Iowa State Defensive Players to Watch vs. Baylor in Week 4
The Iowa State defense, one of the more consistent aspects of the Cyclones football program over the past five seasons, aims to fill some major holes with just five starters returning from the 2021 squad.
Between seniors graduating, players transferring and guys being drafted to the NFL, Iowa State has numerous spots where Cyclones fans have seen new names in 2022.
The Cyclones (3-0) host the No. 17 Baylor Bears (2-1) in week 4 action in Ames, Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m. Central Time -- a Big 12 Conference opponent Iowa State narrowly lost to last year in Waco, 31-29.
After taking a look at the Iowa State football team as a whole as well as focusing on some of the best offensive players to keep an eye on in week 4, it's now time for a glimpse at some of the key defensive players to watch against Baylor coach Dave Aranda and the Bears this weekend on the road.
DE Will McDonald IV
The biggest threat for any opposing team is likely Cyclones defensive end Will McDonald IV, a 6-4, 245-pound redshirt senior who tied for the Big 12 lead with 11.5 sacks last season -- the second straight year he has been a conference leader in the category.
Thus far in 2022, McDonald IV has four total tackles (three solo), two quarterback hurries, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery and one sack (12 yards).
Last season, the All-American started 11 of 13 games while registering 36 tackles (24 solo), 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles, and three pass deflections.
WLB Gerry Vaughn
Weakside linebacker Gerry Vaughn, a 5-11, 235-pound redshirt senior, will be a player to keep an eye on in week four action.
Through the first three games of the 2022 season, Vaughn has 10 total tackles (five solo), two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one sack (six yards).
Last year, Vaughn appeared in 13 games (starting six) and garnered 45 tackles (16 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks for the Cyclones.
SLB Colby Reeder
Strongside linebacker Colby Reeder, a Delaware Blue Hens transfer student, will likely be a pivotal part of the Cyclones' defense this season.
A 6-3, 235-pound redshirt senior, Reeder has 12 total tackles (seven solo), five quarterback hurries, two pass deflections and two interceptions thus far in 2022.
He completed his 2021 campaign with 56 tackles (27 solo), seven tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and one pass deflection.
BS Malik Verdon
Boundary safety Malik Verdon, a 6-4, 215-pound redshirt freshman, also figures to be a key player in the secondary.
Thus far in 2022, ,Verdon has garnered five total tackles (three solo) and one pass deflection.
Verdon played in just two games in 2021 before securing a redshirt; in high school, he played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back and was an all-conference and all-city selection at defensive back.
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Denton Ramsey has been a journalist for over 20 years with a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor for a plethora of newspapers throughout Texas and Alabama. Growing up in Houston and attending Baylor University, Ramsey is a die-hard sports fan with a true passion for writing. He may be reached via email at denton.itb@gmail.com