Allen Lazard played up to blue-chip reputation during his debut season at Iowa State, but the wide receiver has higher expectations for his sophomore year, writes Tommy Birch of The Des Moines Register.

Cyclones coaches say Lazard, who finished with 593 yards on 45 catches last fall, is noticeably more confident this spring. He's out to win every one-on-one battle and snag every ball thrown his way.

"I think he can be as good as anybody as far as this league's concerned because of the knowledge that he's gained and what it takes to play and to play effectively at this level," ISU coach Paul Rhoads said. "He has the physical tools."

Lazard will draw more attention from opponents in 2015 -- Big 12 defensive coaches aren't going to sleep on a 6-foot-5, 218-pound playmaker -- and he's certainly a second-year guy worth keeping a close eye on. No player is capable of elevating Iowa State's offense quite like he can.