AMES - Christopher Lyle once was little more than a playground basketball star, near Washington, D.C.

Barely six years later, Lyle has made a name for himself on the Big 12's football fields, attacking quarterbacks with brute force.

Despite playing just one year of high school football, the 6-foot-4, 257-pound defensive end has evolved into Iowa State's top pass rusher as a collegiate senior.

Undeniably, it has been a wild ride.

"You've just gotta take the ups and the downs," said Lyle, "stay on the straight and narrow and stay focused."

"He's come a long way," teammate Jesse Smith said of Lyle. "He goes out there and works hard. He's very quick for a D-end. He's a very good pass rusher, and he's a big body as a run-stopper."

As a career that included a stop at Butler (Kan.) Community College closes, Lyle has produced some impressive stats. He has nine sacks over the last two seasons, and currently leads the Cyclones in sacks (4.0) and tackles-for-loss (9.5) this year. The senior also leads all Iowa State defensive linemen in tackles, with 53.

"I've been hungry since last season ended," Lyle explained.

Apparently. The defensive end has feasted on opposing passers in Iowa State victories. In last week's 17-10 triumph over Colorado, for instance, Lyle rang up one sack to go along with multiple quarterback hurries. And, in a 9-7 upset at Nebraska on Oct. 24, the Maryland native rattled off two tackles-for-loss to go along with a forced fumble and pass breakup, as the Cyclones held the Huskers scoreless for the game's final 36 minutes.

"Keeping my feet active," has been key, Lyle explained. "And the people around me on the defensive line have helped me get more pressure on the QB."

Opponents "are very aware of Chris Lyle and his abilities," said first-year Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads. "Whether it's chip (blocking) him with a back, or doubling him with a tight end, they're very aware of his abilities and where he is on the field."

Rhoads said Lyle has personified Iowa State's development in a season which has seen the club improve its win-total by four.

Not bad for a player who lost nearly 30 pounds in the spring due to a bout with Mononucleosis. Fellow senior Josh Raven joked recently that Lyle was "quarantined" from the team last April.

But, clearly, Lyle is back - and in a big way - as Iowa State (6-5) heads to Missouri (6-4) for its regular-season finale, Saturday at 1 p.m.

"I'll be playing to leave Iowa State as a winner, and to leave Iowa State better than when I came in," the senior explained.

"I'm taking it like it's my last game ever," he added, "because nothing is ever promised to you in football - or in life."