When Iowa State hired former Nebraska offensive coordinator Barney Cotton to be its offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, he brought with him not just a world of experience — he came with a present for his new boss Dan McCarney.

Cotton helped ink offensive lineman Brandon Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 285-pound Rushville, Neb., native, whom he coached in Nebraska football camps.

The hiring of Cotton and new quarterbacks coach Todd Fitch helped put Iowa State over the top with several recruits.

“They really helped us on a few kids, especially Barney with Brandon Johnson, a young man from Nebraska,” McCarney said.

“We would not have signed him without Barney Cotton coming to our program. He was in their camp in Nebraska last year and is a steal as far as we’re concerned.”

Thanks to his inside knowledge, Cotton was able to lure Johnson out of Nebraska and into Cyclone country.

“He was a guy that I worked with last June in one of Nebraska’s camps,” Cotton said. “I liked his work ethic and he is a real successful wrestler.

“We’re excited about his toughness. He’s a big, raw, strong guy.”

Cotton was the offensive coordinator last season on a Nebraska team that went 10-3 overall and beat Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl.

New Huskers coach Bill Callahan fired Cotton last month, preferring to bring in his own coordinator.

— Grant Wall