Need to know nuggets from Tuesday’s Rhoads presser

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AMES — Paul Rhoads held his annual pre-spring game press conference on Tuesday. Here are some quick hit, need to know nuggets from the event. Check out CycloneFanatic.com all week long for more spring football coverage as well.

JOTTINGS

*** The race to become Iowa State’s starting kicker in 2013 is currently a “dead heat.” 

*** Rhoads said that despite sophomore Sam Richardson being No. 1 on Iowa State’s depth chart at quarterback, redshirt freshman Grant Rohach has seen a high amount of reps this spring as well.

 “Grant and Sam have gotten probably an equal number of reps, maybe separated by a dozen or so through 11 practices,” said Rhoads. “We have gotten to see both, evaluate both and want to get them timing with all of the receivers so they are used to that, both quarterbacks and receivers.”

*** Don’t expect to see any of Iowa State’s possible two tight end set during Saturday’s Cyclone Gridiron Club Spring Game. 

“We have been very banged up at the tight end position all spring,” said Rhoads. “You won’t see a lot of two tight end offense on Saturday. How much we get to that in the fall just depends on how much we like it and how it comes along.”

Rhoads noted that Ernst Brun, E.J. Bibbs and Ben Bosen have all fought injuries this spring. In addition to that, Pierce Richardson has not practiced at all.

However, Rhoads assured attending media that we will get a decent look at this “Pistol” offense.

“The “Pistol “offense has been integrated but more part of our zone-read package,” said Rhoads. “You could see a good bit of it more on Saturday and certainly more in the fall of 2013 as well.”

*** Rhoads offered up some additional information regarding senior Jeff Woody’s new role within the offense…

“Jeff Woody has had three straight days of really making us a better offense, making us a better football team by doing a number of different things, things he really hasn’t done at all or to a level that we need him two in the three previous years,” said Rhoads. “That’s physical blocking, moving around, motion as an H-back and even lining up in a traditional tight end location.”

*** For those planning to attend Saturday’s scrimmage that will begin at 2 p.m., here’s a look at what it will consist.

“Spring game format will be very similar to the previous four years,” said Rhoads. “The scoreboard will really be irrelevant as we go through it. It will be an offense vs. defense scrimmage, not unlike what we have done the previous two Saturday’s. There will be very little kicking involved. We will kick field goals. We will kick PAT’s. Sometimes we will do them two at a time. We’re just looking forward to another opportunity to get better as a football program and not worried about a winner and loser as it is concluded.”