As James Reed enters his third season at Iowa State, the expectations are like nothing he’s ever seen.

And that’s a good thing.

“We know people expect more of us. I know the coaching staff thinks we’re a good defense, and we do, too. We are ready to step up and fill those expectations,” Reed said.

Last season, Reed was stalwart defensively, getting a team-leading 88 tackles as a defensive lineman, an extraordinarily large number.

He also gained third-team all-Big 12 honors from the Big 12 coaches, an honor not bestowed on an ISU defensive lineman in quite a while.

As for the future, Reed keeps his goal the same as it has always been.

“I still want to be an All-American. I refuse to settle for anything less than that,” Reed said.

He got the 1999 campaign off to a solid start in the opening game, making six tackles, including two for losses. Generally recognized as ISU’s best defensive player, Reed knows that he will have to perform up to expectations.

“We have to go out and do what it takes to win,” Reed said. “I know I have to do my job the same as everybody else. It’s a team effort, and we all have to give 100 percent.”

As far as the Iowa game, the native of Saginaw, Mich., knows the defense will need a repeat performance of their game last season.

In the 27-9 win last year over the Hawkeyes, Reed and the rest of the Cyclones held Ledell Betts and company to just 42 yards rushing, and Iowa had only 271 total yards in the rout.

“We need to stop the run like last year, and we need to get pressure on the quarterback like last year, and if we do that, we should be OK,” Reed said.

Reed will feature a different look from a year ago, as he has put on over 20 pounds to weigh in at 277.

He feels that this added weight will help his overall game.

“It should make me stronger to help against the run,” Reed said. “But also I have kept my quickness, which will allow me to put pressure on the quarterback.”

The game on Saturday is obviously critical to the success of not only the 1999 season, but the future of the program. However, Reed tries not to put too much emphasis on one game.

“I know it’s a big rivalry and everything, but it is just one game, and every game we play is big,” he said. “Regardless of whether it’s on national TV or not, we have to play great.”

He is counting on a big contribution from the crowd on Saturday, which is expected to be a sellout.

“The crowd is really important to what we do,” Reed said. “When the stands are packed, I know I play better. And they help us out. When it’s third and one and everybody’s chanting ‘defense,’ that really gives us a lift.”

With the game being on national television, Reed will have a lot of his family and friends looking on, as well as a sizable contingent in the stands cheering him on.

James Reed says he “wants it all” in terms of goals on the football field.

With the way he’s been playing, he just might get it.