By Pat Harty

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Akrum Wadley showed on Tuesday that he can entertain a crowd even by standing still.

There was no high stepping or sudden changes in direction from Iowa’s star running back, but there was Wadley’s sense of humor, his gift for gab and his humility on display.

Wadley spent about 10 minutes speaking with reporters about a number of topics, including this coming Saturday’s game against No. 4 Penn State and last Saturday’s 31-14 victory over North Texas in which he was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for high stepping into the end zone.

The penalty erased a 74-yard touchdown reception for Wadley and cost him a handshake from the head Hawk.

“When I was running back to the sideline and coach Ferentz stopped me, he usually is shaking everybody’s hand, but he didn’t shake my hand,” Wadley said of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

Ferentz instead had a few words of advice for Wadley.

“He just said you’re too good of a player to have the refs take that back,” Wadley said.

Wadley was shocked by the penalty because he had been doing a subtle high step, if there is such a thing, since he arrived at Iowa.

He also said Tuesday that he wasn’t aware that the officials are making unsportsmanlike conduct calls more of emphasis this season.

Wadley doesn’t agree with the celebration rule in his case, but he will accept it because he has no other choice

“I know, man, it’s unfortunate because you work hard all off season and you just want to have fun out there,” Wadley said. “But it is what it is. Rules are rules.”

Ferentz on Tuesday called it a learning experience, but not just for Wadley.

"We all learned a lesson, all of us did, and then I think the other thing I learned is it's probably not going to be enforced real consistently," Ferentz said. "But why leave the door open for something to be called against you. We all have to be a little bit smarter in that regard."

Wadley also suffered an ankle injury against North Texas, but it wasn’t serious. He probably could’ve returned to the game, but didn’t want to take any chances.

“One of those big guys fell on it,” Wadley said when asked how the injury occurred.

 

Iowa overcame Wadley’s absence, and an elbow injury to backup running back James Butler, to withstand North Texas' upset bid.

The game featured breakout performances from Iowa freshmen running backs Toren Young and Ivory Kelly-Martin, both of whom rushed for over 70 yards against North Texas. They now are expected to contribute against Penn State on Saturday with Butler out for at least three games.

Wadley is always quick to praise his fellow Iowa running backs and that was the case again on Tuesday. He made sure to mention all the running backs, including sophomore Toks Akrinibade and junior Marcel Joly, who are currently buried on the depth chart.

“Coach Ferentz always talks about the next man in and we’ve got some guys,” Wadley said. “James is a great guy and a great back. And that’s unfortunate. But we’ve got guys like Ivory and Toren that can step up and pick up where he left off. And you’ve seen them come right in for both of us. And they both did a good job.

“And God forbid, if they went down, we’ve still got two more backs, Toks and Marcel, that you don’t really hear about. They’re in the trenches. They’re putting in their work.”

Wadley didn’t have to mention Iowa’s fifth and sixth-string running backs, but he did anyway. He was being a good teammate, a good leader and a friend.

Wadley has a colorful personality and he likes to have fun and show his emotions. But there is also a serious side to the New Jersey native, a side that is humble and appreciative.

That was apparent as Wadley talked about being one of Iowa’s team captains for the North Texas game.

“That was everything to me,” Wadley said. “It was fun being a captain, you know walking out there. It felt good.”

Wadley has been one of Iowa’s best and most celebrated players for a while now. He led the team in rushing last season with 1,081 yards and is considered one of the Big Ten’s top running backs this season.

But Wadley has struggled with being dependable and focused. He used to have a problem with fumbling and with academics. There were times when Wadley questioned whether he could survive at Iowa, both on and off the field.

He hasn't just survived as a Hawkeye. He has thrived.

Wadley has stayed the course and matured on and off the field. His talent now matches his maturity and focus, enough to have earned the right to be a captain, at least for one game. He isn't a captain for the Penn State game, but to have that title for one game is something Wadley will cherish forever.

“It’s just a good feeling that my teammates have got my back and I’m able to lead them,” Wadley said. “Even if, God forbid, things were to ever go wrong for me, I could say I was a captain at a point. I can say that. Nobody can take that away from me.”

That’s some pretty powerful stuff from a young man who truly appreciates being a Hawkeye, probably more now than when he first arrived.

The kid in Wadley is still there and probably will be for as long as he plays football.

But there is a serious side to him as a fifth-year senior.

Wadley will leave Iowa as a young man who understands the value of frienship, hard work and putting the team first.

That's a success story that goes way beyond making defenders look silly and scoring touchdowns.