Big Ten honors 3 Hawkeyes

November 15, 2016

Iowa defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson gets a safety on Michigan running back De’Veon Smith during the game between Michigan and Iowa at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, November 12, 2016. Iowa kicker Keith Duncan nailed a 33 yard field goal as the time ran out to beat the No. 2 Wolverines 14-13. (The Daily Iowan/ Alex Kroeze)

Three Iowa football players earned Big Ten Player of the Week awards after the Hawkeyes upset then-No. 2 Michigan on Nov. 12.

Jaleel Johnson, Keith Duncan, and Manny Rugamba all were recognized for their performances against the Wolverines.

Johnson, a senior defensive tackle, was awarded Defensive Player of the Week for leading the Iowa defense, which held Michigan to only 13 points — the fewest the Wolverines have put up since Nov. 28, 2015.

The native of Lombard, Illinois, posted a career-best 9 tackles — 6 solo — which included 2 tackles for a loss and a sack. Johnson was also responsible for Iowa’s first points of the game. The 310-pounder tackled Michigan’s De’Veon Smith in the Wolverine’s end zone for a safety, cutting their lead to 8 points in the second quarter.

Iowa’s place kicker, Duncan, earned his first Big Ten honor. The walk-on from Weddington, North Carolina, was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after posting six of Iowa’s 14 points, including the game winning 33-yard field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter.

The true freshman also posted Iowa’s first go-ahead points in the third quarter by hitting a 25-yard field goal.

Since walking on, Duncan has been close to perfect for the Hawkeyes. He has made all 30 PAT attempts he has tried and gone 8-of-9 on field goals.

Rugamba was the third Hawkeye to be named to the conference list when he earned Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors.

True freshman Rugamba started for the first time ever against Michigan in place of Greg Mabin, who was out with an injury.

The native of Naperville, Illinois, nabbed his second interception of the season during the fourth quarter and kept the Michigan passing offense to just 103 yards — an exceptional feat considering the Wolverines averaged 245.8 in the air through their first nine games. Rugamba also recorded 4 tackles, 2 solo.

Akrum Wadley also nabbed a weekly award, being named one of the Rose Bowl Players of the Week.

The junior rushed for 116 yards against Michigan and caught 5 passes for another 52 yards and Iowa’s only touchdown.

— by Courtney Baumann