COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 19

When Trever Ryen burst onto the scene as one of the standouts of Iowa State’s 2015 spring game, most people assumed it was just a product of the scrimmage. They did not see the walk-on from Ida Grove truly making an impact for the Cyclones.

Two years later, it is safe to say his performance on that April day was no fluke. Ryen has become one of Iowa State’s most reliable playmakers on offense and enters the 2017 season among the nation’s best punt returners.

Ryen was named first-team All-Big 12 as a punt returner by Athlon Sports and ESPN in 2016 after averaging 16.5 yards per return. His average yards would have ranked second in the country, but he was just short of the minimum number of opportunities to make the list.

The 5-foot-11, 193-pound wide receiver also finished the season as one of the Cyclones’ top pass catchers. His 37 receptions was second on the team while his 388 yards was fourth and he caught two touchdown passes.

Ryen was a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy given to the nation’s best current or former walk-0n. He is on the watch list for the Hornung Award entering his senior season with the Cyclones.