COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 29

Nov 19, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Allen Lazard (5) catches a pass in front of Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Justis Nelson (31) at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Red Raiders 66-10. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Allen Lazard enters the 2017 season as one of the top returning pass catchers in college football. It is not any secret to Iowa State fans how many records the Urbandale native is on pace to break during his senior campaign.

Last season, Lazard ranked among the top receivers in the country as his 84.8 yards per game rated as the 29th best average nationally and fifth best in the Big 12. His 5.8 catches per game was the 37th best average in the country and sixth best in the Big 12.

Lazard’s yards per game total makes him the 15th most productive returning receiver in college football. If his career arc is any indication, he could be on pace to improve on all those rankings in 2017.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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