It was easy to look upon Iowa State’s defensive line with discontent not that long ago.
The Cyclones' defensive front was devoid of proven playmakers, forcing then-coach Paul Rhoads to try to work around that weak link. The Cyclones managed 15 sacks in 12 games in 2014, the lowest number in the Big 12 and tied for No. 113 nationally.
Things will be a little different in Matt Campbell's first season as the Cyclones' head coach. Iowa State has a proven playmaker to build around in Demond Tucker, the Big 12’s Defensive Newcomer of the Year last season.