2016 Iowa State Football Recruiting Class and Look Ahead

With the 2015 season set to kick off in less than two weeks for Cyclone Nation, why not skip ahead to this time next August? Even though Iowa State has as many total commitments (five) as TCU has in the ESPN Top 300 to this point, that doesn't mean that ISU won't have some quality talent coming to Ames in 2016.

For highlights of all of Iowa State's current commitments, be sure to check out this preview.

Current Commitments

Jake Hansen

The 6-foot-1 linebacker from Tarpon Springs, Florida chose the Cyclones over offers from Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Army and Air Force. Even after breaking his hand in his junior year, he was still able to record 111 tackles for his team. Those type of heroics sound almost "Jake Knott-esque," and that should be music to the ears of Cyclone fans, looking for a return to the days of a stellar linebacking corps.

Carson Lensing

The only Iowa boy to commit to Paul Rhoads so far for the class of 2016 is none other than Carson Lensing. While competing for South Winneshiek High School, Lensing has played tight end and defensive end for the Warriors. At 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, Lensing was able to be a productive blocking tight end as well as being able to get behind the third line of defense for big gains downfield. Lensing even posted on Twitter saying "Childhood dream achieved!" when he signed with ISU. Let's hope he can help make Cyclone fans' dreams come true, too.

Dennis Wonnum

Back in June, ISU was able to land Georgia tight end/defensive end Dennis Wonnum. For a man of his size, Wonnum can certainly get out and move, and by move I mean rumblin, bumblin and stumblin. Just like Lensing, Wonnum is also solid in the blocking game with his 6-foot-3, 218 pound frame. A key factor for Wonnum in making his decision was the school's engineering program. He definitely picked a good one for that in Iowa State, and being able to play in a power five conference had to have been the cherry on top.

Chris Booker

The opposite of ISU's top three receivers right now - none of which are shorter than 6-2 - is Chris Booker. The speedy 5-foot-10 receiver from Dodge City Community College in Kansas chose the Cyclones over offers from Arkansas State and Southern Miss. Booker led Dodge City in receptions, yards and tied for the lead in touchdown receptions in 2014. With Quenton Bundrage gone after this season, Booker could be an excellent compliment to Allen Lazard and D'Vario Montgomery in 2016.

Kamal Hardy

After turning down offers from Indiana, Ohio, Tulsa and the fighting Dan McCarneys (North Texas), Hardy chose ISU in early July. The hard-hitting corner from Monroe Community College had 28 tackles, 18 pass break-ups and a blocked punt in 2014.

With those five locked down as commitments, let's also take a look at some targets who could grace Jack Trice Stadium in 2016.

Current Targets

Carlos Becker

The 6-foot-3, 180 pound safety from Kissimmee, Florida is scheduled to visit Ames on October 15. Becker can play over the top and disrupt the passing game, but also make an impact in the backfield, getting to the opponent's quarterback and running back. Becker also has offers and visits scheduled with NC State and Wisconsin.

Jerrion Nelson

Coming from the awful state of Missouri, Jerrion Nelson has made major impacts for Battle High School in Columbia. During his high school career, the 6-foot-2, 255 pound defensive end has collected 101 total tackles, 12.5 sacks and 32 tackles for loss. Although Nelson hasn't officially made a visit to Ames, the Cyclones are near the top of his list alongside Purdue, Bowling Green and Toledo. What a better way to secure Nelson for next season than to take down the Rockets in Toledo?

Markell Simmons

At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, Markell Simmons is a safety that can come in and make a push for a starting spot. Currently playing at Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona, Simmons has received offers from Oregon State, Utah, Washington State, Colorado State among others.

While having only five recruits committed right now may have some of Cyclone Nation nervous - do not fret. With names like Nelson, Simmons and Becker on CPR's radar, there is some great potential on the horizon for Rhoads and his crew.