The Iowa Hawkeyes have found something electrifying in Kaden Wetjen.
The 5-foot-10 senior wide receiver and return specialist has caught the attention of folks nationally, too.
After a standout performance in Iowa’s 40-16 win versus Washington, Wetjen has been named to the Jet Award Midseason Watchlist. The award is presented annually to college football’s most outstanding return specialist.
Wetjen returned four kickoffs against the Huskies for 93 yards, including a long of 26. But, it was Wetjen’s 37-yard punt return against Washington that really had jaws dropping.
Kaden Wetjen has been named to the Jet Award Midseason Watchlist, which honors the most outstanding return specialist in college football.@WetjenKaden x #Hawkeyes
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) October 14, 2024
Wetjen reeled in a Washington punt off the one-hop and proceeded to dash outside behind blockers before cutting it back inside for more yardage late. The 37-yard return set up Iowa at the Washington 35-yard line and led to graduate quarterback Cade McNamara’s 18-yard touchdown pass to junior running back Kaleb Johnson.
On the season, Wetjen has returned 15 punts for 149 yards, nine kickoffs for 222 yards and has tallied 421 all purpose yards.
The announcement was made Monday by the Jet Award Foundation. The award is named in honor of Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers. The winner of the 2024 Jet Award will be selected by a panel of voters, including media members from the Football Writers Association of America, former recipients of the Jet Award, and two of our founders, Johnny Rodgers and William Reed.
Wetjen and Iowa return to action this Saturday with a road trip to Michigan State. Kickoff between the Hawkeyes and Spartans is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC.
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