AMES, Iowa (AP) – Iowa State quarterback Sam Richardson is nearly finished with his first spring as the Cyclones starter.  A new role and a new system haven’t slowed down the sophomore.  Richardson earned high praise yet again Saturday from Iowa State offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham for his work in spring ball.

Both Messingham and Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads say they’re pleased with what they’ve seen so far out of Richardson, who took over the starting job at the end of last season and entered the spring atop a thin depth chart. Messingham says Richardson is a smart quarterback who’s shown he can operate schemes under heavy pressure.