Football adds a defensive tackle transfer

By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com PublisherFollow Chris on Twitter @ChrisMWilliams 

Paul Rhoads just borrowed a page from Fred Hoiberg’s playbook.

Ben Durbin, a 6-foot-3, 273 pound defensive tackle who originally hails from Gilbert, Iowa, is transferring from Wyoming to Iowa State. That’s according to a university press release that was sent out early Wednesday morning.

Durbin started eight games as a junior at defensive tackle last season for the Cowboys, recorded 28 tackles (3.5 for a loss) along the way. Durbin has already received his bachelor’s degree from Wyoming (in psychology) and plans to take graduate courses at Iowa State next year. Because of this, he’ll be eligible to play right away next season for head coach Paul Rhoads and the Cyclones.

"I wanted to play for the Cyclone Nation," Durbin said in the release. "I can play in front of my family. This is God’s Country to me and I have always been an Iowa State fan."

Durbin was a two-time first-team all-state honoree during his high school career at Gilbert.

"The previous (Iowa State) coaching staff recruited me, but ultimately I did not get an offer," said Durbin. "I was at Wyoming for four years and Laramie is a great place. This is not about Wyoming. I talked to my friends and family about it. Iowa State is doing great things under (Iowa State head) coach Paul Rhoads. Coming home is a dream. Believe me, I appreciate this opportunity."