Grad transfer Probert announces plans to join Iowa State for 2020

Iowa State didn't get the high school placekicker it wanted in the 2020 class, as Ohio prep Ben Sauls flipped to Pittsburgh the day before the February signing period, but head coach Matt Campbell has secured another one with a solid leg that's proven himself at the collegiate level.

Liberty University graduate transfer Alex Probert announced on social media that he had committed to the Cyclones following a three-year run. A native of Andover, Minn., he connected on 13-of-19 field goals and 50-of-53 extra points as a redshirt junior in 2019. During his three seasons with the Flames, Probert made 46-of-63 field goals and was 140-of-150 on extra points.

In 2019, he kicked off 81 times and 53 of those attempts went for touchbacks. Probert played for a Liberty University program led by former Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze.

The graduate transfer earned an 84.8 PFF grade on kickoffs last season, compared with ISU departing senior Peyton Paddock’s 65.2. He posted a 63.9 grade on field goals, compared to junior Conner Assalley’s 72.5.

At the very least, Probert figures to assume kickoff duties in 2020. He could also factor into the mix as a long-distance field goal kicker, as he made 4-of-8 attempts of between 40 and 49 yards and hit a game-winner from 51 yards.

Probert will give ISU a pair of senior scholarship placekickers in 2020.