Jacob Park
Quarterback, #10
The former Elite 11 quarterback has revived Iowa State’s offense in his first season as a primary collegiate starter. In the Cyclones’ three contests, Park has posted 935 passing yards alongside eight touchdowns with just two interceptions. The junior quarterback has led Matt Campbell’s offense to at least 41 points in all three outings this season.
Park entered the matchup late against Texas last season, completing seven of just 13 attempts. But the signal caller showed positive progression toward the end of the season. In a 66-10 rout against Texas Tech, Park completed 14 of 18 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns. The Cyclone passing offense looks as strong as ever through a quarter of the 2017 season, and there is valid reason to believe the team can keep up offensively with the Big 12’s bevy of scoring juggernauts.
David Montgomery
Running back, #32
The Cyclones’ rushing attack has been adept thus far, creating a two-toned offense in Ames, Iowa. The engineer behind the team’s breakout running game is sophomore David Montgomery. Montgomery, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, is averaging triple-digits per game on the ground. He has accumulated 321 yards over three weeks, scoring at least once in each outing.
The halfback complements his running ability with his increased role in the passing game. Montgomery has tallied 10 receptions this season, recording 99 yards on passes from Park. In his second year at Ames, Matt Campbell — the head coach who developed breakout Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt — has added a talented addition to the offense in Montgomery, who is more than capable of tearing up a Texas defense that allowed 263 rushing yards to Maryland.
Allen Lazard
Wide Receiver, #5
Lazard stood as the lone 1,000-yard receiver on the Cyclones roster in 2016. The senior wide receiver caught 69 passes and scored a team-high seven
touchdowns during last season’s campaign. Through three games this season, Lazard has recorded 19 receptions and 178 receiving yards — adding three touchdowns to his stat-line.
Lazard caught seven passes for 65 yards in Austin last season. Along with his fellow members of the receiving corps, Lazard must fight against a Texas secondary that has scored a touchdown in all three of its games this season.
Joel Lanning
Inside linebacker, #7
Lanning started at quarterback in Iowa State’s 27-6 loss to Texas in Austin last season. Although he no longer lines up under center, he continues to make a crucial impact on the team from the inside linebacker position.
In just three games as a defender, Lanning has already checked off recording a tackle, sack, pass deflection and interception on the stat sheet. The 6-foot-2-inch, 230 pound senior ranks second on the team in tackles with 26, showing impressive adaptability after an unusual position change.
