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Iowa football: Akrum Wadley makes explosive debut in the AAF

By Andrew Wade

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 24: Running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes avoids the tackle of linebacker Collin Miller #31 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers to score at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 24: Running back Akrum Wadley #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes avoids the tackle of linebacker Collin Miller #31 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers to score at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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After being inactive week one, former Iowa football player Akrum Wadley exploded on to the AAF scene in week two for the Atlanta Legends.

We all know just how good former Iowa football player Akrum Wadley is, but for some reason, it’s been taking the professional football leagues a little bit of time to figure it out, which is why Wadley is here in the first place.

Yes, I understand that at 5’10” and 194 pounds, he is a little undersized and I understand that running a 4.54 40-yard dash at the combine certainly didn’t blow away scouts, but when Wadley gets the ball in his hands, he just makes plays. There’s not more simple than that. Wadley just makes plays.

So after a setback last week in the opening weekend of the American Alliance of Football where Akrum Wadley didn’t dress for the Atlanta Legends (who lost their opener for whatever it’s worth), Wadley finally got an opportunity to shine in week two.

In week two against the San Diego Fleet, Wadley had eight catches for 70 yards including a beautiful 33-yard screen pass that had Iowa football fans reminiscing about the glory day of seeing Wadley roam around Kinnick in the black and gold. He also added 14 yards on the ground.

The highlight of the play can be seen here.

With that debut performance, Wadley already leads the team in receptions and receiving yards, which isn’t saying much considering the Legends are averaging just 162 yards passing a game.

More importantly, it put Wadley back on the map of NFL talent evaluators after a year out of football.

American Alliance of Football fantasy experts (which I didn’t realize was a thing until this weekend) gave major props to Wadley for his performance. Although things could change in the coming weeks with the eventual return of often-injured former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, Wadley may have just carved himself out quite a nice third down back role for the Atlanda Legends.

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The former Iowa football tailback can be seen in action next Sunday when the Birmingham Iron take on the Legends at 3 PM Central Standard Time. This matchup will be aired on the NFL Network channel.