As Dan McCarney enters the most important year of his football career, he looks at his football roster and sees the best team that he’s fielded in five years at Iowa State.

“This is the deepest team we’ve had since I’ve been here, and I think the most talented as well. We’ve had a lot of players really improve from year to year, and hopefully we can make that show up this season,” McCarney said.

The Cyclones will be led by Sage Rosenfels, the senior quarterback who will call the signals for the second year in a row.

“We are really pleased with Sage. He’s had a great camp, and I think the main difference for Sage this year is his confidence. Guys in the huddle know he’s the starter, and there’s a lot of respect there,” McCarney said.

“I feel a lot more comfortable out there this season. I don’t have to compete for a spot; I can just push the offense to be better,” Rosenfels said.

Leading the rushing attack will be junior Ennis Haywood, who has been impressive in two years of backing up Darren Davis.

“It feels real good to be the starter. I’ve waited a long time for this. I’m ready to go,” Haywood said.

The offensive line appears to be the biggest question mark as spring play continues.

Two players who were projected for starting roles, Marcel Howard and Ben Beaudet, are questionable for the season due to complications relating to concussions.

One sure thing, however, is Ben Bruns. The steady senior will be the anchor to the line, starting at center.

He said the players do have their injured teammates on their minds.

“I think we all think they will be back, but we’re playing and preparing as if they’re not going to be,” Bruns said.

As it stands now, none of the five projected starters were able to start all 11 games a season ago, and that isn’t lost on McCarney.

“It’s one of our concerns. Those two guys that are out are both All-Big 12 linemen, and we hope we’ll have them in the lineup. But we have to be ready in case they’re not,” McCarney said.

One area that appears to be a strength is the defensive line.

In stark contrast to the offensive front, the defensive line returns all four starters, led by All-Big 12 defensive end Reggie Hayward.

“This is the best defense I’ve seen since I’ve been here. We have a lot of experience, but I think one of the biggest differences is this year we have a lot of confidence,” Hayward said.

The linebacking corps also should be better, as the depth is markedly improved from a season ago.

Leading the corps could be Derrick Walker, who was the backup quarterback a season ago.

“Derrick just wanted to be on the field, and I think this is the best place for him. He’s been very impressive so far in the spring, and he’s in a good battle for the starting spot with Eric Weiford,” McCarney said.

Hayward also thinks Walker would be a good choice.

“He’s a natural out there. He’s really big, and so far he’s done a great job. He’s very aggressive, and it looks like he’s been playing defense a long time,” Hayward said.

The secondary will undergo some major changes from now until the fall workouts begin.

Listed as the two safetys are redshirt freshman Marc Timmons and senior Doug Densmore.

The two cornerbacks, Ryan Sloth and Atif Austin, closed out last season as starters after two key injuries.

However, Dustin Avey will be back for the summer workouts to step in, while Breon Ansley should also be ready once the Cyclones take the field for two-a-day workouts August 7.

One question mark is Jamarcus Powers. The senior who played well before being injured early last season has not been participating in spring drills.

“We’ve kept him out of action to this point so he can get his school in order. He isn’t practicing with us so he can study,” McCarney said.

The annual spring game will take place this Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium, starting at 1 p.m.

“It’s been a really fun time so far this spring, and I hope we can finish it off with a well-played game where we can stay healthy,” McCarney said.

Haywood knows the game will be a good showcase for the team.

“We’ve been working really hard this spring, and we want to show the fans what we’ve been doing. This is our chance to shine,” Haywood said. “Of course, everybody will want to get theirs, so it’ll be fun.”

CYCLONES SIGNED

Although no Cyclones were drafted this weekend, two have signed contracts with NFL teams.

Offensive lineman Bill Marsau inked a pact with St. Louis, while defensive end Robert Brannon signed with the New Orleans Saints.

Darren Davis, meanwhile, continues to go unsigned.

“He was phenomenal on the college level, and I just pray he can get a chance in the NFL,” McCarney said.