Seventeen high school and nine junior college football players will join the ISU football team for the 2002 season, ISU head coach Dan McCarney said Wednesday.

“This is a great group of kids,” McCarney said. “We only had 41 visits for 26 kids. That’s a high batting average.”

Thirteen recruits were listed as defensive players in high school or junior college. Thirteen more played offense.

There are eight recruits from California, five from Texas, one from Florida, seven from Iowa and five from surrounding states.

Because of his past success recruiting in California, Texas and Florida, McCarney said, “When we leave the Midwest, we’re going to hit those states.”

Steven Hicks Jr. is a 6-2, 210 pound freshman running back from Omaha, Neb.

He is the only signed running back.

“We want one guy,” McCarney told Hicks during a visit, “and you’re the guy.”

Currently Michael Wagner, JaMaine Billups and Hiawatha Rutland vie for the tailback spot.

Because of former running back Troy Davis and his consecutive 2,000-yard seasons and the backs that followed him, “We get attention from great running backs across the nation,” McCarney said.

Waye Terry is one of three quarterbacks who could hand the ball off to Hicks one day.

The 6-3, 215 pound junior from Foothill Community College in California showed a strong arm and quick legs in a video presented to the press highlighting all recruits prowess on the field.

“Keep your eye on that kid,” McCarney said.

Tom Lemming said to keep eyes on all of them.

Lemming, a recruiting analyst and editor of Prep Football Report wrote on ESPN.com, “In addition to bringing in a great class of JUCO studs, McCarney landed his share of Iowa stars and even landed a few talented kids from Texas.”

Four of them were present for yesterday’s press conference.

“I want to start right away,” said Carl Menard, a 6-4, 310 pound junior from Iowa Central Community College, who said he will play offensive guard this fall.

To do so, he said he needs to improve his pass blocking.

Christopher Jones wants to help the team in any way possible. The 5-10, 200-pound freshman wide receiver from Houston, Texas said he needs to build strength and size.

Federico Samuel, the 6-4, 328 pound junior defensive lineman from Santa Monica College said, “power’s not a factor.” Getting his weight down and body in shape is.

“Starting is my main goal,” he said.

Kory Pence is a 21-year-old freshman from Story City and has spent the past two years on a mission for his Mormon faith.

Pence cites his “character” and “discipline” as attributes.

“Like most players, I want to play,” Pence said. “My goals are set high.”

Cyclone Notes:

The indoor practice facility proposed over winter break has become a reality.

Ground should be broken no later than this fall, McCarney said. It should take one year to build.

Iowa State will play a 13th game on Sept. 7. The opponent has yet to be determined.

To be bowl eligible, Iowa State must win seven of its 13 games.