The Cyclones didn’t have to look far to locate a quarterback recruit. Local athlete and Ames High School star Austen Arnaud has made a verbal commitment to play football for Iowa State in the 2006 season.

“Iowa State seemed like the right place for me to go,” Arnaud said.

Arnaud has more of a connection to Cyclone football than just living in Ames. Arnaud’s father, John, played in the Cyclones’ secondary in the early 1980s.

Ames High School football coach Bruce Vertanen was very positive about Arnaud, both as a player and as a future Cyclone.

“Austen is all about Ames High, and very concerned for the team,” Vertanen said. “He has always been a team player.”

Arnaud’s commitment to Iowa State came as he was being heavily recruited by teams all across the country. Arnaud said he had received interest from the University of Iowa, University of Houston, Michigan, Virginia as well as Big-12 North rivals Kansas State and Nebraska.

“Iowa State was the first to offer me a scholarship, so I figured I would stay loyal,” Arnaud said.

Arnaud is known for his athleticism and mobile quarterbacking style, similar to that of incumbent Cyclone starter Bret Meyer.

“Meyer was a big factor in Austen’s decision,” Vertanen said. “They met for lunch and Austen really liked Meyer. Austen said, ‘We have so much in common,’ referring to being multi-sport athletes and playing with similar styles.”

“Bret is a real cool guy,” Arnaud said of Meyer. “Bret will be one of the top quarterbacks in the Big 12, and possibly the country, and I am looking forward to learning from him.”

Arnaud could receive a redshirt his first year on the team with Meyer likely returning for his junior season.

“That would definitely be a possibility I will discuss with Coach McCarney,” Arnaud said.

“I trust they will make the right decision,” Vertanen said.