When I saw O’Rien Vance listed as the starting middle linebacker over Mike Rose, I was surprised. Mike Rose is a great pass rusher and is pretty good in coverage, so it was baffling that he got knocked outside after such a great freshman season.
O’Rien Vance is proving why.
Vance is a 6’1, 231 pound redshirt-sophomore who played in 11 of Iowa State’s 13 games last year. He made an impact and was a serviceable backup as a freshman, but few people predicted a break out season like he’s had so far. Vance is currently leading the Big 12 in sacks with 6.