As is the case with Iowa State’s weekly game notes release, the program has unveiled it’s depth chart ahead of the team’s first game of the season on Saturday against UNI (1 p.m. ESPN+).
I’m inserting the chart below through both a Twitter link and as a photo – hopefully it shows up properly on whichever device you’re viewing it on.
The quarterback spot remains listed as an ‘OR’ between redshirt freshman Rocco Becht and true freshman/early enrollee J.J. Kohl. It’s nothing new, but fans could see both on Saturday.
Transfer quarterback Tanner Hughes was not listed on the depth chart, but may see time in a role akin to Joel Lanning’s as a late-down, hybrid-style player. Iowa State doesn’t typically unload the playbook during the season opener, at least since coach Matt Campbell arrived, but don’t be surprised if Hughes appears down the road.
Iowa State offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase told reporters two weeks ago that five of the team’s running backs could start this season. Obviously, that looks to still be the case, with each player listed surrounding four “OR’s.”
Seven true freshmen from the 2023 recruiting class have also found their way onto the chart, including both Abu Sama and Carson Hansen at the running back spot.
The class will have a big impact on the team, with five every-game players that were on the team a year ago being absent from the field due to the state’s gambling investigation.
Premium members have heard quite a bit about one freshman in particular in Jack Sadowsky, a three-star out of Illinois set as the team’s starter at middle linebacker for Saturday.
Other freshman listed besides the four previously mentioned include Beni Ngoyi, who is slated alongside redshirt junior Daniel Jackson at the X receiver position, and Ben Brahmer, set as the teams No. 3 tight end. Expect to see a lot from that group on the field.
A lot of eyes will be on the offensive line position this year, as new offensive line coach Ryan Clanton prepares for his first game at Iowa State. The group is listed with a pair of ‘OR’s between Jim Bonifas and Brady Petersen at center as well as Grant Treiber and Deylin Hasert at the right guard spot.
Iowa State listed it’s 2022 depth chart without any ‘OR’s’, but Clanton’s philosophy includes and encourages playing the best five players in the room, at any of the positions along the line.
Redshirt seniors Jarrod Hufford (starter) and Darrell Simmons Jr. (second-string) are each listed at the left guard position. Redshirt sophomore James Neal and redshirt junior Tyler Miller will be the starting tackles.
Finally, Chase Contreraz has won the starting job at the kicker position, which was previously reported on the CycloneFanatic premium forum.
CF will have more coverage throughout the week, including Tuesday’s weekly press conference with Matt Campbell.
