STARS OF 2008:

RB Alexander Robinson -- Although he faces competition from Jason Scales and J.J. Bass, the impact Robinson made late in the season included a 149-yard performance against Big 12 North champion Missouri.

WR R.J. Sumrall -- Led the Cyclones with 54 receptions for 434 yards last season and is capable of making difficult catches.

CB Allen Bell -- Made the biggest splash among recruits Iowa State coach Gene Chizik called on to make an immediate impact last season. Bell was in on 54 tackles and is part of a secondary that retains all its starters.

TOP NEWCOMERS

RB Bo Williams -- The Florida transfer is someone the Iowa State staff thinks will add more elusiveness to the backfield.

WR Jason Carlson -- A junior-college transfer who was the offensive player of the year in his region, Carlson played free safety before he was converted into a receiver. Caught 46 passes for 747 yards last season at North Dakota State College of Science.

OG Kelechi Osemele -- The offensive player of the year on the Iowa State scout squad, Osemele could move into the lineup as long as he moves well at 6-5, 341 pounds.

NG Jerrod Black -- Another redshirt freshman who was impressive in practice last season, when he was named defensive player of the year off the scout squad. Black will compete with junior Nate Frere as ISU looks to replace Athyba Rubin.

ROSTER REPORT

--RB J.J. Bass is participating in camp after he was limited for much of the 2007 season by a shoulder injury. A prized junior-college recruit, Bass logged 133 yards against Kent State and 134 yards against Toledo, but couldn't get on track in Big 12 play.

--DB Zac Sandvig will try to regain his job as the Cyclones' chief punt returner, a position he won last season before he was sidelined by injury.

--DE Randy Kellman was given clearance to seek a transfer but is still listed on the Iowa State roster heading into spring practice, which started March 25.

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