When the Cyclones take the field against Iowa, there will be many familiar faces for both teams. One of the names you probably haven’t heard of is ISU’s starting middle linebacker, Eric Weiford.

The junior walk-on has seen limited action in his previous years wearing the cardinal and gold but has captured a starting role this season. Weiford made his presence felt in his first collegiate start last week against Indiana State by recording a team-high seven tackles.

The Oelwein native is all too familiar with this heated in-state rivalry and knows the importance of the upcoming game. Not only is this game important for a recruiting edge, but it gives the victor bragging rights for an entire year.

“It’s the biggest game in Iowa, because so many fans are involved and that’s what makes it special,” Weiford said.

This game has an added significance for Weiford because he had been a fan of the Cyclones long before his playing days.

“I’ve always been a Cyclone fan,” Weiford said. “I had some family that went to Iowa State, and I’ve always been taught the Cyclone way.”

Weiford always had a feeling he would play collegiate football at the Division IA level, but he could not have predicted the path that would lead him there.

“When I was in high school, I always thought I would play college football,” Weiford said. “Baseball offered me a scholarship, but deep down I had a love for football. I just had to come out [for football], because I didn’t want to be one of the guys that regrets not going out.”

Weiford followed that notion and didn’t hang up the cleats, but just switched the sport during which he would be wearing them. Initially, most walk-ons only aspire to make the team and possibly even gain a scholarship someday, but Weiford wanted more.

“I thought it was a long shot since I initially came here to play baseball and hadn’t played football in almost two years,” Weiford said. “Once I started playing again, I had to build my confidence back up, and eventually that confidence came back.”

After two years of practicing with the team, Weiford finally made his Cyclone debut. He made the most of his opportunities and recorded four tackles in three games of action in 1998. At times, it was difficult to practice and then not play in the game, but Weiford just saw it as another chance to improve his game.

“I took that more as a learning process to grasp in everything around you,” Weiford said. “If you don’t feel comfortable playing, then you don’t even want to be playing. I was able to get comfortable through practice and through the scout team.”

Once Weiford became adjusted to playing competitive football, he relished the challenge of making himself better. After a winter off-season filled with dedication and commitment, Weiford’s hard work would pay off.

Despite weighing only 215 pounds, Weiford uses his speed, aggressiveness and determination to shed blockers and make the big hit.

During spring practices, Weiford was dubbed a starter by the coaching staff and subsequently put on scholarship. The pressure of being a starting linebacker can seem too much sometimes, but it is a goal that Weiford had strived for since day one.

“It’s something that you always dream of, and it just comes down to hard work,” Weiford said. “You just have to come out everyday and make some plays. When you are given a chance, you have to take advantage of it.”

Becoming the starting middle linebacker was not an easy task for Weiford. He had to edge out some more experienced players in practice, but Weiford thought of it more as an advantage than a competition against the other players.

“You are not going to play every down, so you have to help each other out,” Weiford said.

With the majority of the 1999 season ahead of him and another year of eligibility, Weiford is thankful that he made himself pursue his dream.