The Hawkeyes have four capable backs at their disposal. Here’s a look at how they’ve played in 2015 and the roles they’ve carved out on the team.
By Charlie Green | [email protected]
If there’s one thing that can be credited with the Hawkeyes’ first 10-0 start in school history, it is the effectiveness of the rushing offense.
The team ranks second in the Big Ten in yards per game and averages nearly 50 more yards on the ground than it did a season ago. In terms of scoring, the Hawks run for 3 touchdowns for every one they get via passing.
In the absence of a clear star at the position, three of the four in the mix have shown star potential.
LeShun Daniels Jr.
Daniels’ ankle problems at long last appear to be behind him. The junior ate Minnesota’s defense alive on Nov. 14, running for 195 yards and three scores.
He has 6 rushing touchdowns in three games since Iowa’s bye week — his only scores on the year. Most of those came from within the 5-yard line, showcasing his skills as a short-yardage runner.
But he also showed a new gear against the Gophers, exploding into the second level on numerous occasions and taking one run 51 yards for a touchdown late in the game.
In passing situations, he probably won’t be on the field. Daniels has no receptions this season and isn’t the best option in terms of pass protection, either.
That said, he may have re-established himself as the team’s primary ball carrier for the remainder of this season.
Jordan Canzeri
The most experienced Hawkeye running back, Canzeri returned to the field in the win over Minnesota. In his first game since spraining his ankle on Oct. 17 at Northwestern, the senior had 10 carries for 31 yards and caught a 3-yard pass.
Canzeri broke out before the Northwestern game, running for more than 100 yards in four of his first six games. In his last game before the injury, he ran for 256 against Illinois.
He still leads the team in rushing with 729 yards and 9 touchdowns, and even if Daniels takes the majority of carries, the Hawkeyes will probably never be upset at having Canzeri on the field.
He’s the most versatile back of the bunch, a capable receiver out of the backfield with a willingness and ability to pick up pressure in the passing game.
His long run of the season came on a 75-yarder in the Illinois game, so the big-play potential is certainly there as well.
Akrum Wadley
In yards per carry, Wadley tops all Iowa rushers at 6.6.
The sophomore burst on the scene against Northwestern, rushing for more than 200 yards when the Hawkeyes needed him to fill in for Canzeri. He went for 120 on Nov. 7 at Indiana as well.
Even after missing the Minnesota game and seeing limited time throughout the season because of the crowded backfield he calls home, Wadley still has 426 yards for the season along with 7 touchdowns.
Like Daniels, he has no receptions in 2015, meaning he’s not likely to be on the field in passing situations or on third down.
Derrick Mitchell Jr.
Outside of playing well in chunks against Northwestern and North Texas during blowouts, Mitchell has not seen too much time as a ball carrier in 2015.
He does, however, get on to the field on third down as a pass blocker and potential receiver. Mitchell’s big frame makes him an ideal option in protection, and his 8 receptions rank second among the backs to Canzeri.
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