In many ways, redshirt sophomore running back Leshon Williams’ career is just getting started with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The Chicago, Ill., native enters his third year on campus after a redshirt season in 2020 where he didn’t see any action and a 2021 campaign that saw Williams net just 69 rushing yards.
The 5-foot-10, 205 pound running back out of Richards High School is undoubtedly chomping at the bit for a more leading role. Williams arrived in Iowa City as part of the Hawkeyes’ 2020 signing class. He was rated as a three-star running back by 247Sports, the nation’s No. 56 running back and the No. 11 player from Illinois.
After seeing just 21 carries in 2021, the green light is officially on for Williams. Tyler Goodson, Iowa’s leading rusher from last season, departed to the NFL where he’s signed as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers. Goodson finished 2021 with 1,151 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 256 carries.
That’s a lot of production for Iowa to replace, but it also means there’s great opportunities for those in the Hawkeyes’ backfield. The next-closest rusher was redshirt sophomore Gavin Williams. Gavin Williams carried 65 times for 305 rushing yards.
Leshon Williams has to feel like 2022 is his first legitimate opportunity to shine for Iowa as a featured runner. Let’s take a look at Williams’ profile in Iowa City thus far and his depth chart outlook for 2022.
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