Kirk Ferentz quotes Albert Einstein after Iowa’s win over Nebraska
The Hawkeye head coach received his 204th recreation at Iowa with an unbelievable victory through which his offense gained 5 first downs.
IOWA CITY — Iowa operating again Kaleb Johnson has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, the junior introduced Sunday.
Johnson had faculty eligibility remaining however is forgoing that to pursue a future professionally.
Johnson shared an extended, heartfelt message by way of social media.
“Pricey Hawkeye Nation,
“As I write this letter, my coronary heart is crammed with gratitude and appreciation for the unimaginable journey I’ve skilled as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes. It has been an honor to put on the black and gold and signify this program, this college, and this group which means a lot to me.
“To the followers: Thanks to your unwavering help, week in and week out. Whether or not it was below the intense lights at Kinnick or on the highway, your vitality and fervour have been a driving power behind each recreation, each second. From the enduring ‘Iowa Wave’ to the chants and cheers that echo all through the stadium, you have made this expertise unforgettable. You’ve got proven me what it really means to be part of one thing greater than myself, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
“To my coaches: thanks for believing in me, difficult me, and pushing me to change into the very best model of myself each on and off the sphere. The teachings you have taught me go far past football-they are classes I am going to carry with me for the remainder of my life. Your steering and mentorship haven’t solely formed me as a participant however as a person, and I am extremely grateful for the impression vou’ve had on my journey.
“To my teammates: you’re extra than simply teammates-you are household. The bonds we have constructed, the challenges we have confronted, and the reminiscences we have created collectively will at all times maintain a particular place in my coronary heart. Each follow, each recreation, each second we shared has made me higher, and I’m proud to have battled alongside each certainly one of you.
“After a lot thought and reflection, I’ve determined to take the subsequent step in my journey and declare for the2025 NFL Draft. This choice was not made flippantly, however it’s with nice pleasure and anticipation that I embrace the challenges and alternatives forward. The muse I’ve constructed right here at Iowa has ready me for this second, and I carry the Hawkeye spirit with me as I transfer ahead.
“Thanks for shaping me, supporting me, and believing in me. Iowa will at all times be residence, and I’ll endlessly be a Hawkeye.
“With gratitude and love, Kaleb ‘K2’ Johnson”
On Friday, Johnson rushed for 45 yards towards Nebraska and had a 72-yard landing reception. The Hawkeyes received, 13-10, and completed the common season 8-4.
Johnson ended the 2024 common season with 1,537 dashing yards and 23 complete touchdowns.
This was a historic stretch of soccer for Johnson. He posted single-season program information in factors, complete touchdowns and dashing scores.
Johnson emerged as one of many nation’s finest operating backs together with his breakthrough season and was named a Doak Walker Award finalist. Johnson burst onto the scene as a real freshman however that did not carry over into final season, the place he had a turbulent marketing campaign.
“He is placing his expertise to good use,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz stated of Johnson, main as much as Iowa’s matchup with Nebraska. “He is operating smarter, operating higher, operating stronger. Every little thing about it’s higher proper now. He has an important angle. He is actually enjoyable to be on the sphere with and enjoyable to be in right here with or wherever else.
“He is only a good younger man. Yeah, it has been enjoyable to observe his maturity and progress happen. He is at all times had a great talent set. A part of it’s catching up with the mentality half, too. And that is the good thing about being older, for positive.”
Johnson has cemented himself as among the finest operating backs in Iowa program historical past.
Kaleb Johnson stats
2024: 240 carries, 1,537 yards, 21 TDs, 22 catches, 187 yards, 2 TDs
Profession (3 seasons): 508 carries, 2,779 yards, 30 TDs, 29 catches, 240 yards, 2 TDs
