AMES — This offseason has been a bit of a juggling act for Iowa State offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, who took over the position after the departure of Nate Scheelhaase to the Los Angeles Rams.
More responsibility, including calling plays, in addition to coaching the Cyclones’ tight ends.
It’s been a learning curve for Mouser, who joked that going up against Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock is different than deciding plays in a video game.
“Coach Heacock, that guy’s so brilliant at what he does and makes it a lot harder than going against an anonymous 13-year-old from wherever,” Mouser said. “But it’s been good preparation for me. It’s been fun to do that.”
Daniel Jackson doesn’t back down from leadership role, even after injury
The Iowa State wide receiver is likely to miss the 2024 season with a lower leg injury, head coach Matt Campbell said. That’s a blow for the Cyclones after Jackson recorded 260 yards and two touchdowns on 16 receptions last year.
Iowa State isn’t without receiver talent if Jackson isn’t on the field. Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel will make things difficult enough for opposing defenses. It just leaves Mouser and his staff with one less option.
Jackson will continue to bring experience and leadership to the wide receivers room.
“It’s hard to lose a guy like (Jackson) because he … knows what the standard is for the kind of offense we have,” Mouser said. “But we haven’t lost him in terms of his leadership ability.”
Mouser shared that Jackson stepped up and helped some of the younger guys at his position learn. He’s turned into an asset for the players who could fill the open slot left by his injury.
Iowa State’s offensive line still somewhat of a question mark
“We’re still shuffling things around, obviously,” Mouser said of the O-line.
Jarrod Hufford is one known piece for the Cyclones. He’s played a lot of football in an Iowa State jersey, and he’s shifted from position to position – basically moving to wherever the Cyclones coaching staff needed his talents.
Tyler Miller is another player who Mouser noted would be central to the success of the offensive line. Mouser said Miller got dinged up but is back now, and his absence allowed some of the younger players to get some reps under their belts.
Iowa State will slot in two transfers as well: Jalen Travis from Princeton and Dylan Barrett from Wisconsin.
So there are a lot of moving pieces with the offensive line, and it makes sense why Mouser is still shuffling players to see what works best.
“It’ll be relatively similar to how we ended last season, with being able to move one or two guys around,” Mouser said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we played with six or seven linemen in the first week.”
Stevo Klotz plays an understated but important role on the offense
Mouser shared that it was difficult to put into words what Klotz means to Iowa State’s offense.
“We’re a different offense when he’s not on the field,” Mouser said of the tight end. “He was hurt a couple games last year, and I think you saw our offense change.”
Klotz’s role on the team got overshadowed by other offensive talent, especially with true freshman Benjamin Brahmer making an impact early in his college career. Klotz, a former walk-on, recorded 60 yards and one touchdown on seven receptions last season.
“I hate when he’s not in the game, because I think he’s just such a difference-maker for our football team with what he can do,” Mouser said. “Stevo Klotzes are hard to find.”
Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel .
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser on Daniel Jackson, the O-line
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