![Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) outpaces Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) who can’t make the tackle during the second quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_254,w_6000,h_3375/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/241/01k2arahrfb9p2645rpe.jpg "Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) outpaces Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) who can’t make the tackle during the second quarter of an NFL preseason matchup at EverBank Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
Former Iowa Hawkeye Kaleb Johnson has been a big topic of discussion since the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him with the No. 83 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Steelers took Johnson before selecting a quarterback, which left many fans and media members confused.
After Johnson was selected and entered the organization, Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin has had nothing but praise for the former Iowa star.
Tomlin stated that Johnson is a "high-volume, capable runner," and made a lot of NFL Sunday-like runs during his time with the Hawkeyes.
Recently, during training camp, Tomlin praised Johnson once again, stating he came into training camp well-conditioned and has some talent, which was on display.
During the Steelers' first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Johnson displayed his power and running ability, running over the 2025 No. 2 overall pick, Travis Hunter.
Think we're going to be seeing this quite a bit from Kaleb Johnson with the #Steelers in his rookie season.
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) August 10, 2025
Bends this back in the zone run, has one defender to beat in Travis Hunter. Easily steps through low tackle attempt.
Best run of the night for the rookie. pic.twitter.com/xgiC8sRjRZ
Johnson baptized Hunter on a smooth zone read where he bounced the run outside after it was initially intended to go up the middle. Johnson cut to the outside and stiff-armed Hunter on his way to a positive gain.
Johnson had multiple runs of a similar style and attempted to bowl over defenders in the middle of the field with his power.
He also showed some ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, something he was not called upon to do very much with the Hawkeyes.
Johnson had modest numbers during his debut for the Steelers, tallying 20 rushing yards on eight carries and adding two catches for six yards, but Johnson's debut went beyond the numbers.
He showed the Steelers what he can do if he receives the carries, displaying his power and vision on straight ahead and outside runs.
The Steelers return to Pittsburgh for their second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, August 16 at 6:00 p.m. Central Time.