By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com Publisher Follow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams
Iowa State’s first practice of 2011 ended 45 minutes short on Friday as a massive downpour went through Ames at around 4 p.m.
Even so, Paul Rhoads said that the Cyclones got some quality work in.
"We only missed 10 snaps today," Rhoads said. "That was with all of the newcomer guys. That can easily be made up down the stretch with the ones, twos and threes."
The Cyclones didn’t look like the 1985 Chicago Bears in practice No. 1, but that’s to be expected. Rhoads said that the effort was definitely there.
"I haven’t walked onto a practice field once in the fall and not expected things to be perfect and always walk away disappointed because of the sluggishness and so forth," Rhoads said. "They were working hard to give good effort but when you haven’t played football and been coached at 11-on-11 since April 16, that is a long time. Typically sluggish but nothing to be dissatisfied with."
Depth at DT
On Friday morning, the Iowa State football program announced that freshman Oni Omoile has moved from offensive line to defensive tackle. Moving Omoile, who stands at 6-foot-3, 280-pounds, to the defensive side of the football was a reactionary move by the coaching staff based off of other roster situations.
For instance, freshman Quinton Pompey recently had knee surgery and will not be available for training camp. On top of that, JUCO transfer Henry Simon still isn’t on campus and the staff is uncertain of his future due to academics.
"He (Omoile) has all of the athleticism that he needs to play the position," Rhoads said. It could be a permanent home for him if he excels. If Henry makes it, he could be sliding right back to offensive line as quick as that takes place."
True freshmen playing
Rhoads told reporters that as of now, he doesn’t have a time table in mind to decide which, if any freshmen will play in 2011.
"I don’t know if there is anybody targeted other than Jevohn Miller, just because he was here during spring ball and is ahead of everybody else," Rhoads said. "You’re looking for anybody to catch your eye. We’ve got more depth on both lines."
"I don’t anticipate anybody putting themselves in a position to play as true freshmen. But I’m not going to count anybody out. That will become more apparent on Sunday when we put shoulder pads on for the first time."
The Cyclones will next hit the practice field on Saturday.
