Latrell Bankston named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

Nov 27, 2020; Austin, TX, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Latrell Bankston (56) sacks Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) in the second quarter during an NCAA college football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell-USA TODAY NETWORK

IRVING, Texas – Iowa State junior defensive lineman Latrell Bankston was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, announced today by the Big 12 Conference.

The Woodstock, Ga., native was sensational in Iowa State’s 23-20 victory at No. 20 Texas on Friday, registering career highs in tackles (five) and sacks (2.0).

His two sacks were crucial. His first sack was on third down and halted a Texas drive at midfield.

Bankston’s second sack was even bigger. It occurred with Iowa State clinging to a 23-20 lead and Texas in possession with its final drive.

The Longhorns drove down to the ISU 36 and had 3^rd-and-10 with :09 seconds left in the contest. With one final play from scrimmage, Bankston busted up the middle and sacked Sam Ehlinger for a four-yard loss. It forced UT to use its final timeout with :04 seconds left. 

Bankston’s sack pushed back the potential game-tying field goal attempt to 58 yards, as the kick hooked left and barely missed as time expired.

The win gave Iowa State its school-record seventh conference victory and clinched at least a share of the Big 12 regular-season title.

Iowa State enters its final-regular season game on Saturday vs. West Virginia ranked No. 12 nationally in the Associated Press poll.

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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