Release: ISU Linebacker McKenzie to Transfer

ISUFan22 · 01-06-2007, 05:32 PM

Cyclones.com link

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa State linebacker Tyrone McKenzie, who was second on the Cyclone defense with 129 tackles last season, has told the ISU coaching staff that he will enroll at South Florida for the spring semester and intends to play football for the Bulls. McKenzie, a Tampa, Fla. native, will thus play college football in his hometown. McKenzie would have been a junior on the Iowa State roster in 2007.

"After several conversations with Tyrone McKenzie, he has indicated his intention to enroll at South Florida and transfer there to play football, Iowa State head football coach Gene Chizik said. " We regret he won’t be with us next year but we wish him the best on and off the field."

ISUFan22 · 01-06-2007, 05:33 PM

I wish the kid the best. I'll never hold ill will toward him. Wish he would've stayed yet understand why he's making the move. I'm venturing if D-Mac was still around - the connection the two had would've kept him in Ames. New coach and increased issues back home - time to make the change. I loved having you as a Cyclone in '06 and wish ya the best.

So, our linebackers just went from a strength to a question mark for this fall. McKenzie gone and Carper recovering from a major knee injury. The move of Banks to linebacker may be our saving grace - as he played well at LB last fall.

Bowen and Banks as starters, now we need to find a third as well as depth. Some good young talent there yet little playing time, except for Garrin and that was limited.

Kris Means was rumored to be moving to FB possibly next year. I doubt that will happen now. And I guess he'll be happy about that too.

twojman · 01-06-2007, 06:11 PM

Stinks that he is leaving, but linebackers are easier to replace than DL. I think Rubin will be solid for ISU and Parker will get to play some more DE/LB(maybe???). Any chance of a 3-4 scheme in Ames next year with Bowen, Banks, Smith, Means and maybe Parker? I hope a year of experience and a chance to bulk up for Frere will help him out. A couple of decent DL recruits and a guy or two stepping up the defense can be pretty stout I believe.

I really think Singleton has a chance to be a stud. All the PT he had in 2006 will help him out. There were a couple of TD passes thrown against I remember that were absolute gems by the WR and the QB. The main one is Neb while Jackson was blitzing. If the ball was an inch any other way it would have been a drop.

ISUCY11 · 01-07-2007, 10:39 AM

Sad to see a high character guy like Ty go. I've met him a couple times, and I've gotta say, you won't find much better of a guy on the football team. Lots of energy and truly a great athlete. Good luck Ty!

ISUclones33 · 01-07-2007, 11:12 AM

Not to mention a great head on his shoulders, tremendous student athlete

Wesley · 01-07-2007, 08:32 PM

It was hard for him to finish 8th in nation when Bowen finished first and Jon Banks was Top 50. They were probably one of the greatest contingents of tackles by the 3 LBs and certainly was a n ISU record. In fact, Alvin was the first to finish first in tackling for ISU. Too bad the other 8 people could not tackle much.