COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF: Day 5

Oct 29, 2016; Ames, IA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Kamari Cotton-Moya (5) tackles Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Alex Delton (5) at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Kamari Cotton–Moya has solidified himself as one of the best defensive backs in the Big 12 during his first three seasons with the Cyclones. The former Big 12 freshman of the year was a second-team All-Big 12 selection by the coaches last season and is a consensus preseason All-Big 12 player.

Cotton-Moya has recorded 190 tackles, 6.5 of them for loss, 14 pass breakups and two interceptions entering his senior season.

The Bakersfield, Calif. native was named the Big 12 defensive player of the week after posting six tackles, a forced fumble and a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown in Iowa State’s win over Texas Tech last year.

Injuries have slowed the 6-foot-2, 198-pound safety at times during his years in Ames, but he has still become one of the more underrated defensive players in college football.