AMES, Iowa – Iowa State sophomore David Montgomery, a former Mount Healthy football standout, has been named a First-Team All-American by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Montgomery, a 2016 Mount Healthy High School graduate, ranked second in the Big 12 in rushing yards per game (91.2) and rushing touchdowns (11), according to Iowa State.
His 1,094 rushing yards this year ranks 17th all-time on ISU's single-season record chart. Montgomery's toughness and tenacity has been on display all season, leading the nation in forced missed tackles with 104.
“The thing that allows David to be noticed is because of how he practices,” Iowa State coach Matt Campbell said. “The thing that you do appreciate is the same guy he is at practice is the same guy you see on Saturdays. So when you do that, people take notice. I think they see the same thing that we get to see on Saturdays, which is awesome.”
PFF began tracking forced missed tackles in 2014, and Montgomery's total broke the previous national season record of 89 (Dalvin Cook, Florida State, 2016).
He's also one of the most dependable backs in the nation with zero fumbles in 271 touches, helping the Cyclones become the only team in the nation without a lost fumble this year. Montgomery, who has six 100-yard rushing games, has also proven to be a threat as a receiver, ranking fifth on the team with 35 receptions, the second-highest season total by a Cyclone running back in school history.
Montgomery is averaging 115.2 yards from scrimmage (91.2 rushing, 24.0 receiving). Montgomery and the Cyclones (7-5) continue their season on Dec. 30, facing No. 19 Memphis (10-2) in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn.
Mount Healthy coach Arvie Crouch said the district and community couldn't be more proud of Montgomery. He's believed to be the second Mount Healthy alum to earn college All-America honors.
"We are all very proud of David and what he's accomplished so far," Crouch told WCPO.com. "But, he's got an even brighter future ahead I believe."
Montgomery told Crouch he's very humble to receive the honor but is going to keep his consistent work ethic and self-motivation to improve.
"He's just a humble and loyal young man," Crouch said. "He's getting everything he deserves."
Montgomery was the Associated Press Division III state offensive player of the year as a quarterback his senior season in 2015 for Mount Healthy.
The Eagle Scout rushed for 2,707 yards and 41 touchdowns and threw for 726 yards and seven touchdowns.
Montgomery was named an Honorable Mention All-American by Campus Insiders his freshman season with the Cyclones.
“He’s still learning, in my opinion, how to be a running back,” Campbell said. “I think he would tell you that. You’re asking a guy that was a high school quarterback for three years to play running back. You see that at times. You see him still maturing. There’s a point in time, too, that you have to stick your foot in the ground and get north and south. All that is just a constant growth process for David.”
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