Chris Whitaker knows an opportunity when he sees one.

The true freshman linebacker from East St. Louis, Ill. was standing on the sidelines when senior Dave Brcka went down with a knee injury.

Whitaker knew it was his time to step up.

“Coach Skladany asked me if I was ready, and I said ‘Yes, sir.’ I just tried to go out there and have fun, and I thought it went really well,” Whitaker said.

The linebacker came to Iowa State after earning All-State honors in Illinois and immediately showed his considerable speed, running a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash.

The freshman showed enough skill, and the ISU linebacking corps lacked enough depth, that he was able to contribute right away.

He played from scrimmage late in the team’s opening game at Indiana State and since then, has been a contributor on special teams.

However, with eight tackles and two sacks, it was a surprise to almost everyone involved.

“I couldn’t be any more proud of Chris Whitaker. He came in here and was just an inspiration. He hadn’t played barely any linebacker the whole year, and for him to come in here and be able to do what he did was tremendous,” head coach Dan McCarney said.

Whitaker, 18, is part of a vastly reworked linebacking unit. He will start, along with Ab Turner and James Elmore.

Former starter Jesse Beckom is now going to back up Reggie Hayward on the defensive line, while Eric Weiford will now play behind Whitaker. Brcka has been ruled out of the next two games, and Whitaker will get his chance in the spotlight, something he enjoyed last week.

“I didn’t really want to get the chance this way, with Brcka going down, but I have to take advantage of it. It was nice being in there and being able to contribute to the team,” Whitaker said.

Brcka thinks that the talented frosh is ready to step up and handle the responsibility.

“He did a great job in there. Usually, when you are out there for the first time, you’re really nervous, but I didn’t see that at all. He looks like he belongs,” Brcka said.

A main reason for the switch at linebacker is due to the fact that Beckom has had trouble keeping his weight on.

The senior now weighs 200 pounds, making him one of the lightest guys on the defensive side. Elmore will give the team more bulk at the position, something McCarney feels is necessary.

“This is such a physical league that we need people who can deliver hits and make an impact on the defensive side of the ball,” McCarney said.

The Cyclones will have a challenge once again this week, as they face a Texas Tech offense that features Rob Peters, a veteran signal caller who’s thrown for nine touchdowns so far this season.

They also have a running back, Shuad Williams, a freshman who has enjoyed two breakout games. He rushed for 230 yards on 21 carries against Colorado and tallied 151 yards against North Texas.

The Cyclones will need freshman like Whitaker and Matt Word to step up if they are to return from Lubbock with a crucial victory.