As J.J. Moses accepts a new challenge at a new position, he is able to look back with confidence on past succeses.

The junior running back-turned reciever has had two decent years in a Cyclone uniform, but he sees this year as a chance to break out and have an impact on the squad every Saturday.

“I really like the flanker position. It gives me a chance to utilize my quickness and my speed and also gives me the chance to take on defensive backs one-on-one,” Moses said.

The Waterloo native has contributed in four areas in his two years of play, while never getting the oppurtunity to excel at any one area. In his career as a running back, Moses carried the ball 38 times while gaining 132 yards in the two campaigns.

Playing behind Darren Davis and Ennis Haywood, Moses realized that if he was going to spend time on the field, it probably wouldn’t be in the backfield.

“I’ve been around a couple of years now, so the coaches could trust me to be productive in what ever I do,” Moses said.

So starting last year, Moses began to get a look at the wideout position. And he did well, nabbing 13 catches for 155 yards, including a 62-yard reception at Texas.

Another critical area that the elusive veteran will contribute to will be on the punt and kick returns, something he is looking forward to.

“I like it (returning kicks). It gives me a chance to show everybody what I have. It gives me a chance to run in the open field, and make a big play. I really enjoy doing that.”

The quarterback situation is a different one than in past years, when Todd Bandhuaer had the job secured. Moses, however, has confidence in whomever will throw the first ball of 1999.

“Derrick (Walker) and Sage (Rosenfels) are both great athletes. Right now they are really battling and they’re both looking great.”

Moses looks ahead to this season with a good deal of enthusism, but also with the knowledge that any team could present a challenge to the Cyclones.

“We’re going to take it all one game at a time. Indiana State is the first game of the season, and we’re not going to take anybody lightly.”

Moses came to the Cyclones with a great deal of exepectations. He had just broken all of his father Jerry Moses’ records at Waterloo East High, and was looking to have the same solid careers that many of his family has had at Iowa universities.

His cousin Terry Woods was a solid point guard for the Cyclones from 1987-90, while his uncle Neal rushed for over 1,000 yards at Northern Iowa. Many fans will remember Lew Montgomery as a fullback from the University of Iowa. And his dad lettered two years for the Cyclones, which proved important when it came time to decided which college would be for him.

“It was important for me that Dad went there. He really enjoyed his time here, and I certainly don’t regret coming here.”

Away from the field, Moses would classify himself as a “boring” person.

“I like to pretty much do what the average college student would do off the field.”

However, something that does sethim apart from others is his faith.

“I like to pray a lot, to talk to God. He has done so much for me, and pretty much answered my every prayer. I owe all I have to Him.”

Moses and the Cyclones hope to make the most out of his new role for the 1999 season.