Wide Right and Natty Lite · Oct 10, 2019
Defensive Player to Watch: O’Rien Vance
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY SportsWhen 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 6.5 and is ranked fifth in the country. For reference, Jaquan Bailey led Iowa State in sacks last season with 8.0.