Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition: Iowa State University running back Jirehl Brock

AMES, Iowa — Patience, persistence and commitment are paying off for Jirehl Brock.

One of the most decorated football players in Quincy High School history, Brock spent his first three seasons at Iowa State University playing behind consensus All-American tailback Breece Hall. It meant limited opportunities and limited carries, but he never wavered on Iowa State being the right place and the right program for him.

Brock deflected any talk of transferring, gained the trust of the Cyclones coaching staff with his work ethic and made his first career start in the Cheez-It Bowl against Clemson on December 29 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.

That wasn’t an easy task considering the Tigers ranked seventh in the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 2.85 yards per carry and 96.3 yards per game.

So Brock’s modest numbers — 42 yards on 14 carries for 3 yards per carry — were better than most against Clemson’s defense. He also caught three passes for 21 yards.

It set the stage for what could be a breakout year as Brock, who has two years of eligibility remaining, heads into the spring No. 1 on the Cyclones’ depth chart at running back with the chance to be the workhorse come fall.

Brock joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for a Schuck on a Truck Zoom Edition interview to discuss his first collegiate start, the work he’s done to earn this opportunity and the impact the support of his hometown has had.

Check out the video below.