Ben Lamaak NFL Draft Profile --- December 1, 2010

Iowa State offensive lineman Ben Lamaak (6-4/317) is a player in transition. After a successful career that culminated with a Second Team All-Big 12 selection this week, Lamaak now hopes to make the transition from the collegiate to the pro game.

"I definitely want to pursue a pro career," Lamaak said via email. "It is something that every kid dreams of and to be able to keep playing this game that I love and have known since I was a young boy would be a dream come true."

Transition on the gridiron has been common for Lamaak who played both quarterback and tight end in high school. "I've moved positions all my life starting in high school," Lamaak said. He arrived on campus in Ames as a tight end but saw his first action in college on the offensive line as a right tackle enjoying a measure of success at the position.

Lamaak started at right guard in 2009 but again changed positions this fall as he ended up in the center of the Cyclone offensive line. Upon learning of his positional change for '10, Lamaak worked on refining some of his offensive line skills.

"I really wanted to focus on playing with great pad level, hat placement, getting movement at the point of attack and accelerating to the second level," Lamaak said. "These skills are something our coaching staff really preached and I think they are key to any football player."

Assistant head coach/offensive line coach Bill Bleil, who joined the Cyclone staff in 2009, turned the unit into a formidable force. Paired with running back Alexander Robinson, the Cyclone rushing attack in 2009 and 2010 did not lack the potency of previous seasons.

"He is one of the best teachers I’ve ever been around," Lamaak said. "His ability to teach the game is second to none."

Lamaak continued, demonstrating a strong rapport between coach and player. "He really allowed us to grasp the entire game, not only offensive line play. He taught us a lot about opposing defenses whether it was coverage, blitzes or why teams do different things with their gap schemes."

Lamaak's play improved under the tutelage of Bleil and he was recognized for his efforts with his selection to the 2010 Second Team All-Big 12. "This honor meant a lot to me," the offensive lineman said. "I set a goal at the beginning of the season to be a First or Second Team All-Big 12 member."

However pleased he is with the honor, Lamaak would turn back in his selection to be bowl-eligible for his senior season. "The 2009 Insight Bowl was one of the best weeks of my life," Lamaak said. "It was the only bowl game we went to in my career. I would trade in any post season honor if it meant we could become bowl eligible and to have a chance to play another game for Iowa State."

In the coming weeks, Lamaak stated that he will meet with his family to discuss in-depth his pro aspirations and at that time he shall acquire agent representation. His primary goal now is to diligently train for his Iowa State pro day and a potential combine invite.

A chance to play in another game -- albeit in the pro and not collegiate ranks -- could be in the offensive lineman's future.