In the middle of a career year with the Hawkeyes, junior running back Kaleb Johnson has been named as a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award. The award is presented to college football’s Player of the Year as voted by the Maxwell Football Club members, NCAA head football coaches, sports information directors, and selected national media.
Johnson, who is Iowa’s first Maxwell Award semifinalist since quarterback Ricky Stanzi in 2010, is having a record-breaking year for the Hawkeyes with a school-record 126 points scored on 21 total touchdowns.
In terms of his running game, Johnson’s 20 rushing touchdowns ties Shonn Greene’s single-season record set in 2008. Johnson’s 1,328 rushing yards in 10 games this season currently ranks second nationally and is already the seventh-most in program history.
Semifinalist voting for the Maxwell Award began Tuesday and will close on Nov. 23. Three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 26, and a finalist round of voting will take place at that time.
In addition to being named as a Maxwell Award semifinalist, Johnson was also added to the Doak Walker Award Watch List.
Iowa is one of seven schools to have at least one Maxwell and Bednarik Award semifinalist (Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas). Hawkeye linebacker Jay Higgins was selected as a Bednarik Award semifinalist, which goes to the most outstanding defensive player.
Iowa (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) is currently on its bye week and returns to play against the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, Nov. 23, from SECU Stadium in College Park, Md.
Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. CT and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network as well as the Hawkeye Radio Network.
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