This week, Oregon Defensive End’s second year Kayvon Thibodeaux was voted an Associated Press All-American after his second consecutive stellar season for the Ducks. Now facing No. 10 Iowa State on Saturday at the 50th edition of the Fiesta Bowl, Thibodeaux has all the attention of the Cyclones.
“Certainly his length is the first and most important. He has a presence there, only with his ability to extend and press the defenders, and he uses his length to his advantage, and tremendous pass rusher,” said the Iowa state offensive coordinator, Tom Manning. “But I think he’s a really explosive guy, and not just on the run.”
Thibodeaux came to Oregon as a five-star recruit in 2019 and immediately made his presence known as an elite passenger outside the border. He set the Oregon program record with 9 top team sacks and also ended up with a 4.0 tackle for defeat. He was a Freshman All-American and the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2019. His goals when entering the 2020 season were to become more than just a pass-rusher and to become a defensive striker everywhere. Mission accomplished in 2020. He ended the year with 32 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and three pass separations.
“He is a unique player and is very, very talented, and certainly has a lot of respect for him,” continued ISU’s Manning. “I wish we hadn’t played against him, but it’s a lot of fun to watch him play too.”
Thibodeaux’s performance in the Pac-12 Championship Game against the USC was one of the best individual performances of the year. He ended the game with five tackles, 2.0 loss tackles, a sack and double-digit quarterback pressures against USC’s Kedon Slovis.
“Obviously, he’s probably the best D-end in college football, so he’s going to require a lot of attention,” said Manning. “So, really, you will always know where he is when it comes to the racing game. But it’s probably more of the passing game, just so you can get those blocks and you can’t give him what he wants.”
The Ducks and Cyclones face off on Saturday, January 2, in Glendale, Arizona, at the 50th edition of the Fiesta Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ESPN and will start at 1pm.
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