Kaleb Johnson delivers ‘100 percent’ performance against Purdue

The return of Kaleb Johnson was pivotal for Iowa in its 20-14 win over Purdue. The sophomore says he’s feeling 100 percent now.

For an offense in desperate need of a spark, sophomore running back Kaleb Johnson provided just that.

The 6-foot, 222 pound running back from Hamilton, Ohio, returned from an ankle injury and jumpstarted the Hawkeyes’ offense from the get-go.

After missing games versus Western Michigan, at Penn State and versus Michigan State, Johnson was back in the fold versus Purdue. His much-needed return got Iowa on the scoreboard quickly.

On the Hawkeyes’ second series and on his third touch in the game, Johnson took a carry to the left right through the middle of the Boilermakers’ defense and went untouched for a 67-yard touchdown scamper.

By day’s end, Johnson finished with 17 carries for 134 yards. The sophomore must really like suiting it up against Purdue. Last season in West Lafayette, Ind., Johnson racked up a career-high 200 rushing yards on 22 carries with a score in Iowa’s 24-3 win over Purdue.

“It means a lot, because during fall camp my ankle hurting was really affecting me and my game. After the healing process, I feel 100 percent now. I feel really good,” Johnson said afterwards.

As he nursed his way back from injury, Johnson leaned on his family and teammates.

“My family and my teammates motivating me and encouraging me to stay on top of my treatments. I was down and hurt, and I was sad to be out, but they kept me encouraged and told me what to do. I was able to get it done,” Johnson said.

Though he was disappointed to be sidelined, Johnson said he was happy to see his teammates’ successes. That included a 145-yard rushing day for junior Leshon Williams against Western Michigan.

“I was hurting inside, but at the same time, I was cheering on Leshon Williams and all of the other running backs, because they are like family to me. So, I love to see them progressing, too,” Johnson said.

Now, Johnson is back healthy and figures to be a key cog for Iowa’s offense the rest of the way in 2023.

That’s great news, too, because one of Iowa’s toughest challenges to date is on deck next week as the Hawkeyes travel to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers in a key Big Ten West date at 3 p.m. CT on Fox on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JoshOnREF

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Hawkeyes Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.