In the 2017 season, Ray Lima established himself as one of the best nose tackles in the Big 12 conference, and one of the most under-appreciated defensive players in the country. Somehow, Lima was only picked as a third-team preseason All-Big 12 player. However, some justice has finally come Lima’s way.
Lima has been placed on the watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the most outstanding defensive player in the country, and the Outland Trophy, given to the most outstanding interior lineman. Just a junior, Lima will be looking to improve upon his breakout season, in which his ability to eat double teams from the offensive line paved the way for Iowa State to successfully use a three-man front for most of the Big 12 season.