Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht’s “curiosity” is key to constant growth

Editor’s note: Ninth in a 9-part series looking at the Iowa State football team ahead of the season opener on Aug. 23.

AMES — Rocco Becht is an open book.

Iowa State’s soon-to-be third-year starting quarterback never ducks the media when times are tough. He also often speaks frankly about his own shortcomings regardless of the Cyclones’ overall fortunes.

So it’s not surprising that Becht doesn’t dwell on past successes or failures.

He’s all about what comes next — and in this case, it’s next Saturday’s 11 a.m. (Iowa time) season opener against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.

“(This) rivalry has shown me how great it is for these fans in both programs,” Becht said of the unique Big 12 matchup with the Wildcats. “So I’m excited to get a third (such game) in the rounds, so come next week, we’ll see how it goes.”

Becht is similarly jazzed to watch the quarterbacks behind him compete for the backup spot for the third season in a row. Connor Moberly, a redshirt freshman, likely locks down that No. 2 spot by virtue of his experience and growth, but four-star true freshman Alex Manske has wowed coaches with his abilities after successfully navigating rehab for a UCL injury that required surgery.

“That guy can extend plays,” ISU offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser said of Manske. “That guy can run. I mean, his arm strength is off the charts, so he checks all the boxes, but the biggest thing is just what that guy looks like when he’s out there in our offense. You’d have thought he’d been in (our) system for a couple of years, for sure.”

Moberly’s been similarly impressive as he progresses through his second year in Mouser’s offense. He also “checks all the boxes” by blending savviness with arm strength and athleticism, which he showcased in limited duty as Becht’s backup last season.

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“(He’s) learning how critical our decision making is at quarterback and everything that we have do,” ISU quarterbacks coach Jake Waters said. “He’s doing a great job with it. Every aspect’s been huge for him. It’s been awesome to watch his development.”

Becht’s been fine-tuning each element of his expansive skillset, from decision making and recognizing wrinkles in opposing defenses, to smoothing out emotional swings and becoming an even bigger leader. The former Big 12 offensive freshman of the year has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 18 consecutive games — a streak unmatched by any returning FBS quarterback.

“He’s a master of everything we throw at (him),” Mouser said of Becht, who earned MVP honors in last year’s 42-41 Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Miami. “Coach Waters has done a great job of just breaking down the inches of that guy from foot angles while he’s throwing — stuff way over my head.”

Becht’s been working at fully getting out of this own head. Flushing bad plays and good plays alike. Projecting calm in every storm for everyone else in the Cyclones’ offense from week to week, no matter the opponent, no matter the stakes.

“I think I’ve grown a lot,” Becht said. “I think that comes with getting into my faith a little bit more and understanding that even if I do have a bad practice, a bad play, a bad game, that I’m gonna grow from it and I’m gonna gain confidence from it. So that’s definitely something I’ve been working on, not being low on myself when something bad happens and keeping my chin up. Just thinking about next play mentality — knowing there’s something better that will come in the future.”

Maybe that stoic philosophical approach will lead to success next Saturday against the Wildcats on the Emerald Isle. Maybe Becht will need to lean on it because of early struggles and a handful of mistakes. Either way, the 6-1, 210-pound junior from Wesley Chapel, Fla., won’t be caught off-guard. He’s seen and done it all — from a humbling loss in the Big 12 title game to leading his team to a school record 11-win season.

“He’s a guy (who) is relentless in the pursuit to become his best,” ISU head coach Matt Campbell said. “As long as you have that curiosity — I always have said, curiosity kills complacency — and it certainly has (for Becht).”

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