The start of 2014 spring football brought about a lot of changes for Iowa State.

There are seven new position coaches on the ISU football team’s coaching staff this season. But for the ISU defense, new position coaches are not the only changes it will have to adjust to.

Iowa State and its new coaches will have new starters in almost every defensive line position. One constant, however, for the Cyclones is senior Cory Morrissey. He is the only veteran defensive end and, as a result, ISU coach Paul Rhoads said the defense would rely heavily on his leadership this season.

“I would say right now that he’s put it upon his shoulders to be a key leader on the entire defense not just the defensive end group,” Rhoads said. “He’s doing a very nice job of that. He’s got the maturity to handle that. He’s got the intelligence to handle that.”

Morrissey will have his work cut out for him if he wants to take on a leadership role this season because he’ll be working with such a young defense. Morrissey is not only the sole defensive end with starting experience but the lone returning starter on the defensive line as well this spring.

“I’m stepping up and doing what the teams needs right now for my experience level on the team,” Morrissey said. “Now it’s the guys that are stepping up to the plate next and I feel like it’s my turn to let everyone know what needs to happen and how things should be.”

Redshirt freshman J.D. Waggoner — who has no playing experience at Iowa State — is listed behind Morrissey. Sophomore defensive end Mitchell Meyers played in all 12 games last season but has also never started.

Junior defensive end Gabe Luna — who was an early transfer from Butler Community College — said Morrissey has helped with his transition to Iowa State this spring

“[Morrissey] is a great guy. He’s helped me out. He keeps my head on straight. He notices sometimes when I get frustrated that I shouldn’t be,’” Luna said. “That’s the reason why [he’s] going to be a captain on the team. He doesn’t just support our defensive ends. He supports everyone else.”

Defensive ends coach Stan Eggen also thinks Morrissey can have an effect outside of just his position group this season. He said Morrissey’s leadership could transcend not only the defense but the entire team.

“[Morrissey] wants to lead by example, which is the best way. But also understand ‘let’s raise the standards, our expectation level,” Eggen said. “’Let’s not lower what we’re doing here.’ And it’s contagious. Not only with the defensive ends, with the entire defense and it can be with the team.”