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Iowa without top RB option for season opener, per report
By Michael Daly
Published:
Iowa will be reportedly playing without leading running back Gavin Williams for the season opener against South Dakota State, per Chad Leistikow of the Des Moines Register.
Doesn't look like Gavin Williams (ankle injury, I heard) will suit up today. Iowa now without its #1 running back for opener vs. South Dakota State.
Leshon Williams will be the featured back, and true freshmen Kaleb Johnson and Jaziun Patterson will be options.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) September 3, 2022
Williams was slated as the top running back for the Hawkeyes and the offense will have to pivot without Williams. In Williams’ place will be Leshon Williams, who will assume the role as Iowa’s top running back for the game.
Iowa expects to have Kaleb Johnson and Jaziun Patterson as extra options at the running back position throughout the game to help out Williams. Iowa could rely on the two freshmen running backs to assist the running game.
In 2021, Williams had 305 rushing yards in 11 games. He was expected to be the team’s top running back, but he will not be available for Saturday’s game.
Iowa will host South Dakota State at 12 p.m. ET.