Harty: Rushing for 1,000 yards isn’t what it used to be at Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa football program used to produce a 1,000-yard rusher on a pretty consistent basis.
From Ronnie Harmon in 1985 to Fred Russell in 2003, Iowa had a running back rush for at least 1,000 yards in 13 of 19 seasons.
But only three times in the last 12 seasons has Iowa had a 1,000-yard rusher, including just once in the last seven seasons.
Marcus Coker was the last Hawkeye to do it, gaining 1,384 rushing yards in 2011.
“So it’s been a while,” said Iowa senior running back LeShun Daniels.
It seems fair to say a while, considering Iowa’s reputation as a power rushing team.
I’m not suggesting that Iowa’s rushing attack is over-rated because having a 1,000-yard rusher doesn’t guarantee success and because there are circumstances to consider.
Ladell Betts rushed for 1,090 yards for an Iowa team that finished 3-9 in 2000, while Sam Brownlee led a 10-2 Iowa team in 2004 with just 227 rushing yards.
Circumstances, such as a loaded backfield, have had a big impact on whether Iowa produces a 1,000-yard rusher.
And, of course, so have injuries.
Jordan Canzeri was on course to rush for over 1,000 yards as a senior last season until he was derailed by a mid-season ankle injury. He finished the season as Iowa’s leading rusher with 984 rushing yards despite missing two games entirely and parts of another.
Mark Weisman also came close in 2013, rushing for 975 yards, as did Adam Robinson in 2010 with 941 rushing yards and Albert Young in in 2007 with 968 yards.
It’s hard to predict if Iowa will have a 1,000-rusher in 2016 because of the depth in the backfield and because of injuries.
Daniels was listed as the starter throughout spring practice, but junior backup Akrum Wadley also should play a significant role this fall. They rushed for 646 and 496 yards, respectively, last season.
“If that’s what it takes for us to win plenty of games, it would be excellent,” Daniels said Wednesday when asked what it would mean to be Iowa’s next 1,000-yard rusher. “It would be incredible to do.”
“If we’re running the ball like that and we have a 1,000-yard rusher, I’m pretty much anticipating that we’ll probably have a good year.”
The biggest problem for Daniels has been staying healthy. He missed two games last season because of a lower leg injury and five games in 2014 for a similar injury.
It takes special talent to produce a 1,000-yard rusher, not the least of which is durability.
Daniels and Wadley also have contrasting running styles, giving the offense more flexibility. The 6-foot, 225-pound Daniels is more of a power back, while the 190-pound Wadley is more effective in space.
“We definitely help each other a lot, especially knowing that we complement each other so well," Daniels said. "I mean, obviously, he does some things that I can’t do as well and vice versa. And knowing that you kind of have that other security blanket with you, I think its just helps us play our game and not worrying as much about doing certain things. You just know that you can go out and do your job. You can perform how you know you can perform.”
Daniels is right in saying that it helps having a security blanket, but sharing the position with Wadley also hurts his chance of gaining 1,000 rushing yards.
The role of third-team running back Derrick Mitchell Jr., is another factor to consider. Should he emerge as a viable threat, it could limit the carries for both Daniels and Wadley, thus hurting Iowa’s chance for a 1,000-yard rusher.
“He’s a converted wide receiver and now he’s a full-time running back, so he provides and extra dynamic in the passing game catching the ball,” Daniels said of Mitchell.
Sophomore Marcel Joly is a fourth option at running back, and there was a fifth option until redshirt freshman Eric Graham decided this week to transfer to a junior college.
Iowa will add a fifth and sixth option at running when incoming freshmen Toks Akrinibade and Toren Young join the team this fall.
Graham’s departure could impact whether they play this season.
“Our plan was to give both of those guys a full opportunity to see what they can do,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said on Wednesday. “And if they can add to our rotation that would be great.”
Some interpreted that as Ferentz saying both incoming freshmen running backs would play for sure next season, but I didn’t necessarily see it that way.
I thought it was more a case of Ferentz saying that both freshmen would have a chance to compete, and that Graham’s departure might help their chances.
Ferentz doesn’t guarantee playing time before it’s earned on the field or in practice.
Injuries might require Iowa to use all six of its running backs on scholarships next season. But that would likely be the only reason.
And if it comes down to that, you could forget about Iowa having a 1,000-yard rusher for just the fourth time since 2004.