COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 5

Oct 29, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Kamari Cotton-Moya (5) tackles Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Alex Delton (5) at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Kamari Cotton–Moya has solidified himself as one of the best defensive backs in the Big 12 during his first three seasons with the Cyclones. The former Big 12 freshman of the year was a second-team All-Big 12 selection by the coaches last season and is a consensus preseason All-Big 12 player.

Cotton-Moya has recorded 190 tackles, 6.5 of them for loss, 14 pass breakups and two interceptions entering his senior season.

The Bakersfield, Calif. native was named the Big 12 defensive player of the week after posting six tackles, a forced fumble and a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown in Iowa State’s win over Texas Tech last year.

Injuries have slowed the 6-foot-2, 198-pound safety at times during his years in Ames, but he has still become one of the more underrated defensive players in college football.

Jared Stansbury

View articles by Jared Stansbury subscriber

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.

Follow @@JaredStansbury