AMES - Reggie Stephens has feet nimble enough to make him a 2010 NFL draft prospect. Alas, he isn't nimble enough to elude pranks from teammate Austen Arnaud.

Arnaud, Iowa State's No. 1 quarterback and official "Big Man On Campus," recently snuck up behind Stephens during a media gathering and untied the massive lineman's shoes.

"That's just part of the job," said a laughing Stephens. "You know, he's the hometown hero, so you've gotta take some of that.

"But Austen's a good guy. And the center-quarterback relationship has got to be (good)."

Make no mistake: Stephens has Arnaud's respect. Especially after shifting from guard to center this season, where Stephens, a 6-foot-4, 325-pounder, plays an integral role in keeping Iowa State's quarterback upright.

Stephens likes to call that, "Keeping your quarterback clean."

"We wanna make sure he's successful - that makes us look good, too," the center said.

Stephens has performed well enough to open the eyes of pro scouting services, many of which have him tabbed as one of the 10 best guard prospects in the nation. Sporting News scout Russ Lande recently tabbed Stephens as a mid-round prospect.

READ MORE IN THURSDAY'S PRINT EDITION OF THE COURIER ...