Kaleb Johnson has been putting on a show this season for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
After a pair of solid campaigns in Iowa City, the junior Hawkeye running back has really taken off to start 2024. Johnson has carried 91 times for 771 rushing yards with 10 rushing touchdowns.
The 6-foot, 225 pound running back eclipsed the century mark in each of Iowa’s first four games and has registered a touchdown in every game this season.
On3 is taking notice of his standout performances as one of the nation’s top running backs. On3 ranks Johnson as college football’s No. 7 running back through the season’s first six weeks.
Given Iowa’s challenges offensively, Johnson has been a huge lifeline to the Hawkeyes. He’s able to help them control the clock and lean on the defense and special teams to produce favorable outcomes.
Johnson is coming off his first game of the season without 100 yards rushing, totaling 86 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Ohio State. On the year, though, he’s averaging 7.9 yards per carry with 771 yards and 10 touchdowns. – Thomas Goldkamp, On3.
Johnson is truly having a season to remember for Iowa. His 771 rushing yards rank second nationally and his 7.95 yards per carry rank third.
“I’m not sure I remember anybody in four games doing what he’s done. He just continues to run really well and he’s been really aggressive. You know, he’s always been a big, strong guy and a talented guy.
“But, right now, he’s really just focused and I think really coming into his own in terms of using what strengths and abilities he does have and he’s really using those to his advantage. So, yeah, it’s been a really impressive four games,” Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said of Johnson after the win over Minnesota.
Johnson might have a good chance for another big game this weekend. Iowa (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) welcomes in Washington (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten). The Huskies rank 58th nationally in rushing defense, surrendering 130.5 rushing yards per game.
Kickoff versus the Huskies is set for 11 a.m. on Fox from Kinnick Stadium.
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