Iowa State football notes: What’s next for Breece Hall?

AMES — Iowa State running back Breece Hall has established himself as one of the nation’s best.

A junior, Hall is a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best running back.

He’s rushed 235 times for 1,230 yards and 17 touchdowns this season.

Hall has rushed for a touchdown in 23 consecutive games. If he scores a touchdown in Iowa State’s game against TCU on Friday, he’ll break the 51-year old record for most consecutive games with a rushing touchdown, which was set in 1970 by Arkansas’ Bill Burnett.

“To me, the word is consistency with Breece,” Iowa State Coach Matt Campbell said. “What you have seen from Breece since that West Virginia game his freshman year to really every game he’s played in, there’s a real sense of professionalism and consistency that he brings to how he attacks the sport. That part has allowed our football team to use him in the most critical moments.

“When you talk about scoring, and those are critical moments, Breece has always been ready for the moment and has done a great job of continuing to grow his craft and what he’s about. There’s a lot of consistency about Breece Hall in terms of winning moments.”

Hall has an opportunity to return to Iowa State next season for his senior season, but NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has Hall as his No. 1 running back prospect.

“We’d be naive not to believe Breece is one of the best running backs in college football,” Campbell said. “Those are all certainly great decisions that he’s put himself in a position to make. He has a great family and he has great support and we’re going to do everything in our power so he can make a great decision for him and his future.

“Whatever that is, he’ll make a great decision.”

No Gary Patterson

Campbell has always had great admiration for coaches who were able to stay and coach at one school for a long time.

He idolized former Kansas State coach Bill Snyder, and still brings him up from time to time. He’s had nothing but positive things to say about former TCU coach Gary Patterson.

Patterson was fired midseason and Campbell said Tuesday he’ll miss coaching against him on Friday because Patterson’s teams were always tough and always consistent.

Iowa State injury report

Iowa State dealt with a number of injuries during last week’s Oklahoma game.

Quarterback Brock Purdy confirmed to reporters on Tuesday he was being evaluated for a concussion when he was taken out of the game. He said he passed and he’s still feeling good.

Safety Kym-Mani King has been dealing with a broken hand all season and, on Saturday, it looked like he may have reinjured it and missed some time.

Linebacker O’Rien Vance didn’t play in the game and is dealing with an undisclosed injury.

“Everybody will be available other than O’Rien, who is the one who I think is questionable,” Campbell said. “That guy has been a warrior and fought through it and we’re continuing to evaluate where he may be for Saturday. Everybody else I think is certainly available and that’s a positive for us”

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