Iowa notes: Defending Diggs, returning home, injury update

IOWA CITY - Stefon Diggs missed half the games of his sophomore season, yet the Maryland wide receiver was so recognizable that he earned a spot on the Big Ten East Division's preseason players to watch list this summer.

Diggs, a junior, was one of five tabbed with that honor and so far the junior has lived up to his billing. Among Big Ten players, Diggs ranks third in receptions per game (6.0), ninth in yards per game (75) and is first in kickoff return yardage (24.4). He's a threat every time he touches the ball, something his opponents this week already knew.

'He was a really good receiver,” said Iowa safety Jordan Lomax, who faced Diggs in prep football. 'He had some explosive plays on us when I played him in high school.

'Diggs is very elusive, he's quick and he's fast.”

Cornerback Desmond King, a Detroit native, faced Diggs in 7-on-7 camps in high school. King said perfecting his technique is critical toward defending Diggs.

'I would say his route running, his quickness off the line and things like that,” King said of Diggs' strengths. 'His way to go up and grab the ball.”

Maryland quarterback C.J. Brown touted Diggs' ability to make plays regardless of the route.

'It's his ability to go up and make adjustments on the ball and his ability to make plays that you don't expect players to make, to understand coverages at such a young age,” Brown said.

Diggs stands 6 feet and weighs 190 pounds. He has 124 career catches for 1,885 yards and 12 touchdowns.

HOME SWEET HOME

Lomax, a junior, hails from Upper Marlboro, Md., located about 20 miles southeast from the University of Maryland. He also played high school football at DeMatha Catholic, which is located about a mile south of the Maryland campus. Lomax will have around 70 family members and friends in attendance.

'When Maryland came to the Big Ten Conference and I saw the schedule, I thought it would be pretty cool that I'd get a chance to play in front of my family,” Lomax said.

Maryland's contingent is the fourth-most from any state on Iowa's roster, and Lomax is one of seven Maryland natives. Defensive tackle Darian Cooper, who played at DeMatha with Lomax, is out for the season after knee surgery. Both of them played with Maryland defensive back Michael Washington.

Two other Iowa players - freshman linebacker Eric Grimm and defensive back Omar Truitt - attended high school in Maryland with current Terrapins.

'Expanding eastward ... hopefully it will make it easier for prospects out in that region to be enthused about playing in the Big Ten,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said.

INJURY TIME

Iowa fullback Macon Plewa will not play this week, Ferentz said. Statuses for wide receiver Derrick Willies and guard Boone Myers are unclear, along with starting right guard Jordan Walsh.

Walsh injured his ankle on the second offensive play Saturday against Indiana and did not return.

'We have a bunch of guys that are nicked up right now,” Ferentz said. 'I don't think it was a crippling injury, so I think (Walsh has) got a chance. We'll see what he looks like today and see how it goes during the week.”

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