AMES, Iowa – Iowa State redshirt junior J.R. Singleton will be the latest Cyclone defensive lineman to wear No. 58 in honor and remembrance of former assistant coach Curtis Bray.

The tradition dates back to the 2014 season as an honor to Bray, who passed away that year from a pulmonary embolism. Bray’s presence is still felt inside the Bergstrom Football Complex and each season a new Cyclone is picked to wear the number he wore during his outstanding career at Pittsburgh from 1988-92. Bray was on the Cyclone coaching staff for five seasons (2009-13).

Singleton, a Gurnee, Illinois, native, has been a fixture on the defensive line the last two seasons after redshirting his freshman season in 2020. He is a two-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree.

“Being chosen to wear the number 58 is nothing short of a blessing,” Singleton said. “Not only are you representing the known name Bray, but you’re representing the ability he had to impact others. We talk about legacy a lot in this program. I always ask myself “how do you want to be remembered?” If I can leave an impact on this team, community and my family I think I struck good. I am grateful for the opportunity and ready for the challenge.”

For the second year, the Curtis Bray Memorial Scholarship will be given in Singleton’s name to a student on campus. This year’s recipient is Savanna Wuebker, a psychology major.