/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66952175/usa_today_10331888.0.jpg)
The converted tight end figures to play a role in Iowa’s future in the trenches!
Jack Plumb – RS Sophomore
Green Bay, WI (Bay Port)
6’7”, 279 lbs
2020 Projection: backup offensive lineman
Jack Plumb played much of his high school career at tight end at a much leaner 240 pounds. In his junior year tape, he shows a willingness to scrap in his team’s run-heavy offense as a functional third tackle:
According to 247sports, he chose Iowa over offers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan State, and Arizona State. Anytime Iowa can get an offensive lineman out of Wisconsin with a Badger offer, it’s a win.
He rose up to Tristan Wirfs’s backup during the 2019 spring after putting on about 30 pounds since joining the Hawkeyes. With Iowa’s starting tackles well above 300 pounds and Mark Kallenberg standing at 6’5”, 288 lbs himself, there’s clearly room for Plumb to grow within his tall frame.
Despite some of the injuries along the offensive line, Plumb never rose above a reserve role, though he played in all 13 games of 2020 as a special teamer. He saw action in about a handful of games along the offensive line.
Plumb has continued to gain weight throughout his time at Iowa and looks like he’ll be ready to compete for a starting role with grad transfer Coy Cronk.
In a way, he might offer a “what if” for Matt Nelson, who spent his whole (very good) Hawkeye career along Iowa’s defensive line before joining the Detroit Lions’ roster as a project at offensive tackle.
While Cronk’s commitment means Plumb might not be ready quite yet, he certainly has the potential to be a bookend over the latter half of his career at Iowa.