Paul Rhoads (file photo)

Paul Rhoads (file photo)

Iowa State football coach Paul Rhoads hopes the Cyclone offense can make bigger strides in the second spring practice under offensive coordinator Mark Mangino.

ISU ranked eighth in the Big 12 last season by averaging just over 23 points per game. “I think there are certain parts of it that allow us to take bigger steps, at the same time there’s other pieces…the runningback group is basically fresh faces and that doesn’t allow you to leap like you would like to,” Rhoads says.

Allen Lazard caught 45 passes during his freshmen season and Rhoads believes Lazard could become the top receiver in the Big-12. “He’s not a break away speed type of guy, but that doesn’t prohibit him from getting open against anybody just because of his pure size and his ability to go up and catch it,” Rhoads says. “He will be a featured player in what we do, and people will know it, but he still should have success.”

The Cyclones close out spring drills with an intrasquad game on April 11th.