Gaither’s Suttles commits to Iowa State

Posted Oct 10, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated Oct 10, 2012 at 02:09 PM

Gaither senior defensive lineman Ernest Suttles, who currently has a team-high seven sacks and is tied for the team lead in tackles at 45 tackles, has made a verbal commitment to the Iowa State Cyclones, Cowboys coach Jason Stokes said Tuesday.

Besides Iowa State, the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Suttles had a scholarship offer from the Big 10’s Indiana, as well as offers from Ball State, Bethune-Cookman University, the University of Massachusetts, Memphis, Middle Tennessee State, Ohio and Western Michigan.

‘‘I would have preferred for him to visit a few more schools before making a decision but Iowa State is a great program and Ernest has really got his mind set on playing for them,’’ Stokes said. ‘‘He’ll do well up there for Iowa State. He’s got the ability to do great things.’‘

Last season as a junior, Suttles had 80 tackles and five sacks, as well as one fumble recovery.