Ex-Oswego E. star Iowa’s starting RB
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Sophomore Ivory Kelly-Martin has been tabbed Iowa’s likely starting running back, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz said.
The move might be categorized as a mild surprise, given that fellow sophomore Toren Young was listed ahead of KellyMartin on a depth chart released in fall camp. But Kelly-Martin, a former Oswego East star who appeared to be slotted as an option on third downs and in the return game, has shown coaches he has potential to become an every-down back in their system.
The Hawkeyes (8-5 in 2017) host Northern Illinois in their season opener Sept. 1.
‘‘He’s got wiggle,’’ Ferentz said. ‘‘He’s got some power. He’s got really good balance. One thing he does a nice job with is catching the ball out of the backfield.’’
Kelly-Martin, who is listed at 5-10 and 200 pounds, saw the field as a true freshman in 2017 largely because he was one of the fastest players in the program. He averaged 9.2 yards on 20 carries, scoring three touchdowns, and averaged 21.3 yards on kickoff returns.
Kelly-Martin appears to have distanced himself in the threeman battle to replace Akrum Wadley, partly because he has proved in practice that he can pick up blitzing defenders. KellyMartin, Young and newcomer Mekhi Sargent likely will split carries, especially early in the season, as Iowa looks to improve on a rushing attack that ranked 97th nationally last season.
Sargent ran for 1,449 yards in 10 games at Iowa Western last season, and Young had 193 yards rushing and two touchdowns for the Hawkeyes in 2017.
‘‘If we’re going to be successful here, we need to be able to run the football, and we need to do it when everyone knows we’re going to do it,’’ Ferentz said. ‘‘Otherwise, we have no chance.’’
Iowa’s biggest question mark is the back end of its defense, where it lost all three of its starting linebackers and All-American cornerback Josh Jackson.
Defensive coordinator Phil Parker said junior Amani Jones is ‘‘setting himself apart’’ at middle linebacker, which should be encouraging for the Hawkeyes because of how important that position is with regard to communication for the defense.
‘‘We’re excited so far with where we’re at,’’ Parker said. ‘‘We’re comfortable with the guys we have, but we’ve got a lot to do yet.’’