Each year the Iowa Hawkeyes pump out top-level NFL talent and this year is no exception. They had talent on both sides of the ball in star running back Kaleb Johnson and elite linebacker Jay Higgins.
The two were the heart and soul of their respective sides of the ball and played quite possibly the largest parts in Iowa’s success this year. The two of them carried their units and it showed in their production.
Both of them were named consensus All-Americans due to the monster years they had. Their successes also have them cracking one of college football’s exclusive lists.
Kaleb Johnson and Jay Higgins have cracked Pro Football Focus’ top 101 players in college football this year. Johnson came in at No. 27 while Higgins was just behind him at No. 44.
Kaleb Johnson had a monster year for Iowa rushing for 1,537 yards and 23 touchdowns while breaking Iowa’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns and scoring. He was a First-Team All-Big Ten selection and won the Big Ten Running Back of the Year.
Jay Higgins tallied 118 tackles this year and four interceptions on his way to capping off a career that saw him finish with 335 tackles. He was also a First-Team All-Big Ten selection and won the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football stars Jay Higgins and Kaleb Johnson make elite list
