COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 28

Cyclone Fanatic is counting down the days until Iowa State’s season opener against Northern Iowa by bringing you a stat, former Cyclone moment or any other random tidbits every morning to help countdown the days.

No. 28 – Demond Tucker’s tackles in 2015

In 2015, Demond Tucker solidified himself as one of the best disruptors in college football. The 6-foot, 296-pound, junior made 28 tackles, 13 of them for loss, during his first season with the Cyclones.

The transfer from Copiah-Lincoln Community College went on to become the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He was second team All-Big 12 by the AP and honorable mention by the coaches.

His 13 tackles for loss is 10th all-time for a single-season at Iowa State. His six sacks during the season was the ninth best output in the Big 12 and was second on the team.

Tucker returns in 2016 as one of the best defensive linemen in the conference, and maybe one of the more under-the-radar impact players in college football.

It is expected that with improved conditioning and strength, he will be able to make an even bigger impact this fall.