Iowa State football practice: Paul Rhoads thrilled with first three days of camp
By Brian Spaen
In all of his years coaching the Iowa State football team, Paul Rhoads believes the first three days of practice to begin this year have been the best it’s ever been.
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When Rhoads spoke to the media after practice, he was excited on how hard his team played. Basically, he’s referring to the improvement seen in his players from Monday through Wednesday.
Obviously, they’re not in mid-season form yet, and they haven’t gone through practice completely unscathed by injury, but it’s a very positive sign seeing Rhoads happy about what’s happening out on the field.
Speaking of injuries, Rhoads offered no update on backup center Ben Loth, but again, things should be a little more clear after an MRI tomorrow.
Other Iowa State football practice notes
The focus was on defensive tackle Brandon Jensen today, who returned to the football team after the defensive line was decimated with key losses during the offseason.
Brandon Jensen on his return: "I want to be here. I want to do everything. I want to teach the young guys. I want them to learn." #Cyclones
— Tommy Birch (@TommyBirch) August 6, 2014
That’s nothing but great news for the Cyclones, who could have been left with zero players that had starting experience at defensive tackle.
Career starts: Brandon Jensen, 12. The rest of Iowa State’s DT’s? 0. #Cyclones
— Chris Williams (@ChrisMWilliams) August 6, 2014
The story isn’t much better for the rest of the defensive line. But Rhoads can see the promise in with a leader like Jensen (via Ames Tribune).
"“Training camp is hard for Brandon,” ISU coach Paul Rhoads said. “Brandon is a sweater. Brandon is a lose 10-plus-pounds-at-practice type of guy. He puts it back on, but he loses 10-plus during practice. Training camp is not a lot of fun, but I’m thrilled. “It’s a great joy to see his face out there and see him leading as well as playing hard.”"