AMES - Statistically, the Iowa State football team's defense was not horrible in 2007.

But by the words coming out of the Cyclones' mouths at the start of fall camp, they would have had trouble stopping a junior high team last fall.

"I showed the film of last year (to the returning defensive players), and it was embarrassing as a coach, embarrassing as a player," defensive line coach Mike Pelton said, "so I really think those guys on the line have a chip on their shoulder saying we can be better and we can play better."

The Cyclones ranked fifth in the Big 12 against the run a year ago. They were seventh in total defense. Still, it wasn't up to the standards of second-year coach Gene Chizik and his staff.

And to all parties, any success the defense will have in 2008 will start with a defensive line that lost two stalwarts, including seventh-round draft pick Ahtyba Rubin of the Cleveland Browns.

That puts pressure on returning defensive ends Kurtis Taylor and Rashawn Parker.

"We know what they want out of us and know that we just have to do it better," Taylor said. "There is no question we were not satisfied with what we did last year as far as the way our season turned out."

Taylor finished second in Big 12 play with 6 1/2 sacks and had 40 tackles, eight for loss. That came on the heels of missing the entire 2006 season with a knee injury. He was named ISU's Comeback Player of the Year for his efforts.

"Last year I felt good, felt blessed," Taylor said. "I feel the exact same way … probably better this year. "

Parker has 17 career starts, including all 12 games a year ago when he recorded 27 tackles and two sacks.

In the middle - at nose guard and defensive tackle - the Cyclones are less certain whom is going to line up.

"Coach Pelton is doing a great job with that group trying to bring some young guys along," Chizik said. "But you are going to hear names … have to get used to some of the names down there because you won't have heard of them."

Some of the new faces won't be total strangers.

Junior Nate Frere got three starts as a true freshman two season ago, but was limited by injury to eight games last fall. Sophomore Bailey Johnson made nine tackles and saw action in 11 games as a redshirt freshman.

"I think it is going to take attention to detail and a desire to do what the coaches tell us," Taylor said. "We have to be smarter football players and play with technique, play with effort. One thing we need is all guys giving full effort each and every play."

Senior Michael Tate, sophomore Austin Alburtis and freshman Jerrod Black also are in the mix for one of the inside positions.

"I think all of them understand what is expected of them and understand what it takes to go out there and play at a high level," Pelton said. "We know we didn't play good at times last year.

"We didn't get pressure. But we know what those problems were and that is what we will work on correcting."

Contact Jim Nelson at (319) 291-1521 or jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com