ISU freshman defensive back Nik Moser is known for his speed, so it’s no surprise that he’s quickly making a name for himself in the Cyclone football program.

Moser opened some eyes on the coaching staff by breaking former Cyclone Dustin Avey’s record in conditioning drills that had stood for six years.

In the shuttle run, two sets of five 60-yard dashes, Moser clocked a time of 42.53 to beat Avey’s time of 42.85.

ISU head coach Dan McCarney is excited about the skills Moser brings to the table.

“As I mentioned in the press conference, he [Moser] set the all-time conditioning record since we’ve been here so that gives you an idea about his athleticism,” McCarney said. “He’s a sensational athlete. He can run, jump, all those things we’re looking for.”

While most incoming freshman players go through a redshirt season their first year, Moser’s skills are possibly leaving the door open to playing time immediately.

“We’re going to give him [Moser] every opportunity,” McCarney said. “We got to look at if a guy can help us in three or four special teams areas, then we’re crazy to redshirt him, and if he can be one of the best cover guys, protection guys, return guys then we’re going to use him.”

Recruited out of Fort Dodge, Moser was given the term athlete on the roster instead of a set position because of his versatility.

A broken finger suffered in the Shrine Bowl hurt Moser’s chances to tryout at quarterback, and McCarney chose to put him in the secondary.

Practicing in the defensive backfield has placed Moser under the tutelage of well-respected secondary coach Bobby Elliott.

“I had a choice in it, and I think D-back is probably the right spot, and I’m really liking it,” Moser said. “Coach Elliott is a great coach. He gives you all kinds of pointers and helps you all the time with how to get better.”

Moser was a standout on the football field in high school but made his biggest mark in track, winning back-to-back state titles in the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter hurdles.

Elliott is fully aware of Moser’s blazing speed, but also likes the freshman’s size and mental attitude.

“He’s a lot bigger than the guys we’ve had here in the secondary,” Elliott said. “He’s about 6 foot, 190 pounds, and based on the guys we’ve had here in the secondary, that’s really good. He’s very smart and coachable, plus his ability, I think he’s a can’t miss guy.”

While he has yet to attend classes, Moser is already learning about following a schedule.

“Every minute is accounted for, you’re always doing something,” Moser said. “You’re either at meetings or practice or you’re eating lunch, and you have to check in for lunch. Everything is on a schedule, but up here at this level you’re going to have to do that to be a good football player and I think it’s really helping.”