Iowa State football: 10 emerging players from the Cyclones' 2019 roster

AMES, Ia. — The Iowa State football team returns eight starters on offense. The Cyclones also return eight on defense. And a total of 26 players on Iowa State's roster have some sort of starting experience for the Cyclones. 

Despite all that experience coming back in 2019, it doesn't mean others on Iowa State's roster can't help in big ways. In fact, a group of fresh faces and up-and-coming players could have a major impact for the Cyclones this season. 

Here's a look at 10 emerging players on Iowa State's roster in 2019. 

Justin Bickham, defensive back, redshirt senior

Bickham, a graduate transfer from Rice, already has a ton of experience. He’s played in 22 games the last two seasons, earning 18 starts. Just last season, he led the team with a career-high 10 pass breakups. Bickham also tallied 30 total tackles, including 24 solo stops. He’s made such a strong impression at Iowa State that he’s already battling with Braxton Lewis and Tory Spears for the starting strong safety spot.

"He's really gone out there and is making a lot of plays," said Iowa State safeties coach D.K. McDonald. "So it's been fun to watch. He's created a lot of competition in our room, which is good. It's what we needed." 

Trevor Downing, offensive lineman, redshirt freshman

Downing was once one of the biggest recruits in the state. He was ranked the third-best player in Iowa by 247Sports and fifth-best by Rivals. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Downing got his feet wet last season, playing in two games. That should change considerably this season. Even with all the experience Iowa State returns to the offensive line this season, Downing should be right in the mix for a starting spot the first week.

"He's a tough physical kid," said Iowa State offensive coordinator Tom Manning. "He's exactly what we thought he would be. He's done just a tremendous job." 

Breece Hall, running back, freshman

Iowa State has to find a way to replace star running back David Montgomery.  Hall, despite being a true freshman, is one of the top candidates. He’s not only battling for the starting running back spot but should get substantial snaps right out of the gate — and for good reason. Hall was a four-star recruit out of high school and ran for 2,127 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior. He helped his cause by graduating high school early and enrolling at Iowa State in January.

"Very impressed by him. Breece has done a really good job picking up the offense. Obliviously coming in early has really helped him," Manning said.

Will McDonald, linebacker, redshirt freshman

McDonald was almost too hard to keep off the field last season. He played in four games but was still able to redshirt. During those four games, he tallied three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble while playing defense end. McDonald moved to linebacker this season and despite his inexperience picking up football in high school, he’s adjusted to the position well. He’s already listed at the top of the depth chart and has been buzzing with pro potential ever since he stepped on campus.

"He shows some great signs of things to come," said Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock.

Zach Petersen, defensive end, sophomore

Petersen appeared in four games on special teams, tallying eight tackles including two in the Alamo Bowl. But the 6-4, 262-pound Petersen will see even more time this season. He’s already listed as JaQuan Bailey’s backup, and with how Iowa State likes to rotate players in and out to keep them fresh, Petersen is sure to see plenty of playing time this season.

"Zach's had a good summer," said Iowa State defensive line coach Eli Rasheed. "Zach knew that he had to get bigger. Now he's 262. He's done a good job. He's ready." 

La’Michael Pettway, wide receiver, redshirt senior

Pettway was brought in to bring some experience to Iowa State’s young wide receiver room. The grad transfer from Rice is coming off a season that saw him tally 30 catches for four touchdowns and a team-high 499 yards. But experience isn’t the only thing he brings. Pettway, who checks in at 6-2 and 223 pounds, has size, which Iowa State loves out of its wide receivers. It should come in handy with big man Hakeem Butler gone along with some other talented receivers from last season.

"Having a guy that has experience, it's always good to add that into a room," Iowa State wide receivers coach Nate Scheelhaase said.

Joe Rivera, punter, redshirt junior

Rivera played in 13 games last season as Iowa State’s holder on field goals and PATs. But his role for the 2019 season drastically changed when starting punter Corey Dunn went down with an injury. Rivera did see action last season in the Drake game, averaging 38.0 yards on two punts. He even booted one 46 yards. The strong showing in that game led to him grabbing the lead for the starting spot when Dunn got hurt.

"I've just got to be and stay consistent," Rivera said. "That's the biggest thing that I'm working on, and just making sure that I'm delivering good balls and making the best out of it." 

Joseph Scates, wide receiver, redshirt freshman

The Cyclones have been more than patient with Scates. They stuck by Scates in high school while he worked to get his grades up. They even stuck with him after he was suspended twice as a true freshman. Now, that patience could be rewarded. Scates has shined during camp and has turned heads during Iowa State’s scrimmages. It’s not a surprise, though. Had Scates’ grades been in order, the four-star recruit — who caught 37 passes for 966 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2017 — would have been even more sought after by colleges. All the adversity he faced during his freshman made him grow. 

"That helped me a lot," Scates said. "It humbled me. It made me see the reality of life. I would just say mindset has grown." 

Dylan Soehner, tight end, redshirt junior

Soehner has seen playing time already, appearing in 13 games in 2017 and another 13 in 2018. He even made two starts last season. But the bulk of his playing time came on special teams and in power running packages. Soehner’s role could change considerably this season, though. He's got a special skillset as a strong blocker and ball catcher. And at 6-7, 270 pounds, Soehner could be a mismatch nightmare for teams in a lot of ways like Sam Seonbuchner was for Iowa State last season.

"Probably midway through the spring, he probably was the guy that was the catalyst of what we were doing at times offensively," said Iowa State coach Matt Campbell. 

Darren Wilson, wide receiver, sophomore

Wilson, a junior college transfer, hasn’t wasted any time turning heads. During Big 12 media days, Campbell said Wilson could be among the fastest players in the program. Wilson was ranked the 74th overall junior college player according to 247Sports. He’s coming off a season where he caught 20 passes for 390 yards in 10 games. With Iowa State’s wide receiver room looking to replace a ton of talent, Wilson should get plenty of opportunities.

"He’s a kid that has come in and not just been a new guy that’s trying to find his way,” Scheelhaase said. “I feel like the first day he came here, he really fit in with our guys and fit in with their beliefs and what they’re about. That part alone is obvious to us as coaches and obvious to the players when you come in like that.”