Spring practice is an important time for every college football team but even more so when a new coaching staff is involved. New Iowa State coach Gene Chizik is getting a first hand look at the Cyclones who have passed the midway point of spring drills.

Chizik says he needs to find out who the players are, and says it’s a learning time where they can get acquainted with the players. At the halfway point, he says they have a better idea of where they are right now.

After spending a lot of time watching film Chizik says it is good to finally have the players on the field so they can be evaluated. He says players grow and spring ball allows him to make evaluations that don’t include preconceived notions from the film.

Chizik says while this spring is being used for an overall look at the team there are a few areas of special concern. He says they have a tall order in filling in the offensive line, finding depth in the defensive line. Chizik says it’s the same thing all programs go through in the spring as they try to develop the team.

Chizik says he was pleased with the Cyclones first scrimmage last Saturday which included about 90 plays.