Iowa's Kaleb Johnson runs to the field before a game against Purdue on Nov. 5, 2022 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)
Iowa Post-Spring Position Analysis - RB/FB
IOWA CITY, Iowa - Iowa boasts a reputation for being a prime location for running backs. The Hawkeyes rely on a strong rushing attack.
While that standing remains, the production has fallen off in recent years. Iowa ranked 124th out of 131 FBS programs nationally in rushing offense in 2022 at 94.9 yards per game. Only four schools in the country averaged fewer than its 2.92 yards per carry.
In '21, the Hawkeyes rated 101st in rushing at 123.6. They averaged 3.4 per carry.
It's important to note that the numbers include sacks allowed. Iowa needs to be better there as well.
Last Fall, only 23 programs yielded more than the 2.92 sacks per contest given up by the Hawkeyes. The number was up from 2.29 the year before when they were No. 68 nationally.
All of the above statistics have to be better with the offense Iowa runs. We'll talk more about that in the O-Line analysis. It's all tied together.
For now, let's focus on the backs. It's a talented group with depth.
Second-year sophomore Kaleb Johnson (6-0, 212) leads the way after pacing the squad with 779 yards, a program record for freshmen. He has a ceiling much higher than that.
Johnson mixes power and speed with good vision. If the line and passing game come together, 1,000 rushing yards in '23 seem like.
Leshon Williams (5-10, 210) enjoyed a sophomore season that saw him run for 34.3 yards per game and catch 11 passes. Redshirt freshman Jaziun Patterson (5-10, 188) showed during December's Music City Bowl that he's worthy of more run.
Johnson, Williams and Patterson all bring something to the table. However, it's hard to keep three running backs fed. That's one reason Gavin Williams is at Northern Illinois and Deavin Hilson moved to the secondary.
Being at least three deep is a luxury at this position. These guys absorb a lot of contact and injuries are a reality. And Iowa is adding to the stable with the incoming freshmen, one of whom already is competing.
Terrell Washington Jr. (5-11, 195) switched his commitment from Purdue to Iowa when coach Jeff Brohm left the Boilers for Louisville in December. The Wylie (TX) East High star rushed for 598 yards (10.3 YPC) and nine touchdowns, and caught 42 passes for 604 yards (14.4 YPR) and 13 scores in '22. He chipped in with 185 yards on kick and punt returns.
Washington Jr. ran well at Saturday's Spring practice in Kinnick. He benefitted from enrolling early and gaining experience in the Spring.
Fort Lauderdale (FL) Cardinal Gibbons running back Kamari Moulton (5-9, 180) arrives on campus in June. He flipped his commitment from Florida Atlantic to Iowa after rushing for 2,325 yards (6.2 YPC) and 30 touchdowns in three varsity seasons.
Washington Jr.'s highlights can be viewed HERE. You can watch Moulton's highlights HERE.
Moulton will be playing catch-up in camp, perhaps giving Washington Jr. an edge. Both guys will have their work cut out for them trying to overtake any of the Top 3 on the depth chart, however.
The fullback situation is unsettled with Monte Pottebaum giving the NFL a shot after playing in 45 games (13 starts) during the last four seasons. Sophomore Eli Miller, who's played in four college games and converted to FB from LB last fall, is out with an injury. Hayden Large, a walk-on tight end from Dordt University, could be the guy after flashing at the position this Spring.
Iowa is using the fullback less these days. With a strong stable of tight ends, that usage may decrease even more in '23.
