AMES – We’ll likely see Iowa State’s first football depth chart Tuesday. Analyze it at your own risk, considering depth charts everywhere have about as much credibility as recruit ratings.
In the Cyclones’ instance, don’t be shocked if the starting running back is Cartevious Norton OR Eli Sanders. Ditto the quarterback: Rocco Becht OR J.J. Kohl. Kicker? Jace Gilbert OR Chase Contreraz OR Keegan Shackford.
Based on conversations with some coaches, and on which players have been made available to the media, here’s an unofficially unofficial starting lineup projection (not the entire depth chart) for Saturday’s 1 p.m. game against Northern Iowa at Jack Trice Stadium.
Quarterback
(Projected starter in bold)
Who starts at quarterback for Iowa State, true freshman J.J. Kohl (pictured) or redshirt freshman Rocco Becht?
Rocco Becht, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound redshirt freshman has at least played, albeit just three games and 15 pass attempts. True freshman J.J. Kohl will play in as many games as possible, but starting a college rookie in a season-opening game (and a week later against Iowa, even) might be asking a lot.
Running back
(Projected starter in bold)
More: Peterson: Iowa State needs tailback Cartevious Norton to stay healthy this season
This is a tossup, so let’s give Cartevious Norton the smidge of a starting edge. He wasn’t totally healthy during the spring, after coming off a hamstring injury, but he’s had a strong fall. Eli Sanders, a 6-foot, 205-pounder, has flashed in camp, too. He had 91 yards on seven carries in the 2022 season finale against TCU, and he played in the spring game. Interestingly, both were available for interviews two weeks ago. Flip a coin.
Offensive line
(Projected starters in bold)
Who will join Jarrod Hufford on Iowa State’s starting offensive line?
The projected starters have 73…
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