COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 24

Until Troy Davis arrived in Ames in 1994, there was little discussion about who was the best Iowa State running back of all-time. Well, I guess after Davis arrived, and in the years since, there has been little discussion as well, but the competition might be slightly closer than it was previously.

Before Davis became the first player in college football to rush for 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, Dexter Green was the best running back to ever suit up in cardinal and gold.

Green finished his career as the Cyclones’ all-time leading rusher (3,437), leader in touchdowns, overall and rushing (38/34), and leader in 100-yard rushing games (19).

Even today, Green is still tied for the record in career touchdowns. He is second behind Davis in rushing touchdowns and third behind him, and his brother Darren, for rushing yards.

Green was named an All-American following his senior season in 1978 and was inducted into the Iowa State Hall of Fame in 2000. He went on to play one season in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but there is little doubt Green left Ames as the best running back in school history — until a guy named Troy came along.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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