After a few early struggles, the ISU defense has continued to step up in recent games. 

The Cyclones, who let up over 34 consecutive points in the first two games of the season, was able to keep the Toledo Rockets at bay last weekend, giving the team the edge.

They came up with several key stops against Toledo in the second half, giving the offense room to extend their lead. Defensive lineman Cory Morrissey says that their play late in the game really shows how far this defense has come since the beginning of the year.

“We’re a resilient group that is constantly getting better and learning,” Morrissey said. “It’s always forward, with a couple setbacks. We came back in the second half [of last game] and showed what we can do.”

Linebacker Jared Brackens, who started in place of the injured Drake Ferch, came up big for the defense as well. Brackens had nine total solo tackles, and impressed coaches with his special teams play.

“I think Jared played well, and he remained productive in special teams play,” head coach Paul Rhoads said. “He certainly made some mistakes, like all people did, but overall he played a very good football game.”

Along with Brackens, cornerback Kamari Cotton-Moya has started to make a regular impact for the ISU defense. Last Saturday, Cotton-Moya led the team with 10 solo tackles and nearly had an interception.

Coach Rhoads even awarded Cotton-Moya the defensive player of the game following the Toledo matchup.

“Kamari had his best game,” Rhoads said. “He was voted our player of the game from the defensive standpoint with big numbers, as well as a presence in the pass game. He could have had an interception. Those guys are starting to grow up a little big and probably right on time after six games.”

Others on the team are starting to notice the redshirt freshman’s play as well, and can see potentially how good he can be in the future.

“He’s going to be a good player,” Morrissey said of Cotton-Moya. “He’s really stepping up in his role and showing how good of a player he can be in the coming years. He’s young, he does have a ceiling that he can reach, and that would be great to see.”

Perhaps the reason some of the younger defensive players are starting to play more consistently comes from the leadership of the older players, something that Rhoads says makes a big impact.

Morrissey, who is also a team captain, is a player who Rhoads says is always doing the little things that really help his team succeed.

“He plays so doggone hard every snap,” Rhoads said. “He’s the kind of player you like to watch on your own team, but other coaches like to watch because he’s playing the game how it’s supposed to be played every snap. It’s very gratifying to see him having a successful year.”