Shoulder Injury Likely Ends Jake Knott’s ISU Career

Iowa State’s leading tackler, Jake Knott, will miss the rest of the regular season with an outside chance of a bowl game appearance after undergoing shoulder surgery today.

Oct 20, 2012; Stillwater OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback J.W. Walsh (4) runs for yardage against Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Jake Knott (20) during the first quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE

The senior linebacker will have the surgery today in Chicago, and Paul Rhoads doesn’t expect to see him back this season. According to Bobby La Gesse, “Rhoads didn’t say exactly what the surgery was for but Knott has been playing with a shoulder injury.” However, if the Cyclones do become bowl eligible, he may be able to make a return for the game.

Here’s what Rhoads said about Knott’s terrific career.

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Knott led the team in tackling this season. He has 79 total tackles (55 solo, 24 assisted), 12 more than A.J. Klein who was last year’s Big 12 co-defensive player of the year (and if you’ve watched any of the Iowa State telecasts, this note would be engraved on your mind). Knott had his best outings against TCU and Kansas State with 13 total tackles in each of those games.

Other notable stats this season include two interceptions on the year, one to seal the game against Iowa and a 34-yard pick against TCU; six tackles for loss, five passes broken up, and two fumbles forced.

Check back later this week to remember some of Knott’s best moments in a great career with the Cyclones.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Clones Confidential. Keep up with the latest sports fails and disdain toward the Big Ten by following him on Twitter.

Read his other work on the Oregon Ducks blog, Autzen Zoo, and Lacrosse the Web.