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