[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell has quite the resume when it comes to developing NFL running back talent. Which has led to NFL franchises giving these players the benefit of the doubt. The other head coaches have taken note as well. Campbell’s track record started when he was at Toledo. Kareem Hunt was drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2017. He became the rushing champion and rookie of the year. Kareem Hunt proved to be a flexible player who was coached well in all three aspects of a running back. He could catch out of the backfield, pick up the blitz in pass protection, and of course, ran well with his balance and vision.
When Matt Campbell got to Iowa State he found David Montgomery and Kene Nwangwu. Those two would carry the ball in their freshman year alongside sophomore Mike Warren which would set the foundation for the incline of the Iowa State program. Montgomery led the way for the cyclones for the next two seasons eclipsing 1100 yards both seasons. The bell-cow would go on to be drafted in the 3rd round, just like Hunt. Montgomery like Hunt has carved out a role as RB1 in the league for the Chicago Bears. He has eclipsed 1000 scrimmage yards in each of his 3 pro seasons and looks to only improve as the Bears add more around him.
Kene Nwangwu never got the chance to carve out a role for himself. Because he not only was behind Montgomery but Breece Hall as well. Despite the limited tape Nwangwu did enough to convince the Minnesota Vikings to take a 4th round flyer on him. In large part because of Campbell’s track record and good testing. Behind Dalvin Cook, Nwangwu has mostly played a role as a return specialist and scored two TDs as a rookie in the kicking game.
Campbell’s evaluations have gotten the notice of big-time schools as well. Ohio State redshirt freshman Miyan Williams was productive for them a season ago, rushing for over 500 yards on 7.2 yards per attempt. Originally the low-end 3-star prospect was committed to the Cyclones. The young runner had caught his attention early and was coveted by the ‘Clones. Ryan Day decided to give an offer to the home state star Matt Campbell pursued. Williams chose the Buckeyes and the rest is history. If Campbell offers a runner from your state consider doing so yourself as Ryan Day did.
Breece Hall, the 2nd-round pick of the New York Jets in the 2022 NFL draft was absolutely robbed of a Doak Walker in 2020. In 3 seasons as the Cyclones featured back Hall has accumulated nearly 4,000 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns on the ground. He paired that with another 700 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns. Hall stands to have an impressive NFL career based on his testing which lines up well with Jonathan Taylor. The Jets have found a possible superstar. The Cyclones will find their way into more recruits’ homes with another success story to tell. Jirehl Brock is the next in line, and Breece Hall eluded to confidence in him playing in his stead.
https://mikefarrellsports.com/2022/05/fact-or-fiction-19/
More Sports News
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
