Peterson: Rocco Becht’s father, a longtime NFL player, has this advice for his son

AMES − Take Your Money.

In this crazy and complicated world of college athletics, those words could mean almost anything. To Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht, however, they mean one thing, and one thing only:

When there’s a play to be made – make it.

Whether it’s a mid-range pass to tight end Easton Dean – make it...

Or a handoff to Cartevious Norton – make it the best handoff of your life...

Or a quarterback sneak at the goal line – turn it into a touchdown.

See a play. Make a play.

That’s the simple advice that his father, a former college football star, an 11-season NFL player and the current head coach for St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL, has provided to Becht ever since he started playing.

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The sophomore hears it every day in practice – from Matt Campbell and offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. He hears it from his Dad, Anthony, whose extensive football background not only includes playing at West Virginia and in the NFL for the Jets, Bucs, Rams, Cardinals and Chiefs, but also a stint behind the mic on ESPN college games.

Do your part. Don’t over-compensate, and certainly, don’t over-think.

Make the play. Take the money.

“Just take the easy stuff,” Rocco told me Tuesday. "(Dad) is always telling me to take what they give you and roll with it.”

That’s what we saw from Rocco during Saturday’s 30-9 season-opening win against Northern Iowa. It’ll be Becht’s plan during this Saturday’s 2:30 p.m., game against Iowa at Jack Trice Stadium – and throughout the regular season’s 10 remaining games.

If you’re looking for flash and dash – that doesn’t look to be Rocco’s thing during this, his first season as the Cyclones’ QB1. Gigantic statistics will be made by receivers like Jaylin Noel turning mid-range passes into long plays, or running backs taking crisp handoffs through lanes provided by offensive linemen.

“Rocco just has to do his part,” Anthony Becht said Monday morning, after watching the replay of his son's Iowa State's starting debut. “If he doesn’t try to overcompensate and go outside the ball – he’ll be fine.”

Becht completed 10-of-13 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns in the opener. He overthrew a couple of receivers. As a runner, he needs more work on the art of sliding.

“I want those (overthrows) back, but I’m going flush those and move on to Week 2,” Rocco said. “I’m going to go into this game like it’s another week. I’m preparing the same and practicing the same.”

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He was fine on Saturday. He did, in a no-frills way, what was expected. He’s 1-0 as a first-time starter, and now it’s about moving on and improving.

“I really believe when you look at Iowa State – with its great defense that always plays hard and flies around . . . for a quarterback, just make plays,” Anthony Becht said. “Once again, Rocco just has to do his part.”

Being the son of a football-experienced father obviously is a good thing. Not only did Rocco grow up with the sport, but he’s also seen first-hand what it takes to be successful – to make him wise beyond his age.

“I feel that coming from that background, he’s certainly been in the moment, been on the sidelines and been around the game,” Scheelhaase said Tuesday. “It helps his maturity in feeling like an older guy already. Saturday was his first start − he's only been in the program for a year − but he doesn’t feel like that. He feels like he’s got a good grasp of the offense -- of what you’re thinking as a coach.

“Having that pedigree, and with the qualities already with him -- when he’s stepping on the field...he’s a young quarterback, but it doesn’t feel like that with him or with our staff.”

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Coming to college already equipped with the knowledge that it takes to play big-time football – that’s a trait for which everyone looks, but only comes around every so often.

Former tight end Chase Allen, whose father, Terry, was a former Kansas head coach, had it. Current quarterback J.J. Kohl has it, from hanging out during nationally-acclaimed kicking camps run by his father, Jamie.

“We all say we look for it,” Campbell said Tuesday of that intangible. “We certainly do, but you just don’t know, until a young man gets to these environments, gets put in competitive situations, and goes through good days and bad days. The growth of young men 18 to 22 years old is phenomenal.”

For the Cyclones’ No. 1 quarterback, that growth started long before he got to Ames.

“Since Rocco has gotten here, you’ve watched him diligently approach the game of football – how he studies the game and understands that even the position he plays, is more than just playing,” Scheelhaase said. “There’s a leadership component, also. I think his background has helped for sure.”

Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson is in his 51st year writing sports for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at rpeterson@dmreg.com, and on Twitter @RandyPete

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Peterson: Rocco Becht’s father, a longtime NFL player, has advice for son