Another spring afternoon, another intense football practice for head football coach Dan McCarney’s crew.

It’s toward the end of the day, with the sun falling on the red and white jerseys that dot the practice field.

McCarney calls for “high and hard.” The situation is first and goal at the four-yard line. Seneca Wallace, Iowa State’s starting quarterback, drops back and hands the ball off to a running back.

In the blink of an eye, the red is swallowed by the defensive white jerseys. The defensive line, including junior-to-be Jordan Carstens, stuffs the play for no gain.

The Cyclones are looking for more of that next fall when they open the 2002 season. For now, it’s spring ball, and lots of preparation.

So far, it’s going as planned.

“We’re coming along,” Carstens said. “We’ve got some young guys that we’re trying to bring around, just like any spring. When you’ve got young guys, you try to get them adjusted to Big 12 football. Hopefully by the end of the spring, you’ve got everybody working as a team.”

Those “young guys” include letter-winner Tim TeBrink, as well as Cephus Johnson, Andy Leaders, Brent Nelson and Rico Samuel.

Defensive coordinator John Skladany said he’s been happy with the progress he’s seen so far.

“We’ve got two guys at each spot that are battling for the job,” Skladany said. “That’s the nature of college football. They’re getting better each practice.”

Specifically, Skladany said redshirt sophomore Brent Nelson has been a nice surprise and linebacker Andy Leaders has put on 20 pounds since last season.

He said the Cyclones are working on building up depth for the rugged Big 12 season.

Depth shouldn’t be a problem with the linebacking corps. Matt Word, who notched 106 tackles last season, Jeremy Loyd and Chris Whitaker will handle the job.

Carstens said the speed of the defensive line is also a main point of focus this spring.

Linebacker Tyson Smith said the speed will make up for the fact that the Cyclones are a little undersized. Overall, Smith said he thinks Cyclone fans can expect an improved defensive line to hit the field next fall.

“I think we’re much better,” he said. “We’ve been around each other more and we know the system. I’ve got some experience under my belt and so does Beau [Coleman] and we know what kind of competition we’re going to go against.”

Skladany said experience will be key for the defense, and he thinks the upperclassmen can help the younger players.

Iowa State’s total defense ranked sixth in the conference and 36th nationally last season, giving up an average of 346.6 yards per game.

This was an improvement from past seasons, but this season the defense has another challenge – the Cyclones are faced with the task of replacing former standouts Kevin DeRonde and Wille Judd, who combined for 121 tackles last season.

Skladany said it’s up to the veterans to carry the load.

“Tyson Smith and Beau Coleman are another year better,” he said. “Jordan Carstens is having a very good spring. The experience … is a plus.”