Week 4 of the 2024 college football season was a consequential one for some of the highest profile programs in the league. Big time ranked match ups shook up conference standings and the playoff picture for the NCAA’s elite programs. In an exciting weekend, we saw some impressive performances from NFL draft hopefuls, including a familiar name.
KALEB JOHHNSON
For the second week in a row, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson stood out as the top draft prospect on offense. The third year running back dismantled Minnesota’s defense with a 21-carry, 206 yard performance where he scored three times. You read right that Johnson averaged almost a first down on every carry despite getting a heavy workload. Iowa beat Minnesota 31-14 to improve to 3-1.
Of course, Kaleb Johnson received this same recognition last week after running for 173 yards and two scores against Troy. The nearly 230 pound junior is averaging 8.4 yards a carry this season and has scored nine times on only 82 carries. There are a handful of really good running backs in this upcoming class, but Johnson is asserting himself early as one of the best.
JOSAIAH STEWART
Defensively, Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart was a deciding factor in the Wolverine’s huge win over USC on Saturday. In the box score, Stewart piled up two sacks and a forced fumble, but he was even more disruptive than those (impressive) numbers would suggest. Stewart was a force, bringing so much pressure on every passing down and playing a huge role in limiting an explosive USC passing offense. USC’s slow start to the game was a big reason they eventually came up short in this Big 10 showdown, and it was Stewart’s relentless pass rush that made it difficult for Miller Moss to get into a rhythm early in the game.
Stewart is a pass rush specialist in the Michigan defense. As a smaller defender, he relies on his speed and motor to distrust offensive lineman. He already has four sacks this season and figures to keep being a problem for Big 10 tackles while helping the Michigan D-Line anchor the Wolverines’ defense.
