AMES - If everything had gone according to plan, this could have been the season that cemented Jason Berryman's place in Iowa State football lore.

Events didn't follow the Cyclones' blueprint, though.

If they had, Berryman, whose career began with promise and the Big 12's defensive newcomer of the year award in 2003, wouldn't have run afoul of the law and been booted from the Iowa State roster - twice.

Now, the Cyclones are focused on Plan B.

Even without Berryman, who would have been a junior, there is no shortage of experience on the defensive front, and it begins with senior tackle Brent Curvey.

The task of replacing Berryman's production at the defensive end spots, however, will fall on the shoulders of senior Shawn Moorehead and junior Kurtis Taylor. Sophomore John Machado is also expected to factor into the equation at end, as will Collins Eboh, if he is able to get his academics in order and join the team.

"Moorehead and Taylor ore definitely our starters, but after that … we've got a bunch of guys in the mix," head coach Dan McCarney said.

"I really am impressed with Moorehead and Taylor, and those guys are going to be hard to beat out for those No. 1 spots."

Instead of becoming a celebrated figure in Cyclone history, Berryman's name will likely be mentioned only under fans' breath after he was permanently dismissed from the team Jan. 31 following a citation for being underage at an Ames night club. Just one month earlier, he'd earned defensive most valuable player honors in the Houston Bowl after recording five sacks.

The incident effectively ended the second chance McCarney granted the talented defensive end after a 2004 arrest for theft and assault that landed him 258 days in jail.

However, even without their former star, the Cyclones don't expect their defense to take a step backward.

"We don't expect a big dropoff," McCarney said. "These kids on defense have a lot of pride, and we're going to have high expectations."

One goal squarely in front of the Cyclone defense line is carrying on what last year's unit was able to accomplish, namely the way it clamped down on opponents' rushing attacks. Iowa State allowed only 10 rushing touchdowns in 2005 and held the opposition to an average of 102.7 yards on the ground per game, both school records.

"The last couple years the defense has really built the tradition that the Iowa State defense is hard-nosed and comes to play every game," Moorehead said. "This defense, we've seen that in years past and just want to keep that tradition alive."

Berryman led the Cyclones with 7 1/2 sacks in 2005, but Moorehead proved himself to be a pass-rushing threat as well, getting to the quarterback for 5 1/2 sacks. While Moorehead recorded 34 total tackles last season and 46 as a sophomore, Taylor has contributed only seven stops in his Iowa State career, all of which came as part of the special teams units last year.

The fact that Taylor made the switch to the defensive line last season and has yet to prove himself in the position is part of the reason McCarney still has questions about his defense.

"Who's going to be the playmakers?" he asked. "There's lots of concerns whenever you have new guys."

Taylor said his focus leading up to Iowa State's Aug. 31 opener is removing that doubt.

"From day one it's always been about helping the team however I can," said Taylor, who joined the Cyclones following the 2004 season after starring as a prep at Fort Dodge. "It's just about coming out and improving every day, working hard and putting my best foot forward in every practice."

Even with a solid resume and a vote of confidence from his coach, Moorehead isn't taking his starting nod for granted, either.

"Nobody's spot is set in stone," he said. "Competition is what makes you better, and everyone is excited to get out there and try to help the team."

Contact Brian Mason at sportsdoor@wcfcourier.com