Some news concerning the 2017 Hawkeyes broke on Independence Day with the announcement that former Nevada Wolf Pack running back James Butler would be going to Iowa.
Butler was a very successful tailback for the Pack rushing for over 1300 yards in each of the last two seasons. In those two years, Butler had double digits in rushing touchdowns as well. He leaves Reno 6th in school history in rushing yards.
Same book. Different chapter. pic.twitter.com/6gYqEsgjjg
— James Butler (@jamessbutler20) July 4, 2017
Butler joins the Hawkeye backfield that produced two 1000+ yard rushers in 2016. LeShun Daniels enters the Fall season looking to make the world champion New England Patriots, the other Akrum Wadley is poised to have a monster senior campaign.
Butler will be competing for carries alongside Wadley with a host of younger players. Toks Akinribade and Toren Young were the expected #2’s on the depth charter before the addition of Butler, and true freshmen Kyshaun Bryan and Ivory Kelly-Martin also are looking to turn heads as they recently came on campus.
Here is a video of a long run for the new Hawkeye:
Coming out of St Francis in Wheaton, Illinois, Butler was the #49 ranked player in Illinois in the 2014 class per 24/7 Sports.
How will the Hawkeyes use the new weapon under first year offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz?
That is a going to be very interesting to follow as the opener against Wyoming approaches.