HOME GROWN: TYLER SASH

From Oskaloosa to New York, Tyler Sash has been representing Iowa at the highest level. Tyler is now the Safety/Gunner for the NFL’s New York Giants, but it was a long road to get there. Tyler attended Oskaloosa High School in Oskaloosa, Iowa. While playing football under Coach Darrell Schumacher, Tyler received many honors. These honors included: two-time first team all-state, Elite all-state (senior year), three-time first team all-district, and three-time academic all-district. Honors don’t come for free though. Tyler worked his ass off in school, recording 137 tackles and 8 interceptions in his high school career. Not only did Tyler play defense in high school, he shined on the offensive side of the ball as well, raking in 28 school records such as: rushing yards in a game (324), most receptions in career (100), most touchdowns in a career 63), and many more.

From there Tyler was enrolled and suited to play for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. While at Iowa, Tyler didn’t let up on his attitude or strength. With his hard work and determination came great plays and great stats. His freshman year he was named Big Ten Top Defensive Freshman (Rivals.com), second team Freshman all-American (Rivals.com), third team Freshman all-American (Phil Steele’s College Football) and, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week vs. Penn State. He did this by recording 53 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 6 pass breakups.

Sophomore and Junior seasons were no different. Tyler worked hard and was rewarded for doing so. His last season Tyler was honored with Third team all-America (Phil Steele’s College Football), first team all-Big Ten (league coaches and media) first team all-Big Ten (Phil Steele’s College Football), one of 10 semifinal candidates for 2010 Jim Thorpe Award, and was awarded the Hustle Team Award, Defense. Overall in Hawkeye history Tyler ranks fifth in career interceptions (13), holds Iowa career record and ranks fourth all-time in the Big Ten Conference with 392 interception return yards, tied Iowa single-game record with three pass interceptions in 35-3 win at Iowa State in 2009, set Iowa bowl records for longest interception return (48 yards) and interception return yards in a game (74) in 2009 Outback Bowl win over South Carolina, along with tying Iowa bowl record with two interceptions, and he ranks 51st in career tackles (217).

All this hard work payed off and in 2011 the New York Giants drafted Tyler Sash in the 6th round. Sash was just awarded the honor of being named to the 2011 All-Rookie Team (Football Outsiders). Although it’s through special teams, rather than defense, his 17 tackles and 2 forced fumbles are rather impressive for a special teams player, let alone, a rookie. We want you to know that everyone here at OSKY and the entire state of Iowa is following and rooting for you throughout your future in life and career in the NFL.

Sash has been a huge supporter of the #GBNB movement. #GBNB stands for Get Better Not Bitter. A daily reminder that your attitude can influence more than you can imagine. This is a great attitude for people in sports along with everyday life. You can follow #GBNB on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/gbnb-gear. We wanna give a S/O to Tyler Sash and his Giants as they face the Cowboys this weekend for a spot in this years NFL playoffs. If you would like to follow Tyler on twitter and show your support follow him @TSash.