Mike Rose named semifinalist for Lombardi Award

Sep 4, 2021; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Mike Rose (23) gets ready for the snap against the Northern Iowa Panthers in the first half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State linebacker Mike Rose is a semifinalist for one of college football’s most prestigious awards.

The senior from Brecksville, Ohio is one of 12 players left in contention for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation’s best offensive lineman, defensive lineman or linebacker.

Rose has followed up his Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year campaign in 2020 with nearly the same amount of production and success in 2021. He’s compiled 34 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, a sack and three quarterback hurries so far this season for the Cyclones while leading one of the nation’s best defensive units.

To be eligible for the Lombardi, players must play either on the offensive or defensive lines or generally line up as a linebacker no deeper than five yards from the line of scrimmage.

Other notable names on the list include Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum and Ohio State offensive guard Thayer Munford, who was once courted heavily by Iowa State’s staff on the recruiting trail.

Finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 9.

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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