Defensive player of the week: Riko Jeffers

Jordyn Brooks and Dakota Allen are about as good of a linebacker pairing as anywhere in the nation. What this means is Riko Jeffers has been a role player, filling in on certain packages and spelling Brooks for a breather.

He has played well, but he has never been called on to be the man. He did his job and always showed so much promise for the future. But against Iowa State he was thrust into the main role after Brooks was ejected for targeting early in the game.

And not only did he deliver, he arguably made the play of the game. That strip sack of Brock Purdy could not have gone any better, resulting in the game-tying touchdown.

But all around play by Jeffers was superb. 11 total tackles, and a sack make up a very strong stat line. Add in a QB hurry, and Jeffers really brought the hurt to the darling Freshman of corn country.

Next years linebacker corp is going to be incredibly strong once again with Jeffers poised and ready to play big minutes whenever needed.