Only four days remain until the 2022-2023 Iowa State football season kicks off. Head coach Matt Campbell and four selected players spoke with the media Tuesday afternoon.

During his weekly media conference, Campbell discussed how “drastically different” new starting quarterback Hunter Dekkers is from quarterback Brock Purdy. Some of those differences include who they are as both quarterbacks and people.

“One of the great things that they both have at such a powerful rate is that they are elite competitors,” Campbell said.

Dekkers had about six months to prepare for the starting quarterback position, whereas Purdy took over mid-season during his time as a Cyclone, Campbell said.

Dekkers himself said that even with having the starting position, there aren’t many nerves. “It’s been a dream of mine, but I’ve been preparing for it, so I’m ready for it,” Dekkers said.

“Expect Iowa State football,” Dekkers said. “We’re going to play how we know we can play.”

With the recent release of the depth charts and running back Jirehl Brock being the starter, Campbell said Brock delivered the expectations from coaches, going above and beyond with leadership and making the team better.

“He’s made others around him better,” Campbell said.

Wide receiver Dimitri Stanley has been a large asset to the offense, Campbell said. Whether in the weight room or fall camp, Stanley has not disappointed.

“You’re trying to fight for opportunity,” Campbell said.

With only one ball on the field and many great and competitive players, everyone is pushing for a top spot and a chance to play.

From past seasons to now, expectations for Campbell and his team never changed. Differences, if any, are the youngness of his team. Campbell said the “value of the fight” from the youth of his players makes it exciting to watch.

The ability to tackle is one of defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr.’s greatest strengths, according to Campbell.

“He is a physical football player,” Campbell said.

Campbell said offensive lineman Jake Remsburg is still questionable for Saturday’s game but said there is an opportunity for Remsburg to play.

Defensive lineman Isaiah Lee was one of the most consistent players from last season, according to Campbell.

“He’s become a dominant force for us […] I’m really proud of what he’s done,” Campbell said.

Lee is ready to “get things going” and prove everybody wrong this season. Lee said he approaches each game the same, and getting after the quarterback along with stopping the run is the goal for Lee and the defense.

“I have the most faith of anybody in the room,” defensive back Tayvonn Kyle said when discussing his confidence in the defensive room. Kyle said he’s seen a lot of maturity from the true freshman of the defensive team.

The sooner you can find your niche and “figure out how to be a Cyclone,” the better off the team will be, Kyle said.

Xavier Hutchinson said excitement is the word to describe this season. With that, Hutchinson said he has had to step into the leadership role and be the “positive guy.”

“We’ve practiced like no other,” Hutchinson said.