He’s got the breakout speed, and now he’s starting to find his groove.

Alexander Robinson has suddenly become a force in Iowa State’s backfield, totaling three touchdowns on 46 carries over the last two games.

His 149-yard performance at Missouri helped him burst onto the scene, and he followed that up with a two-touchdown showing last week against Kansas State.

Robinson, however, attributed his success to the team’s effort.

“I think it was around the first quarter, I kind of got into a little groove,” Robinson said. “We were moving the ball as a team, as an offense, we were really moving the ball and the defense was getting some stops and things.”

That kind of attitude, coupled with Robinson’s raw athletic ability, offers the ISU football team plenty to become excited about in the near future.

Despite seeing very limited playing time prior to the Missouri game, ISU coach Gene Chizik said he brings plenty to the table for the Cyclones, especially in areas where the other tailbacks sometimes tend to lack.

“One thing that Alex has got, he’s a very good athlete,” Chizik said. “He’s got the ability to make people miss, which I thought we were lacking.”

In addition to his running ability, Robinson showed some good hands against the Wildcats, catching five passes for 75 yards, including a 35-yard reception. With his offense in check, however, Chizik said Robinson needs to buckle down and get down to the nitty gritty.

“He’s got a long ways to go to complete his game in the blocking phase, in the protection phase; he’s got a long way to go to develop his whole game,” Chizik said. “When it comes to him putting his hands on the ball and being able to play in open space, I think that’s where he’s gained a lot of ground in the last two weeks.”

As the Cyclones build toward next season, Robinson is prepared to help the team improve as it grows.

“We’re just going to work hard to finish off this season right, get some momentum going into next year, and our winter training and things, and just try to keep things rolling,” Robinson said.