Assalley returning for 2021 season

Nov 16, 2019; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones place kicker Connor Assalley (96) kicks the game winning field goal against the Texas Longhorns at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Longhorns 23 to 21. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Connor Assalley is coming back.

The Iowa State placekicker announced on Saturday he will take advantage of the NCAA’s freeze on eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic and return for a “super senior” season in 2021.

The three-year starter has been one of the most accurate kickers in Iowa State history, connecting on 72.1 percent of field goals during his career, which ranks fourth in program history for field goal percentage. His 44 career field goals are the fourth most in program history while his 177 total kicks made are the second-most for the school.

Assalley went 13-of-19 on field goals in 2020 with a long of 42 yards. He connected on 48-of-50 extra point attempts.

Iowa State will add some new faces to its kickers unit next season when Tyler Bittman joins the program as a walk-on and Fordham graduate transfer Andrew Mevis arrives with one year of eligibility remaining.

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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