Iowa State cornerback De'Monte Ruth rises to coach’s challenge

AMES — Iowa State Coach Matt Campbell had a challenge for cornerback De'Monte Ruth in the spring. An off-the-field challenge.

Campbell wanted the redshirt junior to get his academics in order.

'He wanted me to settle that part of my life in first because I had a rocky start,' Ruth said. 'He challenged me with that and he said as soon as I get that going, then it'll go right for me on the field.'

Campbell was right.

Now that Ruth's academics are in order, Ruth, who played 94 snaps against Texas last Thursday, has emerged as another key piece in Iowa State's secondary.

It started in Week 3 against Akron when D'Andre Payne was out with a hamstring injury. Ruth recorded a modest six tackles.

His next game against the Longhorns, Ruth stepped his game up. He had seven tackles, a tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery. He also had two pass breakups and a near interception.

'He had a great summer and a really good fall camp,' Campbell said. 'Now all of the sudden his number gets called and he really played outstanding. His game (last week) was as good as I've seen our defensive backfield play, in terms of what he did. He was physical at the point of attack, he made some great plays on balls. He's the guy that's earned the right to play really good football.'

The Dallas, Texas, native wasn't surprised by his performance. He spent the whole offseason going in and working with Brian Peavy and Payne.

'My preparation led to (the big game),' Ruth said. 'We all prepare the same as if we're all going to play 100 snaps because you never know what'll happen. I felt good afterward because I prepared for it.'

Campbell told the team on Friday after the game that Ruth epitomizes what he wants his players' development to look like.

Ruth took Campbell's famous 'process' to heart.

'I'm really proud of him,' Campbell said. 'He's one of those guys that you hope that's what it looks like in your football program — young guy trying to figure it out, (then) a light bulb goes off and all of the sudden, it's going right in every area of his life.'

Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock said it can be hard for players to expect a lot from themselves. They all want to be great, but it's hard to expect that greatness.

That expectation can put a lot of pressure on a person. Heacock and Campbell helped Ruth expect big things from himself.

'I don't think players are any different than all of us,' Heacock said. 'I think there comes a point where you're going to have to look in the mirror and figure out whether you're going to do this or not, and I think he must've chosen to do this. When you make that choice, it gives you a chance to have success.'

Ruth was quick to credit others for his development and performance.

Against Texas, the defensive line provided enough pressure on pass plays to make Texas quarterback Shane Buechele make quick decisions.

'I was just where I was supposed to be,' Ruth said. 'All the other (defensive backs), they were locking up as well.'

Ruth's role could become more limited as Payne returns, but if Campbell needs Ruth, he'll be ready to step up again.

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