The Iowa Hawkeyes got a big boost in the backfield. Lead running back Kaleb Johnson returned to practice after being sidelined for a few weeks due to an ankle injury of sorts. His return was reported by David Eickholt of 247Sports on Twitter as he spoke to fellow running back Leshon Williams.
“He look like Kaleb,” Williams told Eickholt today when discussing Johnson’s return to the field.
LeShon Williams said that starting running back Kaleb Johnson returned to practice today.
“He look like Kaleb.”
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) October 3, 2023
It is unknown if Johnson will be able to suit up and go against Purdue this upcoming Saturday, although he may be chomping at the bit after his performance against the Boilermakers last year. As a freshman, Johnson torched Purdue for 200 yards and a touchdown in West Lafayette.
If Johnson can return to form, he will provide the most experience behind Leshon Williams to a backfield that is relatively young. Johnson’s 779 yards and six rushing touchdowns led the Hawkeyes in 2022.
His talents would be welcomed with very open arms as Iowa is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry on the season. He would bolster Iowa’s backfield and be an extremely solid half of a duo paired with Leshon Williams who is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and leads the Hawkeyes with 211 yards on the ground this season.
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