AMES – It would be overblown to say there was a panic emanating from the Iowa State football fan base when Isheem Young announced his intention to transfer in December 2021, but there certainly was worry. 
And with good reason. 
Young was a heat-seeking missile from his safety position, delivering bone-rattling hits with uncommon frequency. He was the co-defensive freshman of the year in the Big 12 in 2020. He was second-team all-Big 12 as a sophomore after finishing fourth among the Cyclones in total tackles and tying for the team lead with a pair of interceptions. With two years of eligibility remaining, Young looked to be a cornerstone of the defense moving forward after the senior-heavy 2021 roster moved on. 
But before the Cheez-It Bowl against Clemson, Young was gone to the transfer portal. 
So, eyebrows and concern levels were certainly raised. Though it never seemed like it from within the program. 
Probably because they knew the guy behind Young – a true freshman by the name of Beau Freyler – had a real future in front of him. 
“I would just say, man, like remember,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said in his Cheez-It Bowl postgame press conference after Freyler racked up a team-best 15 tackles against Clemson, “Beau Freyler was a freshman all-conference football player in the Big 12.” 
Now, three years later, Freyler will return to Camping World Stadium for his final game as a Cyclone in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Miami on Saturday (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC). The same venue where his breakout freshman performance occurred.
“It really feels like not too long ago, to be honest,” Freyler said last week. “It’s a great full circle moment.” 
It’s also a moment to take stock of the career Freyler has put together at Iowa State. He’s a two-time captain, an academic All-American, a National Football Foundation scholar-athlete and a Nick Bassett Perseverance Award winner. A four-time all-Big 12 honorable mention selection who will finish just outside the top-10 in career tackles at Iowa State. 
And he did it while playing through countless ailments, including a shoulder injury that would have likely been debilitating for other players. 
He may not end his career as one of the absolute elite Iowa State players in program history, but he will leave as a legend. 
“Beau is a gifted guy. Beau has some of ‘it,’” reflected Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock. “He can run fast and he’s tough and can cover and do all the things. He athletically was capable of doing it. His mind allowed him to learn it. He’s a mentally tough guy, so in (tough times) he was excelling. He wasn’t just trying to survive to the next day and get home. He was (striving) to be the best he could be. That’s who he’s been since he’s been here, and that’s what gives you a chance.  
“That’s how he’s played since the day he walked in here until the day he’ll walk out of here. He’s the same guy.” 
That’s why, when the Cyclones were turning over the keys to a critical position to Freyler, there wasn’t much consternation over at the Bergstrom Football Complex. 
“He was rotating about middle of the season with Isheem, so when Isheem did make that decision to leave,” wideout and fellow senior Jaylin Noel said, “we knew we were in good hands with Beau.  
“Obviously now you see the player he’s become. Yeah, we were trusting him every step of the way.” 
More:Hines: Pop-Tarts Bowl the only homecoming ahead for Iowa State football QB Rocco Becht
More:Hines: What comes next for Iowa State football after Big 12 championship game beatdown?
It’s trust Freyler has rewarded with every single snap he’s roamed the middle of Heacock’s defense. With every speech and action that have made him the “transformational” leader Campbell describes him as.  
Now, he’ll get to do it one final time for the cardinal and gold. 
“It’s bittersweet knowing I get the opportunity to play in another game,” he said, “but knowing it is my last game here for Iowa State.  
“I’m excited as I’ve ever been, as motivated as I’ve ever been to go out and finish strong and do everything I can for the team.” 
Not that there was any other option for Freyler. It’s the only way he knows how. To play as hard as you can for as long as you can. The time comes to an end this week, but the memory of his time as a Cyclone, well, the clock should never run out on that. 
Iowa State columnist Travis Hines has covered the Cyclones for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune since 2012. Contact him at thines@amestrib.com or (515) 284-8000. Follow him on X at @TravisHines21.

source

Post Views: 1