Rose named Lombardi Award finalist

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

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State All-American linebacker Mike Rose is one of four finalists for the 2021 Rotary Lombardi Award, announced today by the Rotary Club of Houston.

The Rotary Lombardi Award annually recognizes the college football offensive or defensive lineman, who in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi.

Linebackers are also eligible for the prestigious award.

Rose has been the heart and soul of the stout Cyclone defense for the last four years. The 2020 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year has started 46 games in his incredible career, recording 304 tackles, 35.5 TFL and six interceptions.

His 35.5 career TFL ranks second in school history.

A native of Brecksville, Ohio, Rose is one of the top tacklers in the Big 12, ranking sixth in the league in tackles per game (7.0) on a defense that ranks fourth nationally in fewest yards allowed per game (282.1).

Rose was the 2020 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

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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