COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 44

Cyclone Fanatic is counting down the days until Iowa State’s season opener against Northern Iowa by bringing you a stat, former Cyclone moment or other random tidbits every morning that help countdown the days.

Our countdown has reached 44 days.

No. 44 – Tim Dobbins

Anytime you bring up former Iowa State linebacker Tim Dobbins, there’s one word that comes up time and time again — stud.

Dobbins was an All-Big 12 player while wearing No. 44 for the Cyclones during his senior season in 2005. He was a captain on that squad that went 7-5 and made 103 tackles, which was fourth in the Big 12.

The product of Copiah-Lincoln Community College also added 7.5 tackles for loss and a sack during his last year with the Cyclones. He finished his career with 164 tackles and three interceptions in just two years wearing the Cardinal and Gold.

Cyclone Fanatic contributor Brent Blum even calls him the best player from Iowa State’s back-to-back bowl teams in 2004 and 2005.

Dobbins was taken by the San Diego Chargers in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He spent time with four other NFL teams in his career that saw him make 195 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks.

Now a free agent, Dobbins is remembered by fans as one of the best defenders from one of the most successful eras of Iowa State football.

COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF

Day 45 – Oklahoma State’s lost sacks in 2016

Day 46 – Lane Danielson’s catches during his senior season

Day 47 – AJ Klein

Day 48 – Paul Rhoads’ first game

Day 49 – November 17, 2001

Day 50 – Bret Meyer’s school record for TD passes