A series of knee injuries has ended the football career of Iowa State center Mike Knapp. The West Des Moines native started the first four games of the 2008 season before suffering a season ending knee injury.
Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads says this will hurt their depth on the offensive line, as he says Knapp’s presence made a big impact and losing him is not something they can afford. Rhoads says the decision was reached after consultation with the medical staff. He says they looked at Knapp’s ability to return and play full strength versus what he would be like after football.
Knapp is one of two Cyclones who ended their career due to knee injury. The other is reserve receiver Alex Sandvig. The Cyclones close out spring drills this weekend with an intrasquad game and Rhoads says while the drills have been productive there is still a long way to go.
Rhoads says a player can never be frustrated, as that holds them back, but at the same time he says you can’t be satisfied with where you are at, or you are not moving forward.
Rhoads says all the players are ready for a game-like situation building from week one to the end of spring drills. He says by week 3 it is a grind, but the spring game gives them something to look forward to. Rhoads says the spring game will feature the first team offense against the first team defense and the second team offense against the second team defense.