Dec 29, 2023; Memphis, TN, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Trent Jones II (89) reacts with defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim (11) after a defensive stop during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
AMES — Leave it to a defensive line coach to deliver a robust and revealing opening statement.
Iowa State’s Eli Rasheed is that coach — and he didn’t mince words recently when detailing areas for improvement for his typically high-performing position group.
“This summer, the number one thing is to be a better football IQ guy,” said Rasheed, the longtime architect of a unit that’s consistently been a strength the past seven seasons. “Be smarter player, and I think our guys have done a great job with that.”
As for this fall?
“What identity will we have?” Rasheed asked rhetorically. “Are we gritty? How’s our toughness? Is there (a proper) mindset? Is there relentless effort?”
There’s certainly good depth of numbers — but determining how much quality depth the Cyclones’ defensive line possesses remains a work in progress as Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. season-opener against North Dakota swings into view.
“We’re about one or two guys away from being three deep,” Rasheed said. “But I’ll tell you what, the competition in the D-line room is incredible. It’s fun to coach.”
ISU fans hope it will be fun to watch, as well, during a 2024 season where expectations are high and the Cyclones believe they can contend for a Big 12 championship.
But ISU must remain strong up front on defense and find ways to be more disruptive with its pass rush. The Cyclones ranked 11th in the Big 12 in sacks last season and brought in transfer EDGE Kenard Snyder to help bolster that effort. He racked up 5.5 sacks a Lousiana-Monroe last season and has 24.5 carer tackles for loss.
“In all our new defenses, I’m gonna be able to really showcase my abilities and in our multiple defenses, from the three down (lineman) to the four down, be able to really rush from the two-point and the three-point (stances),” Snyder said. “You know, get to the quarterback.”
Snyder’s not alone in possessing positive pass-rushing attributes. Joey Petersen, Dom Orange and J.R. Singleton have been solid contributors throughout their respective careers and Trent Jones has become a complete defensive lineman who can play inside or outside. Fellow junior Tyler Onyedim — who stands 6-4 and weighs 295 pounds — is also flexible and explosive, and younger players such as Ikenna Ezeogu and Zaimir Hawk are expected to shine this season, as well.
There’s at least one more name to watch in that room, though — and it’s a true freshman from one of the nation’s top high school programs.
“Alijah Cornell out of Bishop Gorman (Nev.) High School,” Rasheed said. “He’s 6-5 and 290 right now. He is very, very intelligent. He is moving the needle and he’s gonna play our interior nose. He’s gonna move the needle and challenge some of those guys on the inside.”
So ISU’s defense line will feature veterans and rookies alike, all aiming to amp up that pass rush while remaining stout in stopping the run. The Cyclones’ defense has ranked among the top three in the Big 12 against the run in each of the past four seasons and depth up front is a big reason for that consistency. Rasheed is known for his hockey-style line changes across his defensive front and it’s a tactic that helps keep each of his linemen refreshed.
“It helps everybody knowing and trusting guys that you’re with that I can go out and give my 100 percent and if I need a play off, a couple plays off, a series off — whatever you need, the guy that is (replacing you) will step up and keep that same intensity, that same pressure,” said Petersen, a senior defensive end who’s totaled 3.5 career sacks. “It just helps you know you can go all out and not hold anything back.”
Rasheed certainly didn’t hold anything back when he delivered his detailed fall camp progress report. His group’s bigger, stronger and smarter. But whether the pass rush will be better is anyone’s guess until the Cyclones’ 12-game regular season slate begins on Aug. 31 against North Dakota at Jack Trice Stadium.
“It’s gonna be really exciting,” said Onyedim, an honorable mention all-Big 12 election last season. Our practices are all high intensity and that’s gonna help us during the games, for sure.”
