Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of articles focusing on the different positions up for grabs.

The Cyclones’ special teams unit is taking a focused approach to its duties this year.

In fact, don’t call them special teams. They prefer “special forces.”

“Special forces is our special teams unit,” said ISU special teams coach Jay Boulware. “The guys have done a good job committing themselves to our team.”

You can see that firsthand if you take a trip over to the football offices. Chances are you’ll bump into more than one player wearing an “ISU Special Forces” shirt in their effort for renewed focus on the special teams aspect of games.

“Attack is our kickoff return team,” said receiver Todd Blythe. “Ambush is our kickoff team, just stuff like that.

“[Special teams] is an important part of the game. Everyone has to do their part.”

Boulware said the fact that Blythe, an All-Big 12 receiver, is participating in special teams is an illustration of the dedication to special teams by the team.

“Todd’s done a great job committing himself to this football team,” Boulware said. “It’s pretty nice when you have an All-Big 12 football player committing himself and contributing on special teams because that makes a statement. Coach Chizik has told all the guys that’s what we’re about.”

Boulware said it’s been made clear that anybody and everybody on the team is going to be eligible to play on the special forces unit, no matter who they are: starters, walk-ons, whoever.

“Nobody is exempt from special teams,” Boulware said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re All-Conference, whatever, you’re going to play on special teams if you can help us.

“I know there are a number of teams that play with starters on special teams. We’re not going to be any different. We’ll put guys where we need them; we’re only as strong as our weakest link. If we can use that last guy on the team we’re going to put him out there.”

Iowa State’s special teams last year generally put together a good effort, ranking 42th in the nation on kickoff return defense, 49th in punt return defense and 36th in punt returns.

The Cyclones, however, had a glaring hole on kickoff return yardage, checking in at 92nd in the country.

This year, with a new rule pushing kickoffs back five yards to increase the amount of returns, Iowa State is desperate for improvement.

“There’s always an added emphasis on special teams,” Boulware said. “With the ball going back a little bit further, you’re going to want to spend a little more time on preparation, because most of the kicks are going to be returned.

“The kickoff return teams I’ve coached have always been good and we’re excited to get to return some this year.”

The men doing the kicking for Iowa State appear to be set, with placekicker Bret Culbertson returning as well as punter Mike Brandtner.

Culbertson, 28-37 career on field goals and 74-74 on extra points, said he feels great and is ready for a big senior season.

“I’ve been kicking a lot pre-spring. I feel like I’m on pace,” Culbertson. “I definitely think I feel more technically sound than previous springs and there’s a lot of talent [at the kicking position]. The guys are pushing me in practice, and I’m just trying to practice like I’m behind too.”

As for kickoffs, Culbertson said the decision hasn’t been made as to who will handle the duties, but he said it’s clear the NCAA rule makers are out to get kickers.

“It’s still up in the air, who is going to do the kickoffs,” Culbertson said. “[Moving the kickoffs back] is fine. It doesn’t bother me I’m just going to keep striking the ball like I have.

“Just last year they told us we couldn’t use as big of a tee. We had to go from a two-inch to a one-inch tee and now they move us back this year. There’s just no love for the kickers.”

This article is part of a series. This is the previous story.