McDonald named first-team All-American by Football Writers; Hall on second-team

Iowa State Cyclones defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) blocks the ball as Texas Longhorns quarterback Hudson Card (1) throws during the third quarter at Jack Trice Stadium, Nov. 6, 2021, in Ames, Iowa.

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

AMES, Iowa – The Football Writers Association of America announced its 2021 All-America Team today and junior defensive end Will McDonald IV, one of the nation’s pass-rushers, was named FWAA First Team All-American.

Running back Breece Hall was on the second team.

McDonald IV is the 10^th Cyclone to earn All-America honors since 2017. ISU had just three All-Americans from 1997-2016.

McDonald IV is the second Cyclone defensive lineman first-teamer by the FWAA in the last two seasons, following JaQuan Bailey’s appearance on the team a year ago.

McDonald IV has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses the last two years, leading the Big 12 in sacks in back-to-back seasons. McDonald IV broke his own school record for sacks in a season in 2021 (11.5) and his 0.96 sacks per game average ranks seventh nationally.

A native of Pewaukee, Wis., McDonald IV is ISU’s all-time career leader in sacks with 29.0, the fourth-most in Big 12 history. He’s recorded 27.0 sacks in his last 28 games.

McDonald IV tied a school record for forced fumbles in a season with five, tying for third in the nation.

He also has 14.0 TFL on the year, tying for ninth in school history, and his 34.5 career TFL ranks third in school history.

McDonald IV has the second-most sacks in NCAA FBS since 2020 with 22.0.

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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