O’Meara named Big Ten player of the week

Iowa's Paki O'Meara, left, blocks a punt against Eastern Illinois' Kevin Cook on Saturday. O'Meara went on to collect the ball and score a touchdown on the play. Christopher Gannon/The Register

Iowa City, Ia. — 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).

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Tags: Big Ten Conference, Eastern Illinois, football, Paki O'Meara

Category: Iowa Hawkeyes Football