COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: 40 days

Each day leading up to Iowa State’s season opener against South Dakota State, Cyclone Fanatic will check another day off the calendar with a memorable statistic, player or game as part of our Countdown to Kickoff presented by Tailgate Clothing. 

Few defensive linemen in the history of Iowa State football have had more productive careers than Shawn Moorehead. The former walk-on from Mason City excelled while wearing No. 40 during his Iowa State career spanning from 2004-06, eventually becoming the program’s all-time leader in sacks.

Moorehead burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2004 recording 4.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and 46 tackles overall. He was a key piece of the 2005 squad considered among the best defensive lines in program history, compiling 34 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

His banner year came in 2006 when he recorded 8.5 sacks, which still stands as the school’s single-season record, 12 tackles for loss, 46 total tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. Moorehead’s senior season earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 honors to go along with being a three-time Academic All-District selection.

To this day, Moorehead’s 18.5 career sacks are the most in program history. His career 30.5 tackles for loss also remain sixth all-time in the school record books.