After receiving pre-season All Big-12 honors big things are expected from Iowa State linebacker Jake Knott. The junior from Waukee finished second in the conference in tackles in 2010 and he is confident the Cyclone defense will make significant strides this season.
He says the speed and strength of the unit has gotten better throughout and he says that gives you a lot of trust in each other.
Knott feels the Cyclones will be much better against the run, as he says the defensive line has gotten stronger and they have great corners.
While intincts are a big part of playing linebacker Knott says he is more a product of the system. He says all the credit goes to the coaching staff which he says puts in a lot of extra time working with him on little things that make him better.
I.S.U. coach Paul Rhoads says it did not take him long to become one of the leaders on the team. He says Knott was elected captain by his teammates after his sophomore season and was nominated for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Rhoads says Knott deserves the recognition he has gotten as he does everything that is asked of him and is “tough as nails.” The Cyclones open the season at home against U.N.I. on September third.