Iowa Football: Post-spring game 2018 depth chart projection

Running Back

Starting running back: Ivory Kelly-Martin OR Toren Young
Backups: Toks Akinribade, Camron Harrell

Last season, the duo of Akrum Wadley and James Butler carried a majority of the Iowa running game. Both have since graduated and handed off the duties to another explosive duo: Sophomores Ivory Kelly-Martin and Toren Young. Kelly-Martin had the most experience last season, appearing in nine games and rushing the ball nine times for 110 yards and a touchdown. Kelly-Martin is a shifty back with great breakaway speed.

If Kelly-Martin is the lightning half of the duo, then Toren Young brings the hammer with a thunderous approach. Young began to see more action towards the end of the season, appearing in six games and carrying the ball 26 times for 115 yards and two touchdowns. The best way to describe Young’s running style is “a rolling ball of butcher knives”. Iowa is solid at backups as well with Toks Akinribade and Camron Harrell.

Starting fullback: Brady Ross
Backup: Austin Kelly

In Iowa’s offense, the fullback plays an important role and it’s a role that Brady Ross plays very well. Ross shared time with Drake Kulick last season and held his own against very good competition. The fullback in an offense like Iowa’s has to be a tenacious blocker and must be willing to dish out hits, rather than taking them. Ross’s backup is senior Austin Kelly, showing the experience the Hawkeyes have at the position.