Sept. 6, 2010
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- Vote for R. Stanzi as a Premier Player
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
- Take the Hawkeyes with You: Iowa Podcasts
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
- gohawks.com
- Iowa Football wallpaper
IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa senior running back Paki O’Meara has been named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week following Iowa’s 37-7 season opening win over Eastern Illinois. The announcement came today from the Big Ten office.
O’Meara, a 5-11. 211-pounder from Cedar Rapids, blocked a Panther punt and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter. The special teams play gave Iowa a 21-0 lead. O’Meara also rushed four times for 34 yards in the contest. It marked the first time he has been named a Big Ten Player of the Week.
It was the first Hawkeye punt block and touchdown since defensive end Adrian Clayborn accomplished the feat against Penn State last year. Clayborn was also named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week following that game.
Iowa had eight players named Big Ten Players of the Week last year (four on defense, one offense and three special team winners).