Iowa’s running game and who’s back number 1 and number 2?

[JerseyCityHawk]

With LJ Phillips coming in from S Dakota I believe who is going to challenge Moulton ? He averages 5.2 yards per carry. Plus you also have X Williams and McNeil and Brevon Doll (whom I think should move to receiver… but this is a deep group! Is LJ that fast? Does he offer the speed for a home run hitter? 5’9 223 pounds… he did run for 301 yards one time this past season against someone not sure . Just a big dep chart but who comes out on top?

 

[2D]

This same question was posed on today's Locked On Hawkeyes podcast. Definitely one of the bigger questions of the off season. It always felt like Kamari was just a step away from breaking one, but he rarely ever did. Had a big run against Nebraska and an important run against Vanderbilt that we needed it. LJ on the other hand seems like a real work horse, bit of a different runner than Kamari. He's got some nice vision, but isn't the fastest guy on the field. Could be a case of 1A and 1B.

I trust Coach Lester on making the right decision. He has a lot of new pieces, and I'm excited how he'll approach the offense with this many guys who have more than 1 year in his system.

 

[Hawksofly101789]

Maybe the wrecking ball Phillips will wear defenses down and Moulton will be able to break away

 

[Heathen Raider]

Moulton will be RB1 and Phillips if He learns the offense will be the goal line back , He will have to earn RB2 , Williams and McNeil have time in the offense on Him and will all be working for carries. Nothing is given at Iowa but Kirk trusts Moulton , He is not a fumbler and makes the plays He should

 

[eyesofhawk]

Run. The. Ball.

 

[DuddyB]

I’ll be surprised if Phillips doesn’t lead the team in rushing. He’s got just as good of speed as anyone we have and appears to have very good one cut moves and vision.

 

[WeBeHerkin]

We need the OL to develop as a unit quickly.

 

[Sabula]

We will have 4 good backs, which is a must. I feel all are decent and none stands head and shoulders over the others. Injuries and wear/tear will dictate that all will get suitable carries.

 

[nu2u]

Phillips is a YAC bulldozer with very good vision, will press to start RB1 Game1. It’s a deep and talented unit but, absent injury, I believe Phillips will be listed in the two-deeps for the season opener.

 

[Driftless_Hawk]

How much eligibility does Phillips have?

 

[nu2u]

How much eligibility does Phillips have?

Two years. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2023.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

The Hawks have done a really good job in the RB room. It's a real plus that we don't have to worry about this group very much.

 

[uihawk82]

With LJ Phillips coming in from S Dakota I believe who is going to challenge Moulton ? He averages 5.2 yards per carry. Plus you also have X Williams and McNeil and Brevon Doll (whom I think should move to receiver… but this is a deep group! Is LJ that fast? Does he offer the speed for a home run hitter? 5’9 223 pounds… he did run for 301 yards one time this past season against someone not sure . Just a big dep chart but who comes out on top?

I think we will see a little more RB by Committee this coming year unless after a few games one guy is seeing every hole develop every chance he gets and is just gashing it. I think it is good to get each guy a breather and there might be a little more situational play. For instance, maybe McNeil shines as a 3rd down back on passing downs,

Start the season with Moulton getting around 40-50% of carries and the other 3 guys splitting the rest. Probably work it by series and number of carries in a row, give them a breather, these guys are carrying a lot of dead weight when being tackled.

As the year progresses maybe two guys will get about 80% of the carries

 

[oldxbbc]

Have always liked/appreciated Moulton. If he is not #1 I will be somewhat shocked.

 

[JerseyCityHawk]

I think we will see a little more RB by Committee this coming year unless after a few games one guy is seeing every hole develop every chance he gets and is just gashing it. I think it is good to get each guy a breather and there might be a little more situational play. For instance, maybe McNeil shines as a 3rd down back on passing downs,

Start the season with Moulton getting around 40-50% of carries and the other 3 guys splitting the rest. Probably work it by series and number of carries in a row, give them a breather, these guys are carrying a lot of dead weight when being tackled.

As the year progresses maybe two guys will get about 80% of the carries

Well said and I agree and it should be like that unless one of them break out like K Johnson did his Junior year

 

[HawksRule73]

Whatever is decided, Lester should never again split out Xavier wide at the goal line. I never wanna see that $h!t ever again.

 

[LaQuintaHawk]