The nation is starting to take notice. That’s what happens when you have the type of day Kaleb Johnson did at Purdue.
The 6-foot, 212 pound native of Hamilton, Ohio, racked up 200 rushing yards on 22 carries with a 75-yard score that showcased his talents in one impressive burst.
As a result of his breakout day against the Boilermakers during the Hawkeyes’ 24-3 win in West Lafayette, Ind., Johnson was named the Big Ten Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week. It also earned plenty of recognition from Johnson’s teammates as well.
Now, Johnson is on CBS Sports’ radar as well. Kaleb Johnson was among college football players that CBS Sports’ David Cobb listed in his Week 10 star power index.
The odds of Iowa producing a Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week this season seemed negligible, but running back Kaleb Johnson picked up that honor in Iowa’s surprisingly dominant 24-3 win at Purdue. Johnson tallied 200 yards rushing and a touchdown and added a couple of receptions with a performance good enough to also earn him Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. He became just the second player in program history to run for 200 yards in a game, and the performance stands out even more because of how inept the Hawkeyes had been offensively entering the game. Iowa fans probably aren’t ready to take back their gripes with this offense, but at least Johnson gives them something to be hopeful about in the future. – Cobb, CBS Sports.
Johnson was listed among some big names in college football. Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett was recognized as were Michigan linebacker Michael Barrett, SMU quarterback Tanner Mordecai, Coastal Carolina wide receiver Jared Brown, and Marshall kicker Rece Verhoff.
“I’d say with Kaleb, obviously he’s got the size and speed. We all kind of knew that. I think the challenge that Brian had for him after last game was just finishing every run. He doesn’t necessarily know how strong he is sometimes I think. What I really loved was just seeing him finish all his runs today, because if we can get him on a corner or a safety, we like that matchup.
“I think as his confidence continues to grow, he’ll continue to make, run through tackles as opposed to assuming the run is over, which I think might have happened on a couple runs last week. That’s going to be the challenge for him going forward is just play to how good you are. You’re very talented. Let’s keep seeing it. He obviously ran hard and did a really nice job today,” Petras said of Johnson following the win over Purdue.
Kaleb Johnson’s next chance to impress will come against a Wisconsin rushing defense that ranks No. 21 nationally, surrendering just 113.8 yards per game. The Hawkeyes host the Badgers at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday on FS1 at Kinnick Stadium for Iowa’s Military Appreciation Day.
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