KO a knockout in ISU’s offensive line

AMES - Kelechi Osemele is a goal-oriented guy.

When Iowa State's left tackle takes the field Sept. 2 against Northern Illinois at Jack Trice Stadium, his goal will be to humiliate whoever lines up across from him.

“That's the way I play and the way I feel offensive line should be played,” Osemele said. “It's a man's game; an alpha male's game. The goal is to dominate.”

Eventually, the 6-foot-5, 335-pound junior is hoping his ability to do that will provide him a chance at achieving his goal of playing in the NFL.

Coaches and teammates think the all-Big 12 Conference pick has got a great chance to do just that.

“I can't play football forever, but I want to play basically until my knees can't go anymore,” Osemele said. “If that's 10 years, five years, so be it.”

First things first.

The Cyclones have their first game in just over a week's time against one of the most difficult schedules in the nation. ISU went 7-6 in Coach Paul Rhoads' first season and beat Minnesota in the Insight Bowl.

Players still have the sweet taste of success in their mouths.

“My goal first and foremost is to win as many games as possible and put a ring on my finger,” Osemele said. “I don't see myself being satisfied unless we win a Big 12 Championship. That's the only way I see myself taking that jump (to the NFL). I'd want to come back the next year and see what we could do.”

Osemele and his line mates will have a lot to do with how this year's team performs.

They have experience. Center Ben Lamaak - a former Kennedy High School standout - has been a four-year starter and an anchor at several positions.

Alex Alvarez is entering his third season as a starter.

Senior guard Hayworth Hicks has had some playing time, as has new right tackle Brayden Burris.

A handful of others are waiting in the wings and gives ISU some depth.

“It's nice to be able have 10 guys we can rotate in there,” Lamaak said. “We have a lot of guys who are ready to play, which creates competition as well.”

Osemele started all 13 games at tackle last season, moving over from guard.

He's got a desire to intimidate and punish that not everyone has - or at least verbalizes.

“You more you go out and punish people right off the bat, the more they don't want to come back and play the next snap.

“As much as we condition in this program, usually by the second half my guy isn't even wanting to play the game anymore. That's that type of stuff I like to do. I like taking people out of the game. It's what I do. It's the only reason I play.”

The play of the offensive line was a big reason for the Cyclones' success last season.

They ranked third in the league in rushing yards per game (180.0) and allowed only 16 quarterback sacks. Only Oklahoma State (11) and Oklahoma (15) gave up fewer.

Osemele got his first experience on the line as a high school senior in Houston, Texas.

“We really didn't have a protector,” Osemele said. “They tried me out and I was pretty good at it. It was more challenging than defense and just getting off the ball. It was more of a mind game, more strategy.”

Physically imposing already, he feeds off the mental side of the game just as much, or maybe more.

“He's nasty,” Lamaak said. “He's a great player and has a great future.”