What We Learned: Pre-Fall Camp Depth Chart

Prior to Iowa State meeting with the media today in Texas at the Big XII media days, Matt Campbell released the pre-fall depth chart. There are plenty of things to digest, but here are a few things that we learned.

First, let’s take a look at the depth chart itself.

No Quarterback Battle, Finally.

Iowa State will finally enter a fall camp without having major questions at the most important position on the field. Jacob Park is firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback for the 2017 season. If you want something to watch here, pay attention to who wins the backup job.

Offensive Line Battle.

Jake Campos is the starting at left tackle. There is no competition there. Bryce Meeker and Sean Foster will battle for the right tackle spot and it will be fun to watch unfold. The guard positions will also have some battles, with Josh Knipfel providing legitimate competition to either Oge Udeogu at right guard or Robby Garcia at left guard.

Marcel Spears Jr.

Some of you may be surprised to see Marcel Spears Jr. on top of the depth chart at one of the outside linebacker spots. I for one am not. In our spring game review, I listed Spears as a potential dark horse to start. If he has as strong of a fall as he did spring, he will be fun to watch along side Joel Lanning and Willie Harvey.

Kene Nwangwu

Kene Nwangwu was listed as the starting kick returner. Does this mean he will be ready to roll coming off his Achilles injury? Only time out in fall camp will really let us know how ready he is.

Spencer Benton vs Jaquan Bailey

Spring practice brought us a bit of a surprise battle for the starting Leo position. Jaquan Bailey had a bit of a down spring with injuries holding him back and Spencer Benton took full advantage. If Benton does not win the job, it will be great to have some depth at the position.

Reggie Wilkerson Starting For Now

There is no real surprise here, but the Georgia graduate transfer is starting alongside Kamari Cotton-Moya as of now. Redshirt freshman Lawrence White has been impressing the coaching staff though. If I were a betting man, Wilkerson will get the nod on day one.

Matt Leo In The Two Deeps.

Matt Leo is an interesting player for this Iowa State defense. He has all the physical attributes you could want for someone on the defensive line. Matt Campbell mentioned in the spring he was a bit behind rep wise. Today he is listed at number two at defensive tackle. Which is positive to see his development move this quickly.

*Stay tuned to WRNL for move coverage as fall camp quickly approaches.