Cyclones' DC Burnham has big job ahead of him

AMES – Wally Burnham has coached a lot of defenses over a lot of years.

His challenge in whipping Iowa State's into shape this season ranks as one of the veteran defensive coordinator's toughest.

“This is one of the top ones,” Burnham, 68, said.

The Cyclones are replacing seven starters on that side of the ball – including all three linebackers, first-team all-conference pick Jesse Smith among them. The projected successors at the position – sophomores Jake Knott and A.J. Klein, and junior Matt Tau'fo'ou – have combined for less than 50 snaps in their brief careers.

It's an overhaul of great proportions.

“Even the guys who have played a little bit in our front four have not played a whole lot of football,” Burnham said. “We need those guys to be lot better than they were last year. That would take a little bit off the linebackers to do it right every time.”

ISU held opponents to 21.8 points a game a season ago, but was gouged for 415.8 yards a contest, second-worst in the Big 12 Conference.

Turnovers and timely stops in the red zone helped overcome the statistical disadvantages and lead the Cyclones to a 7-6 record and their first bowl berth since 2005.

Changes this year in the defense – aside from the personnel – will be subtle, but there will be some.

“To the naked eye you probably won't be able to tell,” Burnham said. “We are going to add some things that we didn't do last year that's going to help us.”

Just a few days into practice, there's a lot of learning going on.

“We are going to take it real slow,” Burnham said. “The thing about this group, is that they have great attitude and they are willing.”

Paul Rhoads has been a defensive coach all his life.

He's got his eye on everybody these days as a program's leader, but “without a doubt” says he will be giving the defense a longer look these next few weeks.

“I think I have a tendency to gravitate that way more just because I am more comfortable down there,” Rhoads said, “but with where we are at, yes, I will be positioned (with the defense) much more closer than I am with the offense.”

Experience is in supply in the defensive backfield with senior safeties David Sims and Mike O'Connell.

Cornerbacks Leonard Johnson and Ter'ran Benton have started and played significant roles since they were true freshmen in 2008.

“We've got to lead in the secondary and be solid back there,” O'Connell said. “We have guys back there who have played and understand what it takes to be a solid defense.”

Last season ISU held three league opponents to 10 or less points, the first time that's happened since 1965.

Fans are worried, and understandably so.

It's going to take time, but they should be scared to watch come the Sept. 2 season opener against Northern Illinois at Jack Trice Stadium.

“Don't have your eyes closed,” Benton said. “We are working. This whole team is working, offense and defense.”