McDonald named Big 12’s Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year

Oct 3, 2020; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State defensive end Will McDonald IV (9) celebrates a sack during their football game at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State would go on to defeat Oklahoma 37-30. Mandatory Credit: Brian Powers-USA TODAY Sports

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

IRVING, Texas – Iowa State two-time All-Big 12 First Team defensive end Will McDonald IV was named the Big 12’s Co-Defensive Linemen of the Year, announced today by the league office.

McDonald IV has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses the last two years, leading the Big 12 in sacks in back-to-back seasons. McDonald 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, the most in the Big 12 and tying for second 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 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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