Friday, November 10, 2006

Eilert Watches ISU and Eyes State Title

(This article originally appeared at iowastate.rivals.com.)

A key homegrown prospect in Iowa State's 2007 class still plans to be a Cyclone, but will visit other schools and meet with the Cyclones' new coach before making his final decision.

Will Eilert, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end from Grinnell, Iowa, will explore possible offers from UNI, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and others, but plans to delay a final decision until speaking with Dan McCarney's successor.

Eilert acknowledged yesterday that although he understood McCarney's reasons for leaving, Coach Mac had been the main reason for his commitment, making his departure very disappointing.

"My initial thought was that it kind of stunk," Eilert said. "I'd already grown really close to him and his staff. But he made me feel like it was the best decision for him, so I can't hold it against him."

According to Eilert, Cyclone assistant Chris Ash called him Wednesday morning with news of McCarney's imminent departure. Ash also told Eilert that "one or two assistants may stay on staff" but the majority were likely to depart with Coach Mac.

Eilert committed to the Cyclones in June 2006, before receiving offers from other schools. However, the absence of other offers was likely due more to his quick decision than a lack of potential. According to Eilert, an offer from Kansas seemed imminent, and interest was growing from Iowa and UNI. The Rivals database lists an offer from Wyoming, but the Cowboys aren't on Eilert's radar right now.

Eilert, the no. 6 rated prospect in Iowa and the nation's no. 50 defensive end, will lead his Grinnell team in to the Class 3-A semifinals at the UNI-Dome on Monday against Clear Lake. The winner will clash with the Humboldt/LeMars winner for the state title.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Commit Bass wants Straight Talker at ISU

(This article originally appeared at iowastate.rivals.com.)

A three-star JUCO running back commitment from the Cyclones' 2007 class says he's still commitment to Iowa State, but plans to visit several schools with competitive offers.

Jamicah Bass of Torrance (Calif.) El Camino College hasn't yet officially re-opened his recruitment, but said he was "basically heartbroken" at the news Dan McCarney would resign as coach of the Iowa State Cyclones.

"When I visited, he was real nice, he was real good to me," Bass said Wednesday night. "When Coach (Shawn) Simms told me the news today, it was really tough to handle."

With the coaching future of Iowa State uncertain, Bass - who goes by J.J. - plans to delay a final decision on his future until Jamie Pollard makes one on the future of the Cyclones. He is, however, wasting no time in exploring his other options. Bass has an official visit to Utah scheduled for the first weekend in December. He also plans to take post-Christmas visits to Arizona, Colorado and North Carolina State. All four schools have extended scholarship offers.

Bass, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound all-purpose back with roots in Orlando, Fla., committed to the Cyclones and Coach Simms in September. At the time, Simms said, there was no doubt he saw Ames as the place for him.

"I like the town, its real low-key," Bass said. "I liked the place and I liked the coaches."

According to Bass, Simms had spoken for weeks of the possibility of coaching changes. The talk had apparently intensified in recent days, in sync with the Cyclones' struggles on the field, with Simms advising Bass that a change was likely imminent. Exactly when Simms first was certain that a change would occur is uncertain.

Bass did leave open, however, the possibility that he may still attend Iowa State. The way the new Cyclone coach communicates with Bass will likely be the key to retaining his commitment.

"I like a coach who talks to you straight," Bass said. "A lot of these coaches talk to you like you're gonna be a super star right away, and I know they're talking to me sideways. I like a coach that I can tell is talking straight. Coach Mac was one of those guys."

Monday, November 06, 2006

Jordan Not Swayed by ISU's Struggles

(This article originally appeared at iowastate.rivals.com.)

Despite this season's struggles, Iowa State's defense has made a big impression on a versatile, big-hitting linebacker prospect from Greenhill (Tex.) Alvin Jordan, a FB/MLB who most project as a MLB in college, said John Skladany's unit is one on which he seems himself fitting in.

"There's just something about the way they play," Jordan said. "They were real close to playing for a Big XII title two years in a row, and I really see myself fitting in there."

There's one Cyclone linebacker to which Jordan's been paying special attention.

