Oklahoma State University Athletics
Iman Oates: Hard work paying off
November 22, 2024 | Cowboy Football
Iman Oates had his best game as a Cowboy in the team's recent match-up against TCU, recording career highs with four solo stops, two tackles-for-loss and a sack.
Oates' sack came inside the Pokes' red zone when he shed his blocker and chased down the quarterback for an eight-yard sack, setting up third and long.
"I didn't even know it was my first (sack), not going to lie," Oates said. "I thought he threw the ball away, and I got up and Kody Walterscheid was like, 'Let's go, Iman.' I was like, 'Oh, it was a sack!'"
Oates hasn't always been a highly touted FBS defensive lineman. The Tulsa, Oklahoma, native started his collegiate career at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. During his two years at junior college, Oates tallied 89 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss and eight sacks. After earning second-team all-conference honors his sophomore season, Oates chose Oklahoma State over the multiple other FBS offers he had.
The business administration major redshirted his first year at OSU. Though he didn't see any in-game action, Oates continued to work hard and was named Cowboys' defensive practice player of the week for the Kansas game.
Now, as a redshirt junior, the six-foot-four defensive lineman has started all ten games for the Pokes. Oates credits his offseason training for maintaining his health and reliability on the defensive front.
"In the offseason, attacking it the way it needs to be attacked prepares me for times like this throughout the season," Oates said. "Preparing your body for those situations is always big and helps a lot. I have tweaks and bruises here and there, but that's just part of football. For the most part, it's holding up pretty good. I just have to take it play-by-play."
With two games remaining this season, Oates has tallied 24 total tackles, two tackles-for-loss and one sack. Oates is soaking in every moment of his first FBS season.
"I've enjoyed it a lot. It's what you dream of when you decide to play football at the next level—being out there, taking on that role, playing big-time football and doing what it takes week in and week out to get the win for the team," Oates said. "Just going out there, experiencing it, enjoying the process of getting better and building relationships with your brothers and teammates. I'm enjoying the whole process of college football."
Fellow Cowboy Ollie Gordon II was thrilled for his roommate when he saw Oates secure his first sack.
"I jumped up and almost ran out on the field to get him," Gordon said. "That's my roommate. That's my best friend. I love seeing him out there and working hard. I'm really proud of him."
Oates' journey from junior college to FBS football has shaped his relentless work ethic, which was evident in that moment.
"It was an all-out effort. Sometimes, that's what it takes," Oates said. "I came through the hole, and (the quarterback) scrambled to the left. I was like, 'I can't let him get away,' so I dove. It took a little more effort than most, but it was definitely a blessing to finally get one."
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