Cole Netten will remain the kicker for another week — at least in some capacity.

The ISU football team held tryouts for the place kicking spot this week between Netten and redshirt freshman Chris Francis. 

Netten won the job to place kick, meaning field goals and PATs, but Francis will be handling the kickoff duties against Texas on Saturday. 

“It’s pretty clear after today, Cole will be our kicker and Chris will kick off for us,” said ISU coach Paul Rhoads. 

Rhoads said what separated Netten from Francis this week for field goals was his success through three practices this week.

But while Rhoads has commended Netten for his kickoffs in the past few weeks, Francis impressed with his powerful foot and took the job. 

“Cole’s placement has been really good overall,” Rhoads said. “He doesn’t have the big leg, so without wind, he doesn’t have a lot of touchbacks. Chris has the ability to hit touchbacks and has the ability to hit longer hang time.”

That doesn’t mean that Francis won’t see time as a place kicker. When asked if Francis may see some time kicking field goals, Rhoads insinuated that it could happen. 

“Potentially,” Rhoads said. 

Injury update

The football team has been hit hard from injuries in the past week, including a potentially season-ending hamstring injury to safety Kamari Cotton-Moya. 

But good news came from the injury front Tuesday. Rhoads said receiver Allen Lazard will be good to go for Saturday’s game against Texas. 

“He was actually out on the field and catching some balls,” Rhoads said Tuesday. “The training staff’s opinion [Tuesday] morning is that he’ll play [Saturday].”

Rhoads added that Lazard hasn’t played in pads this week and is avoiding contact until the Cyclones play Texas. 

The defensive line has seen a hit, though, losing three players because of ankle injuries. 

Bobby Leath and Trent Taylor are doubtful to play Saturday. Rhoads held out hope on defensive end Jhaustin Thomas but said Thomas tweaked something in Wednesday’s practice, making him doubtful as well.  

Nice words from Rhoads on Jerry Kill

Former Minnesota Gopher football coach Jerry Kill gave up his coaching career Wednesday morning because of health reasons. 

Rhoads spent time with Kill and his wife while visiting the Gophers’ practice facility. They also know each other through American Football Coaches Association meetings. 

“Every coach died a little when Jerry said what he said about the last time walking off the practice field,” Rhoads said. “He’s a special guy who puts his players first, always.

“You know what kind of special human being he is. Just really sad to see the profession losing him.”