ISU linebackers want defense to be feared

AMES - Jake Knott is coming off one of the greatest seasons a linebacker has ever had at Iowa State.

Even more impressive is that Knott did it in his first season as a starter. The junior-to-be says he was simply being a good soldier in collecting 130 tackles, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, a sack and five pass breakups.

“I honestly was just listening to the coaches and trying to do everything they were telling me to do,” Knott said. “It wound up with a bunch of tackles and interceptions and stuff like that. I was taking drills to the field basically.”

He and running mate A.J. Klein had superb sophomore seasons that now, with two years left to play, they'll be expected to match for the remainder of their careers.

Knott finished second in the Big 12 in tackles. Klein was fifth with 111, to go along with three interceptions, two that were returned for touchdowns.

Both were all-conference picks.

“If that is expected of us, I think that's a great expectation to live up to,” Klein said. “We hold ourselves to high standards. We both want to produce and be the leaders of this defense.”

Klein talks about wanting ISU's defense to be one that is feared.

From his outside linebacker position that is defined as:“When you know the running back across from you doesn't want to touch the ball because he knows he's going to get stuffed,” Klein said.

He and Knott - along with senior Matt Tau'fo'ou in the middle - will need to do a lot of the heavy lifting.

He's banking on teammates being able to follow the linebackers' lead.

“You are kind of the captain of the defense,” Knott said. “Guys look to you for the calls. We need to be the people to step up and control things.”

With his spot secure, this season for Knott is about helping others.

He'll be stressing how much an impact studying and time in the film room had on his breakout season.

“This year I'm more worried about helping the team from a leadership standpoint and really helping the new guys who are going to be on the defense,” Knott said. “Once you figure out the game it becomes easier and you can start making more plays.”

A repeat season would be great, and needed for ISU coming off a 5-7 record. Knott would rather see wins - not his statistics - pile up.

“It doesn't matter to me how many tackles I have,” he said. “I just want to get back to a bowl and win a bowl.”