Since spring games tend to give lesser known players a chance to shine, veterans like Allen Lazard may not play as big a role in the spring game as they would in the fall. Backups and younger players will likely get a chance to show what they can do.

Here are a few players who may see a lot of action on Saturday.

Sheldon Croney Jr.

Running back Sheldon Croney Jr. should get a number of carries Saturday as returning starters Mike Warren and David Montgomery will be somewhat limited. This would normally be a great opportunity to get a guy like Kene Nwangwu some snaps. Nwangwu, who shined as a kick returner in 2016, did not see much action in the backfield behind Montgomery and Warren.

Nwangwu, however, will not be playing in the spring game after suffering an Achilles injury in February. Croney has gotten most of the third-string snaps at running back this spring while Nwangwu recovers from his injury.

“It was good for us to see Sheldon really run the ball well,” offensive coordinator Tom Manning said after a team scrimmage last Saturday. “He pass protected really, really well today and he took care of the football. He can do a lot of things as well, and we’re happy to see his progression.”

Chase Allen

Chase Allen redshirted in 2016 after being hit by a car before the start of the season.

Allen was a highly rated recruit in Iowa State’s 2016 class, and tight end has not been a position of strength for the Cyclones since E.J. Bibbs graduated after the 2014 season.

Without a clear No. 1 tight end, Allen is likely to see the field a lot in 2017, and Saturday’s spring game may be the perfect chance for him to get used to playing in front of fans at Jack Trice Stadium.

“Chase has been very good [this spring],” Manning said. “Chase has made a couple really good catches in the last couple days.

“I think I’m most impressed with his development as a blocker. I’ve seen him grow even since the beginning of spring.”

The defensive front seven

On the defensive side of the ball, there are a lot of moving parts. Joel Lanning at linebacker will be something to keep an eye on, but the defensive line has the most interesting newcomers.

Junior college additions Matt Leo and Ray Lima will both be a sight to behold. Leo is listed at 6 foot 7 and 265 pounds. He has only been playing football for a few years but has the size to compete with anyone.

Lima, who stands at 6 foot 3, 310 pounds, will likely be asked to contribute immediately for Iowa State in the fall. Both Leo and Lima will get their first taste of playing in front of Iowa State fans on Saturday.

“[Lima] has got a really good football IQ,” defensive line coach Eli Rasheed said.

Rasheed said Lima is “really active” and is a starter on the defensive line.

Leo will play an interesting role for the Cyclones.

“He’s behind a little bit,” Rasheed said. “Obviously not physically, just with football reps.

“We’re taking him really slow into it and hopefully get a really good summer with him and fall with him.”

The Iowa State spring game is set to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium.