December 29, 2023; Memphis, TN, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Trent Jones II (89) reacts with Tyler Onyedim (11) after a defensive stop during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Photo Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
AMES – Leave it to the defensive line coach to deliver a powerful and insightful opening speech.
Iowa State Eli Rasheed is that coach – and he recently minced his words when listing the areas where his normally high-performing position group needs improvement.
“This summer, the biggest thing is to be a better football IQ,” said Rasheed, the longtime architect of a unit that has been a consistent strength over the past seven seasons. “Be a smarter player, and I think our guys have done a great job of that.”
And this fall?
“What identity will we have?” Rasheed asked rhetorically. “Are we brave? What is our toughness? Do we have the right attitude? Are we relentless in our efforts?”
The depth is certainly good, but the quality of the Cyclones’ defensive line remains to be determined as they approach their season opener against North Dakota at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
“We’re one or two players down until we have three guys,” Rasheed said. “But I’ll tell you what: The competition in the D-line is incredible. It’s fun to be a coach.”
ISU fans hope it will be fun in the 2024 season, where expectations are high and the Cyclones believe they can compete for the Big 12 championship.
But ISU needs to stay strong up front on defense and find ways to be more disruptive with their pass rush. The Cyclones finished 11th in the Big 12 in sacks last season and brought in transfer EDGE Kenard Snyder to support that effort. He recorded 5.5 sacks at Louisiana-Monroe last season and tallied 24.5 tackles for loss.
“In all of our new defenses, I’m going to be able to really showcase my skills and really be able to rush from the two-point and three-point positions in our different defenses, from the three-point (lineman) to the four-point (lineman) position,” Snyder said. “You know, get through to the quarterback.”
Snyder is not the only one who has positive pass-rushing qualities. Joey Peterson, Cathedral Orange And JR Singleton have made solid contributions throughout their careers and Trent Jones has become a complete defensive lineman who can play inside or outside. His junior colleague Tyler Onyedim — who is 1.93 m tall and weighs 134 kg — is also flexible and explosive, and younger players like Ikenna Ezeogu And Zaimir Hawk are expected to shine again this season.
There is at least one other name to keep an eye on in this room, however – and that is a complete freshman from one of the best high school programs in the country.
“Alijah Cornell from Bishop Gorman (Nev.) High School,” Rasheed said. “He’s 6-foot-5 and weighs 275 pounds right now. He’s very, very intelligent. He makes things happen and will play our inside nose. He’ll make things happen and challenge some of the guys on the inside.”
So ISU’s defensive line will be made up of veterans and newcomers, all looking to bolster the pass rush while stopping the run battle. The Cyclones’ defense has consistently been in the top three in the Big 12 against the run battle over the past four seasons and the depth up front is a big reason for that consistency. Rasheed is known for his hockey-like line changes on his defensive line and it’s a tactic that helps keep each of his linemen fresh.
“It helps anybody to know and trust the guys you’re with. I can go out there and give 100 percent, and if I need a playoff, a couple of playoffs, a series – whatever you need, the guy who (replaces you) is going to step in and keep the same intensity and the same pressure,” said Petersen, a veteran defensive end who has totaled 3.5 sacks in his career. “It just helps you know you can give it your all and you don’t have to hold back.”
Rasheed certainly didn’t hold back in his detailed fall camp progress report. His group is bigger, stronger and smarter. But whether the pass rush will be better is anyone’s guess until the Cyclones’ 12-game regular season begins Aug. 31 against North Dakota at Jack Trice Stadium.
“It’s going to be really exciting,” said Onyedim, who was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection last season. “All of our practices are very intense and that will definitely help us in the games.”
