Time and again, Demond Tucker broke through the offensive line. He would swallow up a running back. He would take down a quarterback before the pass could get off.
He did it often enough to be named the Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year last season. The hardware, like the individual plays, looks nice.
But it didn’t flatter the new Iowa State coaching staff. They saw something missing.
And it’s what Tucker hasn’t done, not what he’s accomplished, that’s led them to challenge him since their arrival. It’s why this summer may matter more for Tucker than any other Cyclone.