Extra ISU practices about more than Gophers

AMES – As important as Thursday's Insight Bowl is to linebacker Jesse Smith, the senior has helped make Iowa State's 15 extra practices more than about preparing for Minnesota.

Smith is one of six defensive starters playing in his final game with the Cyclones. That leaves a half-dozen positions - including all three linebacker spots - to fill for the 2010 season.

The Big 12's leading tackler is doing his part to leave ISU (6-6) in good shape for the future, taking freshmen Jake Knott and A.J. Klein under his wing.

“I've got one more game and I'm gone,” Smith said. “They are on the field. I'm trying to make them better as much as I can.”

Both have played this season and are next in line behind Smith, Fred Garrin and Josh Raven.

Developmental practices this month have been particularly beneficial on the defensive side of the ball, where ISU ranked 11th in the conference in total defense.

“We are finding out things about some kids, which is very important,” said defensive coordinator Wally Burnham. “They are getting probably 30 to 35 snaps a day. They are getting a lot of good work. It's invaluable.”

Knott and Klein have gotten good instruction throughout the season.

Klein, a 6-foot-1, 234-pounder from Kimberly, Wis., has 17 tackles and a fumble recovery. The difference since August is

“He knows what he's doing now,” Coach Paul Rhoads said. “Jake Knott is the same way.”

Smith is a big reason why. The 6-2, 235-pound Knott is from Waukee. He finished with 21 tackles, 16 of them solo.

“When they get in there I am always watching them,” Smith said. “When they come off the field I'll tell them what they did right and what they did wrong and help them improve.”

Center Reggie Stephens is a product of additional practices during ISU's last bowl appearance, the 2005 Houston Bowl.

Under former Coach Dan McCarney, the third- and fourth-stringers would play in a “Cyclone Bowl” every Wednesday during the season. Extra repetitions are key.

“During the bowl practices we had a Cyclone Bowl every day,” said Stephens, a starter on the offensive line for 39 of ISU's last 40 games. “It was definitely good for all the young players.”

Cyclone underclassmen don't want this to be a one-time experience.

The opponents get tougher the next two seasons with Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech back on the schedule and non-conference games against postseason regulars Iowa, Utah and Connecticut.

This Iowa State team believed it could be one of the most improved in college football. It doesn't want to go another four seasons between bowls.

“Three or four more. That's the plan,” freshman cornerback Jeremy Reeves said. “I'm excited for this week. I just want to have fun.”

By Eric Petersen, Gazette correspondent