It did not take Tyler Sash long to become a factor for the Iowa football program. After redshirting in 2007 the Oskaloosa native worked his way into a starting safety spot in 2008 and finished the season with five interceptions. He has earned some pre-season All Big Ten recognition heading into this season.

Sash says you have to come in with the right attitude and work hard, as he says it might sound like a cliche, but if you work hard, the sky’s the limit. Sash says despite having success as a freshman he has taken nothing for granted during pre-season practice. He says he comes into work every day wanting to prove himself, as he says once you’re out there, that doesn’t mean it is your job to keep.

Sash had two interceptions in Iowa’s victory over South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. He says that’s his job, to be around the ball and if that turns into interceptions, good.

Sash says there are plenty of areas in which he needs to improve. He says he’d watch films and was embarrassed to see some of the things he was doing. Sash says he hit the weights and watched a lot of film and was motivated by shoulder surgery.

Iowa opens at home against UNI on September fifth.