Iowa football: Karl Klug on Outland Trophy watch list
Karl Klug kept a low profile on Iowa’s defensive line throughout most of last season.
He wasn’t doing the things that capture the casual fan’s attention. He wasn’t piling up monstrous statistics like Adrian Clayborn or batting down passes as often as Broderick Binns or getting to the quarterback as often as Christian Ballard.
“Maybe (Klug) doesn’t get the notoriety that some of the other guys do, but he’s as good a player as we have on our defense,” Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker said. “When we think of Klug, we think of Matt Roth, we think of (Mitch) King and (Matt) Kroul. We have a great deal of respect for him and his work ethic and his toughness and everything he represents. You’d like to have a whole bunch of Klugs around.”
Still, Klug managed to do most of his work last year with relative anonymity until he collected six tackles and a sack against Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Now the senior defensive tackle is starting to collect some preseason accolades.
Klug was one of 63 players named Monday to the watch list for the Outland Trophy, the award given annually to college football’s top interior lineman.
“I’ve just been doing the same things,” Klug said at the end of spring practices. “I’ve done some things right, but I feel like my technique’s been a little off. I feel in camp when we get in practice every day that will help a little bit.”
Clayborn and Iowa junior strong safety Tyler Sash also were listed among the 74 players on the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top defensive player.
Category: Iowa Hawkeyes Football
