QB Richardson takes vocal leadership of Cyclones as fifth-year senior

Editor's note: First in an eight-part series looking at the Iowa State football team, position by position. Monday: Running backs

By Dylan Montz, correspondent

AMES — Sam Richardson had a choice to make.

Iowa State Coach Paul Rhoads put his fifth-year senior quarterback in an intense drill against a heavy pass rush during one of the many hot, summer camp practices. The pocket was collapsing, but Richardson stayed put.

He sidestepped to the left, moved up and sidestepped again. All the while, Richardson kept his eyes downfield to make a play through the air. Just 24 months ago, poise like that wouldn't have been easy to see from him. Now, it's becoming the norm.

'He would have looked at that rusher, he would have looked there and he would have had no idea what was going on downfield,' Rhoads said. '(Last Monday) he had no idea what was going on around him other than there were bees buzzing around his head.'

Richardson possesses an athletic frame in the pocket at 6-foot-2 and 217 pounds, but relied on his ability to run in the last two seasons. In fairness, the Cyclones offensive line didn't always give Richardson much time, but he's started to notice a change in his game.

Maturity during the last two years has given Richardson more confidence than he's ever had in his time in Ames, but there's more to it than that. Now there's trust, which flows through the entire offense. It's trust that has helped Richardson stay in the pocket this summer and deliver a ball downfield.

'I think it's just respect for the pass game honestly,' Richardson said. 'It's just hanging in there on those third and fourth reads. It's hard to do sometimes, especially when you've got a rush coming at you, but it's just looking to find those guys rather than taking it myself.'

'We've worked extremely hard on that and Sam is just getting better,' said quarterbacks coach Todd Sturdy. 'He's keeping his eyes downfield and working to continue the concept and throw the football as he's moving in the pocket.'

Richardson has taken his lumps with injuries and losses through the last two years, but it's all shaped the player he is today. An 0-15 record as a starter in Big 12 games is a tough-to-swallow blemish on an otherwise statistically significant career for an ISU quarterback.

Last season Richardson started 11 games and was third in the Big 12 and 13th nationally in completions per game at 23.1. His 2,669 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes ranked near the top of single season charts at Iowa State. But when push came to shove, something was missing in translating that to wins.

The Winter Park, Fla., native has worked on the intangibles in an effort to turn those fortunes around.

'I've really taken a major role in stepping in front of all the guys, getting up there and throwing myself out there,' Richardson said. 'I think it's kind of making myself approachable to those young guys in whatever it is. I've put high importance on that and I'm just trying to establish the leadership we need for this season.'

For the first time since 2010, it appears there won't be a revolving door at quarterback. Iowa State has started five different quarterbacks — including Richardson — since 2011, but this year, he isn't looking over his shoulder.

MORE: Rohach, Lanning providing quality depth behind Richardson at QB

Competition at quarterback is for the No. 2 spot and has added to Richardson's appropriate relaxation in the meeting room. His confidence in knowing his place within the group has helped him relay information to his teammates as an instructor.

'If you're not competing with them, it's a little easier to sit down with them and explain to them what I'm seeing and maybe what they need to work on,' Richardson said. 'Obviously you still have to perform and if you go into camp and play like crap you're not going to play, but it's a lot different.'

Richardson had a choice to make beyond the X's and O's of a fall practice. What he chose is what Rhoads hopes will turn the team around.

'Two years ago he was quiet,' Rhoads said. 'Two years ago he didn't recognize that he needed to be verbal whether it was because he was a sophomore or that wasn't his style. He's changed who he is to be the leader.'

A CLOSER LOOK AT QUARTERBACKS

Depth chart

1. Sam Richardson, 6-2, 217, senior; 2. Grant Rohach, 6-2, 210, junior; 3. Joel Lanning, 6-2, 232, sophomore

The starter

Richardson has racked up 21 career starts for Iowa State during the last three seasons, including the 2012 Liberty Bowl, the Cyclones have benefited through the offseason from his more vocal approach on the field. The Winter Park, Fla., native owns an 0-15 record against conference opponents, but produced one of the best statistical seasons by an ISU quarterback a year ago with a school record 254 completions as well as 2,669 passing yards and 18 touchdowns through the air.

The backups

With Richardson locked in solid as the starter, the competition between Rohach and Lanning for the second spot has been classified as intense by coaches. Rohach has five career starts, including one last season, as well as two Big 12 wins in 2013 — against Kansas and at West Virginia. Lanning saw action last year against Toledo, but only on special teams. He has developed the reputation of being the best thrower for the Cyclones, but worked on developing the mental side of his game during the offseason and fall.

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