Schuckman: Brock, Aschemann, others ready to seize opportunity as college football season begins

QUINCY — Jirehl Brock patiently waited for his chance. Zack Aschemann decided to take another chance. Cody Schrader chased his chance. And Caden Selle earned a chance.

Therein lies the beauty of college football.

An opportunity always exists if you wholeheartedly pursue it.

Brock, the former Quincy High School all-stater and all-time leading rusher, will open the season Saturday as Iowa State University’s No. 1 running back. Having played behind current New York Jets rookie Breece Hall the past three seasons, Brock chose to ignore any chatter about transferring and work diligently to seize his opportunity.

Now, he will take the field at Jack Trice Stadium at 1 p.m. Saturday against Southeast Missouri as the starter.

“I just go out there and play,” Brock told the Des Moines Register. “I’ve practiced like I was a starter, but I don’t think it’ll actually get into my head that I’m starting on Saturday until next Saturday.”

Brock started the Cheez-It Bowl last January after Hall opted out to prepare for the NFL draft and finished with 63 yards of total offense. Now, he’s ready for a breakout performance because of his consistency and commitment.

“For Jirehl, that’s what I love about him the most — the consistency of who he’s been throughout his career,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell told the Des Moines Register. “He’s always been the same guy. That consistency is why he got the opportunity to play as a true freshman. He’s always had great leadership traits. He’s been special throughout the way.

“I’m excited about him. He’s earned the right to be confident.”

Brock is one of several regional products who find themselves in an optimal spot to make a name for themselves on the first full weekend of the college season.

Aschemann, a QHS graduate who spent the four seasons playing at the University of Central Missouri, originally planned to give up football after he earned his bachelor’s degree. The opportunity to play at the FCS level changed his mind.

Aschemann transferred to Murray State, an Ohio Valley Conference program, and is expected to play along the defensive line when the Racers travel to Texas Tech on Saturday.

Meanwhile, another NCAA Division II product is making the transition to the Division I level as well.

Former Truman State University tailback Cody Schrader transferred to the University of Missouri after leading NCAA Division II in rushing last season and being named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Heading into Thursday’s opener at Faurot Field against Louisiana Tech, Schrader is expected to get carries for the Tigers.

“I know this: The fans are going to know about Cody Schrader on Thursday night,” Mizzou coach Eli Drinkwitz said on his TigerTalk radio show.

The same may happen for Western Illinois University fans in due time when it comes to Selle, the true freshman offensive lineman who made the travel roster for Thursday’s season opener at Tennessee-Martin. The Hannibal all-stater isn’t listed on the two-deep depth chart, but he is considered ready enough to make the trip.

That’s a sign the WIU coaching staff sees Selle as part of the future.