Cedar Rapids native O'Connell gets starting free safety nod at Iowa State

Upon hearing the news he would be starting his first game at free safety this week, Michael O'Connell called exactly no one.

“He doesn't say a whole lot,” said his father, Michael O'Connell Sr., who got a phone call Monday afternoon from a friend informing him of the depth chart development at Iowa State.

O'Connell Jr. lets his actions do the talking.

An off-season of intense physical and mental training has put the Cedar Rapids native in the position he holds for Thursday night's season opener against North Dakota State at Jack Trice Stadium.

ISU's expected starter - senior captain James Smith - has a strained calf, although it doesn't sound as though injury is the reason behind O'Connell's ascent.

The junior has added nearly 15 pounds to his 5-11 frame and improved his speed and agility. Winter break, spring break – O'Connell didn't take days off.

“He was working out while other kids were having fun,” O'Connell Sr. said. “He stayed focused on his goal. Halfway through the summer I noticed he was getting pretty ripped. It was all muscle.”

His lifting partner and roommate, quarterback Austen Arnaud, speaks highly of O'Connell.

“He has one of the best work ethics I've ever seen,” Arnaud said Monday. “He's an animal in the weight room and on the field. He's very excited, and I'm excited for him. I can't wait to see him play on Thursday.”

Coach Paul Rhoads put O'Connell on scholarship about two weeks ago after a standout spring and preseason camp. O'Connell was a reserve defensive back last year, making 21 tackles while also contributing on special teams.

He was the Cyclones' starting punt returner for a few game, but contributing on defense was his goal for this year, O'Connell Sr. said.

Mission accomplished.

“He has probably been the most productive safety on our depth chart,” Rhoads said.

“He's capable of playing both safety positions, which is extremely important.”

Smith has started all but one of ISU's 24 games the last two seasons. He led the team in tackles (85) in 2008 and was third the previous year with 79. Smith will “absolutely” play Thursday night, Rhoads said, but isn't at full strength.

“James is a product of some of those normal bumps and bruises,” Rhoads said. “He's been a little bit hampered and missed some practice time.”

Former ISU coach Dan McCarney gave O'Connell, who was not available for interviews Monday, the chance to walk on to the team.

He's made the most of his opportunity, just like his dad hoped he would. Thursday is going to be a special night.

“He started at the bottom and has worked his way up,” O'Connell Sr. said. “It's pretty exciting for us. Pops is going to be a little nervous.”

-- Eric Petersen, for The Gazette