"I really like watching Alvin Bowen out there, and see myself ending up playing a lot like him. I can take a lot of contact, I can get outside and checkdown, and I can bring the power from sideline to sideline."

Jordan, Greenhill's leader in tackles and sacks, considers Iowa State and Arkansas his top two choices, despite not yet receiving an offer from either. Jordan does have offers in tow from UL-Monroe and Wyoming, but it appears that the Cyclones and Hogs still interest him the most.

According to Jordan, Arkansas Assistant Coach James Shibest told Greenhill Head Coach Blake Ware that Jordan might be a DE for the Razorbacks. The information surprised Jordan, but the indication of his versatility should be a surprise to no one.

4.6 40 speed and a body already carrying a solid 6-foot-2, 225 pound frame has enabled Jordan to be effective both in the middle and on the edge. Jordan has also carried the load for Greenhill at FB, rushing for 1,300 yards and 13 TD this season.

Jordan's dual talents impressed coaches at the Texas A & M camp last summer, where he enjoyed the challenge of matching up with some of the nation's best RBs. Jordan had high marks in particular for Charles Opeyesitan, a recent Tulsa commit, calling him "an amazing, extra special player."

With Iowa State and Arkansas running neck-and-neck, the Cyclones' frequent games in Texas could give them an edge in landing Jordan. "It would be nice if my family could watch me on TV," Jordan said. "But if I was in the Big XII, they'd be able to watch me in person. That would be great."

Jordan has no definitive timeline for a decision, but with Greenhill's season recently concluded, a verdict could come at any time.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

ISU In Top Two for RB Hunter

(This article originally appeared at iowastate.rivals.com.)

Iowa State is in the top two for a Texas running back on the verge of chasing down a legend. Tyler (Tex.) John Tyler product Kendall Hunter is within just a few yards of breaking the career rushing record at John Tyler, a mark set by none other than Earl Campbell.

"It feels pretty good," the 5-foot-9, 185-pound speedy Hunter said Monday. "I try to just think about winning and not worry about it too much…but it feels really good."

John Tyler has already locked up a playoff spot, and according to Hunter, Iowa State and Oklahoma State are the front runners for his services. The Cyclones and Cowboys want Hunter to play running back, and that wish has elevated them above Kansas State, where the staff sees Hunter as a cornerback.

Hunter's future at RB was questionable after a junior year ankle injury that prematurely ended his season, but a strong recovery has left Hunter and his suitors feeling confident about his running ability.

In addition to ISU, OSU and KSU, Hunter has offers from Iowa, UTEP, Purdue and Baylor. He will visit ISU and OSU once his season is over.

Thursday, November 02, 2006

DE Coleman Will Watch ISU-KU Closely

(This article originally appeared at iowastate.rivals.com.)

Houston (Tex.) Cypress Falls defensive end Stedmann Coleman has made an impact this season with his ferocious pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. When the two colleges pursuing him the hardest clash this weekend in Ames, Coleman will be watching.

(This article originally appeared on iowastate.rivals.com.)

Coleman, a 6-foot-2, 255-pound strongside DE, picked up his second scholarship offer this week, from Louisiana Tech, to go with one already in hand from Iowa State. Despite the two offers, he still insists that he's getting the most attention from Kansas, and places the Jayhawks alongside the Cyclones in naming his top choices.

"They call every week, and they play a real aggressive style of defense," Coleman said of Mangino's Jayhawks. "I really like to play in an attacking defense."

Despite paying a close eye to the Jayhawks fortunes, Iowa State still represents his first offer and most likely destination.

"I've been watching them, too," the Eagles' DE said of Mike Nelson's defensive line. "I love the way their coaches act on the field, and they seem to rotate a lot of players in and out."

In addition to the attention from Big 12 country, Coleman is also talking with TCU, SMU and Texas State about a possible future there.

A day before ISU and Kansas collide on the field, Coleman's Cypress Falls squad will battle Jersey Village for a district title in Texas' class 5A. The Eagles have already locked up a playoff spot, but this weekend's clash will anoint a district champion.

According to Coleman, a win over Jersey Village will place Cypress Falls in a favorable draw, with some relatively weak competition early on, and a likely fourth-round matchup with powerhouse Katy.