PJ Fleck praises Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson ahead battle for Floyd of Rosedale: ‘He’s smooth’

PJ Fleck knows all about Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson.

The junior Iowa star out of Hamilton, Ohio has rushed for 479 yards and 6 touchdowns so far this season, numbers that both lead the Big Ten. Johsnon has rushed for over 100 yards in 3 straight games to start the 2024 season, finding the end zone twice in all 3 games. He has been as consistent as any running back in the nation.

Fleck met with media on Monday to discuss the challenge Iowa brings this season ahead of the battle for Floyd of Rosedale. He said Johnson is “smooth” and sometimes it doesn’t even look like he’s trying to run as fast as he does.

Here’s his full comments:

“Oh, man, he’s smooth.”

P.J. Fleck had some things to say about @HawkeyeFootball RB Kaleb Johnson, the nation’s leading rusher 🗣️
#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/hcBIsXRTQB

— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) September 16, 2024

Minnesota finally snapped Iowa’s win streak dating back to 2015 last year, downing the Hawkeyes 12-10. Despite Iowa’s recent dominance the Golden Gophers still lead the all-time series 63-52-2.

The Gophers have not allowed a touchdown since falling 19-17 to North Carolina in Week 1. Iowa improved to 2-1 last week with a 38-21 win over Troy following a brutal loss to Iowa State in Week 2.

The Hawkeyes are 0-1 in rivalry games this season. Can Johnson and Co. even that number up in Week 4?