The transition from Missouri Class 1 high school football to NCAA Division II wasn’t easy, but Isaiah Estes is in position to have a solid sophomore season with Truman State in the fall, or whenever college sports resume.

“It was a big change from here,” Estes said. “Learning all of the plays, understanding the defense.”

Estes was a two-time conference defensive player of the year for the Falcons. He explained that the toughest part of his first season was the fall camp, with the physical and mental work required to compete at the next level.

Even as a freshman, Estes worked his way into a role on the field. He started most of the season in the three phrases of the kicking game and played about 100 snaps at linebacker.

“Isaiah had a very productive and promising first season for us,” said Bulldog defensive coordinator Kellen Nesbitt.

“He has all the tools to be an outstanding all-conference caliber defender at this level. As he continues to learn and develop, we expect to see another very successful year from him.”

Truman State was a perfect 5-0 at home last season, and finished 10-2 overall with a bowl game victory.

Estes played in 10 games and recorded 21 tackles. He led the Bulldogs with six tackles in a 52-7 win over Southwest Baptist on October 5. He credits head coach Gregg Nesbitt for putting him in position to have success on the field.

“He’s been doing it for quite some time,” Estes said.

“Going there and learning under him is probably one of the best decisions I’ve made.

“He knows the game better than anyone else I know, and he’s helping to mold me into a better player than I could have been anywhere else, in my opinion.”

The Bulldogs are scheduled to host Saginaw Valley State on September 5 to kick off the 2020 season.