Dika’s career comes to an end, blow delivered to the offensive line

AMES — Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads delivered some gut-wrenching news to the media after Saturday’s spring football scrimmage. After suffering two ACL tears in three years and attempting to make a comeback this spring, junior guard Shaban Dika’s career has come to an end. 

"The knee injuries that he has sustained are just too much," said Rhoads. 

Dika entered the spring as Iowa State’s starter at left guard. 

“He was in the top five for a reason," said Rhoads. "We were very anxious to get him back because we felt he brought a physical presence that we needed. It’s a blow.”

A blow indeed. A blow for Iowa State and a blow for a young man that has been cursed with injuries since the day he arrived in Ames. 

Up news for Iowa State is a 6-foot-6, 295-pound sophomore by the name of Jamison Lalk according to Rhoads. 

“Lalk is playing in there," said Rhoads. "(Jacob) Gannon is playing both the guard and the tackle spot. Oni Omoile is really coming on as a player like we anticipated he would which is really fun to see.”

Gannon has spent the majority of his career at guard, although he was listed as a first-team right tackle in the spring’s opening depth chart. Who is playing where on the offensive line will definitely be a big story heading into next Saturday’s Cyclone Gridiron Club Spring Game that will kick off at 2 p.m.