CJ Christian missed out on the last bowl appearance for Iowa Central.

He won't be doing the same this season.

Christian will lead the Triton defense into Sunday's Graphic Edge Bowl against Monroe College in Cedar Falls from the UNI-Dome. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.

During the spring season, Christian suffered a broken wrist that forced him to the sidelines. 

"I'm very excited to play at the UNI-Dome and play another game with my brothers this season," he said. "I've grown a lot this season mentally. I feel the game is getting slower for me every week."

Christian, a redshirt freshman, ranks second on the team with 53 tackles. He has three interceptions, three pass breakups, five tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. 

The Iowa Central defense is allowing just 163.5 yards passing per game and 16 points on the year. They have allowed 14 points or less four times including a shutout of Highland in October. 

Monroe is unbeaten on the year and averages over 360 yards and almost 40 points per game. They have surpassed 40 points in six games, including each of the last three.

"It would mean a lot to us as a whole defense (to defeat Monroe)," Christian said. "We love the challenge. I feel these are the games we really come together and play our best football as an entire team."

Recently, Christian took a visit to Minnesota and was on hand to see the Gophers knock Wisconsin off.

"I had a great time," he said. "The visit was really motivating seeing potential NFL guys just made me want to work harder. I feel really blessed that they are giving me an opportunity."

-By Dana Becker