J.D. Waggoner struck fear in the hearts of opposing offenses in building a decorated high school and collegiate career. Following an eyebrow-raising tenure at Jesuit Dallas with four stellar years at Iowa State University, Waggoner is renowned as one of Jesuit’s best defensive standouts since the start of the UIL era.
As a vaunted defensive presence for the Rangers, Waggoner compiled a list of accolades that was punctuated by a spot on the APSE All-State team during his senior season. A three-time UIL all-district pick, Waggoner racked up 75 total tackles and 25 tackles for loss during his 2012 campaign, earning him District 9-5A Defensive MVP honors and the team’s Best Defensive Lineman award. Additionally, Waggoner finished his Jesuit career with 16 sacks and seven forced fumbles.
Following graduation, Waggoner joined the Cyclones in Ames, Iowa, where he earned a spot in the starting lineup during his redshirt sophomore season and started six games, amassing 23 tackles and a sack. An injury-shortened junior season disguised a sensational 2017 campaign that resulted in All-Big 12 second team honors and the program’s Arthur Floyd Scott Outstanding Defensive Lineman award.Â
During his senior season, Waggoner led the Cyclones and finished seventh in the Big 12 with 13.5 tackles for loss and led all down lineman with 42 total tackles, a tally that included 25 solo tackles. He helped lead Iowa State to several season-defining wins, including a road win over third-ranked Oklahoma in Norman and a 21-20 victory over No. 19 Memphis in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.Â
In the annual postseason showcase, played in Memphis, Waggoner established a new personal best with three tackles for loss, two sacks and two quarterback hurries, the latter of which occurred on the Cyclones’ final defensive stand that set the stage for a turnover on downs. Overall, Waggoner appeared in 30 games for Iowa State, recording 77 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and a recovered fumble during his senior season.
