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Iowa Football: 2017 post-regular season position grades

By Quinn Douglas

(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes avoids the tackle of linebacker Collin Miller #31 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers to score at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes avoids the tackle of linebacker Collin Miller #31 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers to score at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

B+. . RB. Iowa Hawkeyes. RUNNING BACKS

Many expected Akrum Wadley to be the centerpiece of the Iowa offense coming into the 2017 season. What some didn’t expect, was Wadley to be complimented with another running back just as talented as James Butler is.  Wadley rushed for over 1,000 yards once again, becoming the fifth back in Iowa history to run for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Butler’s impact was not as great as some hoped to be due to his injury against North Texas that kept him sidelined for about a month.

The Hawkeyes also showed that they’re stacked for the future as well thanks to promising appearances from sophomore Toren Young and freshman Ivory Kelly-Martin. Kelly-Martin played a big role in Iowa’s win over North Texas following injuries to James Butler and Akrum Wadley. Young also made contributions at the end of the season as he scored touchdowns against Ohio State and Nebraska as the Hawkeyes “closer”.

Worst Game:

Some will argue that the rushing performance against Wisconsin was the worst of the season, but that had much more to do with the offensive line than the running backs. But the Iowa rushing attack was statistically worse in their loss to Michigan State than their Wisconsin loss. Iowa running back’s combined for only 19 yards rushing in their 17-10 loss to the Spartans.

Best Game:

Iowa’s running backs saved their best game for last as they ran up and down the field on the lowly Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Hawkeyes rushed for 313 yards and six touchdowns against the hapless Nebraska defense. Akrum Wadley was the big breadwinner on the afternoon, rushing for 159 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries. Ivory Kelly-Martin, James Butler and Toren Young all scored touchdowns against the Huskers as well.

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