Rylan Barnes bet on himself and it is paying off. The linebacker walked on at Iowa State after a standout career at West Hancock High School and is eighth on the team in tackles as a redshirt freshman.

Injuries forced Barnes into the lineup early this season and he has been a key part of Iowa State’s second 7-0 start in program history.

Barnes says coming into the season he did not expect to play such a pivotal role.

The 11th ranked Cyclones host Texas Tech Saturday afternoon.