A.J. Epenesa
Similar to the other two players covered on here, there were numerous guys on the defensive line that warranted inclusion on the list of standouts. One guy, however, stepped up his game to another level.
The fact that this guy isn’t even a starter is just a testament to how good the Iowa football team’s defensive line truly is.
True sophomore A.J. Epenesa was supremely dominant in this game registering two sacks including the game-ending strip-sack and managed to get his hands up to bat down a pass late in the fourth quarter. The strip-sack particularly stands out as he just straight bull-rushed the offensive lineman right into backup quarterback Zeb Noland.
This performance earned him Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors in the Big Ten.
His dominance was so impressive, it had twitter chirping quite a bit about the promise of this young man.
This has been a rough game for ISU's OTs. AJE is eating.
— Marc Morehouse (@marcmorehouse) September 9, 2018
Through 2 games, A.J. Epenesa has been unstoppable in pass-rush situations. Draws holding calls or gets to the QB.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) September 9, 2018
DE94 is just too long and strong for most OTs to handle 1 on 1 in ears pinned back pass rush situations, showed it vs NIU, showing it again here today vs ISU down the stretch. He can be something special as he continues to develop
— Hawkeye Gamefilm (@hawkeyegamefilm) September 9, 2018
I think it’s safe to say, that the former five-star recruit has arrived, and opposing quarterbacks should be worried for at least the next two seasons.