At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2020. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well in all their futures. 

While at Rensselaer:
Defensive Line ... Played 20 games in career, including 10 in 2018 ... Seven solo tackles and nine assisted stops ... Five tackles for lost yards (19) and 3.5 sacks for loss of 16 yards ... Forced one fumble ... Business and Management major ... Intern at MathWorks and Meharry Medical College.

Favorite sports memory during career?
"Beating Brockport in the playoffs, which at the time was the #4 team in the country. I also had one of my best games there as well. The only down side was that it was extremely cold but that didn't matter once the clock hit triple zeros." - April 2020

What makes Rensselaer so special?
"I'd say the people you meet here are what makes RPI so special. You have various people from different parts of the country as well as some from overseas. Also experiencing the City of Troy and getting to know the people who have called this city home for way longer than 4-5 years. Talking to them and understanding their viewpoint of the city as well as the university is truly something special that I wouldn't trade for anything." - April 2020

What are your post-graduation plans?
"Either obtain my masters from RPI or go to law school." - April 2020

From the coaching staff:
"Isaiah's maturation process has been incredibly special to watch. He grew as a person, student, football player and leader throughout his four years at RPI. He learned his role on the team as a top level pass rusher and mastered it during our 2018 playoff run. While he did not get to play his senior year due to injury, his presence was felt throughout 2019 as a great role model." - March 2020 

What others say:
"Isaiah is one of my favorite teammates that I've been with at RPI. His personality and smile brightens up and brings positive energy into every room that he's in. Despite getting hurt this season, Isaiah maintained this positive attitude and stayed supportive of his teammates. I will always appreciate his work ethic and relentlessness on the field." - June 2020

"A true heartbeat of the team, Isaiah (Zay) was always able to put a smile on all of his teammates' faces. Even despite a season-long injury his energy and love for the team never dropped off. An even greater competitor, Zay brought the most out of his teammates on and off the field. His presence will be most thoroughly missed on the field, in the locker room and in the classroom." - June 2020

"Being a freshman, I didn't get to see him too much as a player due to his injury, but he was a great friend that always provided an ear when I needed to be heard. He had my back when it counted, picked me up when I was down and gave me my credit when I was up. Good guy." - June 2020

"A competitor on and off the field, Zay never backed down from a challenge. Even while suffering a season-ending injury, he was always cheering for the rest of the team and supporting in any way possible. With a unique sense of humor and glaring enthusiasm, it was easy to tell Zay was passionate about football and the team. He will certainly be missed." - June 2020

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.