The words “sophomore slump” never made their way into James Reed’s dictionary.

The strapping, young defensive lineman from Saginaw, Michigan, has followed a very strong freshman year with another string of solid performances to start out his sophomore year.

Reed came to ISU as a highly regarded recruit who led his team to a 10-1 record in his senior year. He recorded 12 sacks that year en route to being named first team All-State.

The persistence of the ISU coaches is what led Reed to Ames.

“I had a little trouble in the classroom, and a lot of teams turned away. But Iowa State kept calling, and when I finally made it through, that was going to be the school I was going to go to. They showed they cared about me by sticking with me.”

After redshirting his freshman year, which saw him make the transition from linebacker to defensive line in the spring, he enjoyed a very auspicious beginning to his collegiate career.

Reed was an immediate contributor to the defense, as he picked up seven tackles in his first game, and followed that effort with sacks in each of his next three games.

He kept up this effort and ended the season with 71 tackles and a team high six sacks.

He was rewarded with the defensive MVP and was very proud of this honor.

“It meant a lot, because I know what I have to go out there and do. I’m doing the same thing this year to help my team and help myself.”

He is doing his part to help everyone involved with Cyclone football this year.

Through five games (all starts), Reed has accumulated 36 tackles and four sacks, which ranks him second on the team.

While he may have been one of the lone standouts on the defensive side of the ball a year ago, this year has been a different story. With the exception of the game against Heisman candidate Ricky Williams, the defense has looked like a whole new unit this year.

“I think this year we are running to the ball a lot more, and we have more depth. When a starter gets tired, we don’t lose much. That’s a lot different from last year.”

Another thing besides depth that has helped the Cyclone cause has been attitude.

“Ever since the Iowa game, I knew we had the team this year. We had the chemistry, and we have what it takes to go out there and play with any team and come up with a victory.”

Although Reed came to ISU as one of the strongest players on the team, he felt the need to keep working out.

“I feel that I have a lot more strength this year. I am able to help out against the run a lot more.”

With his strong start to the 1998 campaign, Reed no doubt would like another MVP trophy to put on his mantle. Right now, however, he has his eye on bigger and better things.

“Personally, I’d like to be All-Big 12 first team, and with God at my side, hopefully one day I’ll be an All-American.”

He is certainly well on his way to achieving his first goal, and the second may not be far behind.