Ecby brings energy, big plays

AMES - During the last two weeks, ISU Coach Paul Rhoads issued Tad Ecby a challenge: Start bringing a high level of energy to the practice field.

Ecby paid attention to his coach, producing on Saturday in Iowa State's 34-31 loss to Texas Tech. The junior receiver hauled in two catches for 100 yards - one for 51 yards and one for 49.

'He hasn't always brought it to the practice field to earn the trust of the play-caller and the coaches to be out there and get those snaps,” Rhoads said. 'I sat him in my office Tuesday and told him point blank ... if you'll (bring up your energy level) you'll get your opportunity. He did that and he got his opportunity. He delivered.”

The issue for Ecby in the past has been being a bit loose at practice at times, goofing around and not always being in the moment.

Once he talked with Rhoads, he understood what kind of focus he would need to have and the role he could play on the team as a potential big-play threat.

'I've just been trying to make every practice rep like a game rep and see it roll over into Saturdays,” Ecby said.

Netten to bounce back

He had never been hit like that before. The air was immediately sucked out of him and he was down.

ISU kicker Cole Netten was on the receiving end of a hard block on a kickoff that put him squarely on his back. After staying down for a few minutes to catch his breath, he was up and over to the sidelines ready for an opportunity to kick a field goal. Netten was 1-for-3 kicking on the day, missing attempts from 41 and 42 yards.

'He hit two balls poorly,” Rhoads said. 'Uncharacteristic of Cole. After the hit, he assured me he was fine and ready to go.”

Netten said after the game the hit had no effect on his kicks and it was just as simple as misfiring. The problems with both kicks were in his mechanics, which he said he would go back and review.

'For me, it's just being by yourself. Just clear your head,” Netten said. 'Just take it one kick at a time and try to forget about the last one.”

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