Which Iowa State freshmen might play against Drake?

AMES, Ia. — Barring the unexpected, this Saturday’s Iowa State-Drake game should present an opportunity for Matt Campbell to get some lightly used freshmen reps.

Of course, the Cyclones are saying everything they should. Campbell told reporters Tuesday that he hasn't given any thought to how long he’ll play his starters or which freshmen he’d like to get on the field.

"I’m way more looking at the reality of this team and continuing to improve," he said. "What does Tuesday look like, what does Wednesday look like, Thursday look like, Friday, Saturday? That’s where my vested interest is."

Still, rarely used players likely have a good shot at playing time Saturday. That’s nothing new for the 2018 Cyclones, who have played 20 freshmen — nine true, 11 redshirt.

"There are definitely guys," Kyle Kempt said, referring to young players eager to play. "And we’ve had a lot of young guys play already this year. So, even more so, I think getting some of those guys opportunities to play is a huge confidence boost going into the offseason. Getting that first game action — I think that’s huge."

So, if everything goes according to plan for Iowa State and it holds a comfortable lead late, which true freshmen might we see take the field?

Well, probably a lot — especially the ones who haven't played yet or aren't on the verge of burning a redshirt. 

There are some obvious names: cornerback Anthony Johnson, who has amassed 18 tackles the past four weeks; defensive end Zach Petersen, who has already played more than four games and, thus, can’t redshirt; and some dude named Brock Purdy.

Here are other names that feel like very likely candidates for playing time Saturday:

Re-al Mitchell, quarterback

The dual-threat quarterback’s debut has been teased throughout the season. Could Saturday be the day we see his "Blaze" package?

"There are a couple that are biding their time and chomping at the bit to get in there and make a difference for this football team," Campbell said. " … There are some other guys in that boat, like the Re-al Mitchells, and some of these guys where it’s just time. These guys that are playing have earned the right to play and it’s huge that the timing of it."

Trevor Downing, guard

Downing, who's listed as the No. 2 right guard, made his debut against Kansas State, so he can still redshirt even if he plays in the Drake game and Iowa State’s bowl.

"He’s going to be really talented," Campbell said. "He’s a guy that has all the tools and has worked really hard. He’s progressed as well as any of our young guys that maybe aren’t playing right now a ton."

Joey Ramos, tackle

Listed as the No. 2 right tackle, Ramos has not yet played in a game. He was a headliner of Iowa State’s 2018 class, picking the Cyclones over Arizona and Arizona State, among others.

Chandler Pulvermacher, linebacker

Pulvermacher has played in three games this season, so Campbell has one more to work with if he wants to use a redshirt on the freshman from Wisconsin. If he plans to play Pulvermacher in one more game, will it be this Saturday or the bowl game?

Gerry Vaughn, linebacker

Vaughn has played in only two games, so there’s no redshirt worry with him.

Isaiah Lee, defensive tackle

Lee has played in only one game, so there’s no redshirt worry with him.

Matthew Bain covers college football and basketball recruiting for the Des Moines Register. He also helps out with Iowa and Iowa State football and basketball coverage for HawkCentral and Cyclone Insider. Contact him at mbain@dmreg.com and follow him on Twitter @MatthewBain_.