The defensive backfield might be the strength of this year’s Iowa State defense with Brian Peavy, Nigel Tribune and Jamal Wiltz all returning. In addition to those guys, an impressive list of newcomers came to town including former Tennessee Volunteer DeAndre Payne.
The group being a strength hasn’t kept it from being a focus for the coaching staff on the recruiting trail. The Cyclones have already secured a commitment from three-star cornerback Richard Bowens.
Now, Iowa State has turned its attention towards safeties. Three-star Cincinnati native Keonte Jones has been on the Cyclones’ radar for some time but now another Cincinnati safety has moved into the picture.
Three-star TreSean Smith has moved his way up Iowa State’s board recently and could be making a visit to Ames in the near future.
“I’m looking to take a couple visits I don’t really have a top 5,” Smith told Cyclone Fanatic on Thursday. “There are some schools showing interests that have not offered yet but I plan to visit them and a commitment date may be coming soon.”
Smith mentioned Penn State, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and Iowa as other schools vying with Iowa State for a visit. Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock visited him at his school on Monday.
Jones also said that he could be making his way to Ames as early as next week.
“The coaching staff and their interest in me,” Smith said when asked what stuck out about the Cyclones. “Their defense where I could have the chance to come in and play early.”
