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Another walk-on linebacker turns to fullback.
Joe Ludwig- RS SO
Middleton, WI. (Middleton)
6’0”, 241 lbs
2019 Projection: Backup fullback
You’d be hard-pressed to find yourselves an Iowa fullback who didn’t start as a linebacker. Brady Ross was. Drake Kulick was before him, as was Macon Plewa. Mark Weisman was actually recruited as a fullback and he ended up as our main rusher for three season because Iowa. I believe Brad Rogers was recruited as a fullback, too, but the buck stops there.
(Austin Kelly played running back in high school and probably was a fullback project the whole time whatever).
ANYWAY, while we have Brady Ross to look forward to this year, Joe Ludwig poses to be next in line in a position that has its fair share of injuries. So get to know your Joes!
After redshirting in 2017, Ludwig saw action in six games last season, primarily on special teams. He even returned a kick for -5 yards against Purdue last year! We don’t want any more of that.
Historically, backup fullbacks get little run as is. Austin Kelly had 6 rushes for 9 yards and a catch for a toucdown last year, but my cousin Brady Ross was the guy, and looks to be once again.
So while I expect Ludwig to be a viable option behind Ross, I think we’re gonna have to wait a year until he gets his number called. And we’ll be here.
Waiting.
Like always.