Depth adds options on defense at ISU

AMES - Defensive line coaches Curtis Bray and Shane Burnham have something they haven't had much of the last two years - options.

Figuring out their best options will take them well beyond this spring, once members of Iowa State's recruiting class hit campus. The Cyclones need better production and will play whoever can provide it.

Burnham, who coaches the interior line, has a pair of newcomers who could figure into the rotation if the players he has now aren't performing as he'd like them to. Junior college transfer Henry Simon and freshman Quinton Pompey will get a long, hard look.

“I like to hang that over their head,” Burnham said. “You have to go out there and do something this spring because I'm going to find out what Henry is all about and what Quinton is all about. I told them, ‘This is the time. You better earn your spot because once fall camp gets here I'm going to give those guys a look.'”

Bray has a fresh face joining the fray in transfer Rony Nelson. He was a member of the 2010 recruiting class but was forced to red-shirt because of Big 12 eligibility problems. The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder has some lofty expectations.

“He has to step up and be a guy who can play for us this year,” Bray said.“He is really explosive and strong. He has the ability to really jump off of the ball. He gains ground and can bend the corner pretty well.”

Seniors Jacob Lattimer and Patrick Neal and junior Roosevelt Maggitt have proven themselves.

Lattimer is practicing but remains on suspension from legal troubles he got into last month. Rhoads hasn't given an indication whether Lattimer, who had 39 tackles and a team-leading four sacks last season, is likely to return.

Another new body at end is sophomore Willie Scott, a 6-foot-2, 215-pound converted linebacker trying to win a spot on the depth chart.

“It is his best opportunity to get on the field,” Bray said. “We need four or five guys to play. That's what we are working to so we can keep their production up.”