Lyle?s Decision Pays Off in Long Run

AMES, Iowa ? With his big frame, Chris Lyle was an undeniable force playing pickup basketball in Waldorf, Md., a community 23 miles southeast of Washington D.C. The football coaches at Westlake High School had him on their radar. But for his first three prep years, one thing or another kept Lyle off the field. Eventually, a certain self-confidence pushed him onto the gridiron.

“I saw guys out there who couldn't guard me on the basketball court,” Lyle said. “They were having good football games. I then thought I could play better than those guys, so I went out for the team. It was either go to college or go to work. I made the right decision.”

Lyle had played some football before his teens although he points out that “people tell me little league doesn't count.”

Through Dominic Zaccarelli, his high school coach, Lyle landed a spot on the team at Butler Community College in Kansas.

The transition to NCAA Division I football was considerable.

“The speed of the game is very fast at this level,” Lyle said. “The offenses and defenses are more varied but it's the speed of the game that is the biggest challenge. Sometimes in junior college the plays develop a little slower and you can read the play by the block. In the Big 12, the play may start out one way but if you react too quickly the offense will cut back against you.”

Lyle made an immediate impact at Iowa State. In ISU's 2007 15-13 win over Iowa in Ames, Lyle broke through the line and blocked a late Hawkeye field-goal attempt. The block allowed a Cyclone field goal in the closing seconds to be the winning score.

“I remember being pushed from behind,” Lyle said. “I had (current Cleveland Browns defensive lineman) Tuba Rubin next to me helping push and I got a hand on the ball. It was great to be able to help the team in such a big game.”

Lyle has bought into the leadership of first-year Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads.

“Coach Rhoads is a genuine up front person,” Lyle said. “His feelings are real and he treats you like a man. If you do the right things there are no problems.”

Lyle has been a real force in the Cyclone defensive line. The senior has made 39 tackles this season and leads the team with 7.5 tackles for loss. He also has a pair of sacks, forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles.

Rhoads has appreciated the steady improvement of Lyle in the defensive line.

“Chris has really personified the development of our team this season,” Rhoads said. “He has improved every game and that makes the Nebraska win his best effort so far.”

He was a major player in Iowa State's 9-7 victory at Nebraska last weekend. The Iowa State defense held Nebraska scoreless for the last 36:53 of the game. Lyle had five tackles, two behind the line of scrimmage. He forced a Nebraska fumble and broke up a Husker pass. The victory was ISU's first in Lincoln, Neb. since 1977. After the game, there was a wild celebration in the Iowa State locker room, a video of which has drawn more than 165,000 hits in just five days on YouTube.

“Thirty years is a long time,” Lyle said. “I have never been part of a celebration like we had in the locker room Saturday. It was exciting to be a part of the effort. It was a team win. The offense really helped us by running the clock in the second half. ”

The team's success this season is not a surprise to Lyle.

“Coach Rhoads, when he came in here, told us that our goal was to be in a bowl game,” Lyle said. “We took him at his word. We practice hard. When the ones go against the ones it is a very competitive practice and it is at game speed. That has helped us because practice is played with emotion because of coach Rhoads.”

Lyle may graduate in May or stay for the fall semester at Iowa State. His post-graduation options are open.

“I will probably go back to Maryland,” Lyle said. “My mother has supported my decisions and that has allowed me to take everything into consideration.”

Lyle and his teammates will be digging in the trenches at Texas A&M Saturday. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m.