Iowa State football enters the 2024-25 season with confidence at practically every position. Given that the Cyclones return approximately 20 starters from last season, head coach Matt Campbell is likely to have an idea of who will start at each of his 22 spots.
Iowa State’s toughest problem this fall will be replacing boundary corner, which third-team All-American and Baltimore Ravens draft pick T.J. Tampa has played for Jon Heacock and the ISU defense the last three seasons.
Cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat faces a difficult assignment in replacing Tampa, as he returns starter Myles Purchase, redshirt senior Darien Porter, and true sophomore Jontez Williams, who started two games for Iowa State last season (Kansas and Memphis).
“I think we are certainly ecstatic about having the veterans,” Campbell observed. “And you discuss what Darien can accomplish this year as a senior. He continued to grow. And, of course, you stare at the room at the top. Jontez Williams, I thought, from where we were in January to where we are today, maybe we made as much progress. Myles Purchase and what he’s done are nothing short of extraordinary. So, the high end is rather heavy.”
In an effort to assist replace Tampa in the summer, Iowa State added two players in the spring. First, JUCO product Matthew Bess committed and signed with the Cyclones before his LSU transfer. Ryan Robinson Jr. committed to ISU following one season with the Bayou Bengals.
In 2023, Bess had eight tackles and one tackle for loss, as well as a pass breakup. He committed to Iowa State after receiving a scholarship offer from new Big 12 adversary Utah, with whom the Cyclones play in the season’s penultimate game on the road.
“The biggest surprise, probably, has been Matthew Bess,” Campbell explained. “Matthew Bess stands 6’1.” He’s almost at 185. By the time the season begins, I believe he’ll be about 188. I believe he will be physically capable of competing for a two-deep place.
Robinson, a previous top 800 player in the 247Sports Composite, appeared in four games for LSU’s leaky defense last year. Robinson, a walk-on at LSU, played cornerback against Grambling in the nonconference game. Robinson received over two dozen scholarship offers upon graduating from high school.
“Ryan Robinson obviously played at LSU last year,” Campbell explained. “And contributed key snaps on special teams. I believe Ryan provides some experience and familiarity to big-game situations. I believe he is going to push the envelope.
Iowa State also adds two true freshmen to the roster for the 2024 season, with Quentin Taylor and David Coffey, both three-star prospects, set to join Iowa State’s cornerback room this autumn when training camp begins on July 31. Taylor enrolled at Iowa State in January, allowing him to participate in spring practices and learn about the team’s playbook and responsibilities.
“He does not appear like a freshman right now. “He was 192 pounds right before we left,” Campbell added. “You’re referring to a physical, long athletic corner. “Reminds me a lot of what T.J. did as a young player.”
Replacing Tampa is a difficult assignment for the Cyclones, who enter the season with high hopes following a trip to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl last season and a 6-3 record in Big 12. In preparation for Tampa’s departure, Campbell emphasized the need of a few players producing to assist lessen Tampa’s leaving for the NFL.
“Can you have a true one, two, three that can play, help you,” urged Campbell. » “If that group can help you, it will most likely help you on special teams. I believe we are thrilled about that group and where it has the potential to expand.
