COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 16

Earlier this week, we detailed the opportunity in front of Hakeem Butler as he looks to become a key playmaker for Iowa State in 2017. Well, Butler is not the only Cyclone pass catcher who has turned heads during fall camp.

Senior wideout Marchie Murdock has also drawn rave reviews from teammates and coaches for the improvements he has made since arriving on campus just before fall camp last season. The former Illinois transfer made it to Ames only two days before fall camp in 2016, putting him behind the eight-ball in terms of preparing for his first season with the Cyclones.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Arlington, Texas native caught two passes for 29 yards while playing in nine games for the Cyclones last season. He tallied 20 receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games, including five starts, for the Fighting Illini in 2015.

Who knows how much Murdock will figure into the equation for Iowa State’s stacked receiving core this season, but he is just another weapon at Jacob Park’s disposal.