The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletics Communications:
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State redshirt senior defensive end Will McDonald IV has been named to the 2022 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List.
The Lott Trophy, named after NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, is annually awarded to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.
McDonald, a Pewaukee, Wisconsin, native, was a FWAA First Team All-American last season after proving himself as one of the nation’s best pass-rushers. He tied for the Big 12 lead in sacks for the second-straight season with 11.5, breaking his own single-season school record and finishing ninth nationally.
McDonald also finished second and tied for fourth nationally with five forced fumbles, tying for the most in Cyclone history.
He has the second-most sacks in the nation (22.0) since 2020 and is ISU’s all-time career sack leader with 29.0, which ties for fourth in Big 12 history.
The watch list has 15 linebackers, 14 defensive backs and McDonald is one of 13 defensive linemen on it.
The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches and members of the Board of Directors of the IMPACT Foundation.
The 2022 winner will be announced at a banquet on Dec. 11.
