D-line under pressure to produce pass rush

AMES – Rashawn Parker got an education in Iowa State football last season watching from a distance while his torn up left knee recovered.

“I learned a lot about our team,” Parker said. “Our guys fight and work hard. It's a team I want to be around. It's a great time to be an Iowa State Cyclone.”

The senior defensive end is being counted on to anchor a line that's short on size, experience and explosiveness. ISU registered a Big 12 Conference-low 16 sacks a season ago and allowed opponents 415.9 yards a game on average.

And that was with Parker for a couple of games and then-seniors Chris Lyle and Nate Frere.

Quarterbacks had way too much time to pick apart ISU's defense, which played it safe most of the time in not rushing extra guys at the passer.

“We've got to get pressure on the quarterback,” Coach Paul Rhoads said. “We are not going to be a blitzing football team. You have to be able to get pressure with four guys.”

Parker's been a starter since he was a freshman, and gives the Cyclones a pass-rushing presence it desperately needs.

He was hurt in week four last season and was awarded an extra year of eligibility.

“It's pretty exciting having him back,” said Patrick Neal, who started the final nine games of the season in Parker's place. “He's a veteran that brings a lot of experience. He's a great player and teammate.”

Neal is No. 1 on the depth chart at the other end spot heading into Saturday's 1 p.m. spring game at Jack Trice Stadium.

The junior stands just 6-foot, 227 pounds, but coaches love his relentless attitude.

“I don't know if anybody has as big of a motor,” Rhoads said. “He works he tail off.”

The comeback story of the year, though, could ultimately go to Jake McDonough, who is working with the top unit at defensive tackle.

McDonough battled stomach issues following spring practice last year and on through most of the summer. He couldn't hold down food and his weight plummeted to 225, a drop of about 50 pounds.

“Everything I was eating was tearing my stomach up,” McDonough said. “It was so scary. People were starting to question me and I didn't know what to tell them. I didn't have any answers.”

He played in just one game last season.

Doctors' diagnosis was comparable to Celiac Disease, a pretty common digestive disorder that damages the small intestine and blocks the absorption of nutrients in food.

McDonough's health is normal again, he's back up around 275 pounds and grateful to be competing for playing time.

“I'm so thankful that I'm here today,” he said.

Coaches think McDonough, a sophomore from West Des Moines Valley, could be a force because of his ability to shed blocks.

“With a lot of the (linemen), If they get their hands on you, you can't move,” McDonough said. “I focus on making sure I break their hands and get them off me as soon as I can.”

Parker hasn't been involved in drills this spring.

He's got more rehab time left, but is anxious to get out on the field again, especially after having to be in street clothes for ISU's Insight Bowl win over Minnesota.

“I'm hungry more than I ever have been,” Parker said. “It was a hard time sitting and watching. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to get back out there.”