Eisworth named to Bednarik Award watch list

Oct 27, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Ja’Deion High (88) is tackled by Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Greg Eisworth (12) at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Red Raiders 40-31. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State senior safety Greg Eisworth is on the radar to be one of the nation’s top defenders during the 2020 college football season, assuming it takes place.

The two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection was included on the Bednarik Award watch list released on Monday. The Bednarik is awarded annually to the nation’s best defensive player.

Eisworth recorded 65 tackles, 37 of them solo stops, plus 3.5 tackles for loss and an interception during his injury-plagued junior season in 2019. That came one season after he recorded 87 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and one interception as a redshirt sophomore in 2018, which earned him Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year in his first season in Ames after stops at Ole Miss and Trinity Valley Community College.

The Grand Prairie, Texas native is essentially a lock to be named to the preseason All-Big 12 team, which will be released on Wednesday.

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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