Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/157779
"I love the action at linebacker," he said. "You're chasing down running backs, you get to hit them, and sometimes you get to create a score. Linebacker has everything you need as far as playing football. You can intercept a ball and become an offensive player, or you can tackle. You want to make the best play to impact the game." The first of Kirksey's two Pick Six's last season came in the fourth quarter and gave the Hawkeyes a 31-7 lead during a win against Minnesota. The second came in the first quarter at Indiana, putting Iowa in front, 14-0. The interception returns covered 86 yards, but that wasn't the only time Kirksey had a ball in his hands. He recovered four fumbles and advanced one of them 45 yards against Penn State, leading to a touchdown to complement a game-high 12 tackles. Kirksey will receive a bachelor's degree in sports management in May, 2014. When his football playing days are over, he wants to give back to the community by hosting youth camps. Other options include becoming a sports agent or owning a sporting goods business. The kickoff to 2013 is less than a month away. An opponent coming off a 12win season stands in the way of the Hawkeyes ending a six-game losing streak. "I'm a man of faith, so I always say just have faith with whatever you do," Kirksey said. "Believe in yourself and believe in your teammates. If things aren't going well it's not going to last." Tough times never last, but tough people do. People like Christian Kirksey. 51