Half of Florida State’s 12 opponents finished among the 41 best rush defenses in 2015, and the Seminoles’ offensive line group was constantly shuffled.

Yet Dalvin Cook averaged 7.86 yards per carry, most among Power 5 running backs with at least 50 carries.

A big reason for that is the play of 6-foot-5, 241-pound redshirt freshman tight end Ryan Izzo, who blocks like a sixth offensive lineman while also contributing as a security blanket in the passing game. Blocking tight ends don’t earn the recognition as the ones who more closely resemble receivers, but in Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher’s pro-style offense, a tight end equipped to neutralize bigger defensive ends is necessary.

Izzo served as the unsung hero of the No. 9 Seminoles’ rushing attack in 2015, and he’ll be relied upon again in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Dec. 31 against No. 18 Houston. The Cougars are 11th in rush defense.

“We have a special back in Dalvin,” Izzo said, “so I put the extra work in the weight room every week.”

Izzo redshirted in his first season, so his first career start was the season opener against Texas State. It didn’t take long for him to make an impression with his physicality. Fisher said Izzo was “excellent” in the opener.

“I was extremely pleased with how he blocked,” Fisher said earlier in the year.

Blocking isn’t the most enjoyable part of being a tight end, and Izzo sees predecessor Nick O’Leary's school records and national awards for his role as a pass-catcher and understands his role will grow in the passing game over the next few seasons. For now, he realizes the need to be an effective blocker and he’s fine with that role. “I enjoy winning,” he said.

Izzo showed glimpses of his receiving ability in that season opener when he caught a touchdown. He finished the season fifth on the team in catches with 13, which produced 177 yards and two scores.

“When you put in that hard work [blocking],” he said, “it’s nice to get the touchdowns.”