Freshman defensive end Kyle Ball used his greyshirt semester to get stronger, help coach his high school football team and take care of his little brother, Caleb, who was diagnosed with leukemia.

The Collegian talked with Ball at Tuesday’s media availability

Ball got his first taste of playing time last Saturday against Texas and he made the most of it. Ball sacked freshman quarterback Shane Buechele on third down, forcing the Longhorns to punt on the first drive of the game, all while thinking of his little brother.

Ball’s practice and work ethic has impressed the coaching staff.

“We watch him every day he just plays as hard as he can,” head coach Bill Snyder said about Ball on Tuesday. “Practices as hard as he can. He’s always going 100 miles an hour. He’s got a great attitude about it and always wants to learn.”

The Wildcats take on Iowa State this Saturday at 11 am in Ames, Iowa.