Rhoads lauds latest recruiting class

From Iowa State Athletics Communications:

AMES – Smooth sailing. That's what National Signing Day was for Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads. There were no surprises or last-second issues. All 21 members of the Cyclones' 2012 recruiting class had their National Letters of Intent faxed, signed and delivered by 9:30 a.m. CST Wednesday.

“I don't think I've ever had things go so well so fast on signing day,” Rhoads said. “I have always said that we wanted individuals who are the best fit for our program. I think our fans saw early results of that last season.”

The Class of 2012 includes five Iowans. 10 of Iowa State's committed student-athletes are from either Florida or Texas.

“We have ample time to evaluate players from Texas, Florida and California in addition to potential players from the Midwest,” Rhoads said. “This day is the culmination of up to three years of evaluating and building relationships with these young men and their families. I think they will tell you that they have a real comfort zone about the future of Iowa State football.”

The new class is big on men in the trenches. Five defensive linemen and three offensive linemen are among the new signees. The field includes three linebackers, a trio of wide receivers and three defensive backs. Two high school quarterbacks with great credentials come to Iowa State recruited for their athleticism and could play a number of positions because of their versatility. One quarterback, and a placekicker round out the unit.

Three of these Cyclones are already enrolled at Iowa State and working out with the team. Defensive back T.J. Mutcherson, a 5-8, 185-pound freshman from Tampa, Fla., who sat out previous 18 months after high school graduation to attend community college, is in Ames. Cory Morrissey, at 6-4, 240, a sophomore Ames native who played defensive end at Iowa Western Community College last season and Cliff Stokes, a 6-0, 180 junior defensive back and Tallahassee, Fla. native from Trinity Valley Community College, round out the threesome.

“We addressed needs where we thought we had them,” Rhoads said. “It is quite a day for these young men and their families. They are making a commitment to us and we are committed to them.”

Here is a breakdown of the Cyclones' latest recruiting class:

Class Breakdown

Here are bios for each of the 2012 signees:

Class Breakdown