In 1997, the Iowa State kickoff coverage unit gave up over 800 yards and a pair of touchdowns on just 30 returns (26.8 yard average). The punt coverage unit fared even worse, allowing 12.9 yards per return and four touchdowns on only 37 returns.

Does Head Coach Dan McCarney think that such play leaves a little something to be desired?

“That’s a huge understatement,” McCarney said. “We were very inconsistent last year and extremely poor on many occasions. We gave up way too many big plays, and it’s something we’ve put a lot of time and effort into for this year.”

McCarney feels that the 1998 numbers should be much improved from last year. The coverage team will be made up of as many linebackers and defensive backs from the team’s rotation as possible.

With improved defensive depth and better team speed, the Cyclones should be able to better avoid the game-breaking special teams play.

As McCarney points out, however, “We can’t know for sure until a week from Saturday.”

The Cyclone return team, though not explosive, did not hurt the team last year. With a 20.9-yard kick return average and an eight-yard punt return average, the Cyclones are looking for a star, but will settle for consistency.

Senior Kevin Wilson figures to be back on the kick return team for the fourth straight season.

Wilson managed 146 yards last year on seven returns (a career-high 20.9-yard average). For his career, Wilson has over 850 yards on both punt- and kick-returns, but he is still looking for his first career TD.

Joining Wilson on the kick-return team will be junior college transfer Robert Brown, star tailback Darren Davis and speedy backup tailback Jerry Moses, Jr.

Moses will also take his quick feet to punt return duty, where his 4.4 speed could create some exciting plays.

Also returning punts this season will be transfer wideout Damien Groce and defensive back Adam Runk.

Groce totalled 401 yards in returns last season for San Bernardino Valley Junior College. Included in these return yardage was an 88-yard punt return in a victory over rival school College of the Desert.

Another big name on the Cyclone special teams is Cory Kluver. Most people haven’t heard of Cory, simply because his job is among the most unglamorous on the field.

Kluver was the 1996 and 1997 Bill Dailey Award winner for the greatest individual contribution to the team without recognition.

He has covered deep snap duty for ISU for two seasons now and still hasn’t made a mistake.

“Cory is absolutely invaluable to the success of this team,” McCarney said. “No one notices the deep snapper until you have someone that can’t get the job done. Cory’s been on scholarship solely as a snapper, and he’s done an outstanding job.”

The Cyclones also are in good shape at both kicking positions.

Punter Carl Gomez turned in a solid freshman season, averaging 41.6 yards per kick. He ranked 41st nationally and sixth in the Big 12.

Gomez had 11 kicks over 50 yards and three over 60. His longest, a 75-yarder against Wyoming that was downed at the 4-yard line, was the fifth longest in school history.

In high school, Gomez averaged 47.7 yards per kick and had a career long of 76 yards.

Senior Jamie Kohl returns as kicker for the fourth consecutive year.

In high school, the first-team all-stater set the Milwaukee Metro career record for PATs and field goals and kicked a 75-yarder at Ray Pelfrey’s Kicking Camp.

Since joining the Cyclones, Kohl has been successful on 28-of-43 field goal attempts and 82-of-88 PAT tries.

Last year, he missed only one point-after and hit on 9-of-13 field goals, including a perfect 4-for-4 from between 40 and 50 yards.

Kohl, who currently ranks 10th on the all-time Cyclone point list, has not yet been successful on a field goal attempt from outside 50 yards.

Overall, the Cyclones seem to have improved on special teams in the needed areas.

The key players have all benefited from an added year’s experience, and the newcomers should bring depth and stability to a number of important positions.

Solid special teams play may not show up on the highlight reel this season for the Cyclones, but improved play at this position will help the Cyclones’ chances for victory.