Five players and units to watch in 2015

With football season just around the corner, it's time to see which players and units will need to step up if Iowa State wants to win. There are plenty of players who will see the field, but some are bigger question marks than others. This list is just a sample of certain players and units who will need to perform well in order for Iowa State to be successful in 2015.

Jordan Harris:

Harris spent last season on the sidelines, learning the defense and preparing for this season. Now, reunited with former JuCo teammate Demond Tucker on the defensive line, Harris is ready to take the field. Harris, a redshirt junior, is a great downhill tackler. He's a classic run-stopper at LB who will fly around the field, chasing down ball-carriers. If Harris plays like he did in 2013 when he led the JuCo level in tackles, Iowa State will have a chance to surprise some teams and the defense will spend less time on the field.

Ben Boesen (and Scotty Schaffner):

Iowa State has benefitted from tremendous TE play in recent years. EJ Bibbs was one of the best TE's in the nation last year. Bibbs had 8 touchdowns and 45 receptions as a senior and proved to be a sure-handed target in the redzone. Without a proven TE, will this Iowa State offense have the ability to convert 3rd downs and turn potential field goal drives into touchdowns? Boesen or Schaffner will have to step up and give Richardson that option. The receiving corps is strong this season, but without a TE, the Cyclones may be one weapon short.

Offensive line:

Although the loss of center Tom Farniok hurts, Iowa State's offensive line should be improved. Senior Jamison Lalk has experience at center, which should cushion some of the blow. This year's offensive line unit includes four players who have started 11 or more games in a single season and there are three seniors who are projected to start the opener against Northern Iowa. If the O-line can stay healthy, this offense could make huge strides in Magino's second season as offensive coordinator.

Tyler Brown and Mike Warren:

Whether it's Brown, Warren, or another RB, somebody needs to step up in the backfield if Iowa State wants to win in 2015. The running game has been pretty bad in recent years (3.7 yards per carry in 2014, 3.5 yards per carry in 2013) and that typically spells trouble in the Paul Rhoads era. In the Rhoads era, Iowa State has reached 3 bowls in 6 years. Every year they've reached a bowl, the Cyclones have averaged 4.2 yards per carry or better. Every year the Cyclones haven't reached a bowl, they have averaged 3.8 yards per carry or worse. Clearly, the running game is key. The offensive line needs to be healthy and a running back (or two) must emerge.

Sam Richardson:

Iowa State's field general has had plenty of time to improve. He's had two seasons to get better with his receivers and this will be his second year under Mark Mangino. The stats haven't been terrible, but the W/L record has been. It's time to win, and Richardson finally has the receiving corps and experienced O-line to do just that. Richardson needs to play like he did against Toledo, Texas, and Texas Tech in 2014. In those three games (1-2 record) Richardson had 1,000 yards, 8 touchdowns, two interceptions, and the offense scored 106 points-- 35 points per game. If they can keep the offense running at that level, the Cyclones could surprise some teams in 2015.