Video: Iowa RB Kamari Moulton on his development ahead of the 2024 season
At the Iowa Football Media Day on August 9, running back Kamari Moulton talks about his development ahead of the 2024 season.
IOWA CITY – Ladell Betts just talked about it.
During Kinnick’s Kids Day open practice, Kamari Moulton, who was in the backfield with quarterback Brendan Sullivan, ran near the sideline to facilitate a check-down. Sullivan, going through his progressions, settled for hurling the ball outside to Moulton.
The pass was a touch behind Moulton, but he adjusted it to catch it. Although it seemed like a rather unremarkable play in Moulton’s quiet Kids Day performance, it illustrated a larger theme.
The day before, Betts, Iowa’s running back coach, had described this scenario almost exactly.
“If I had to say he had a weakness, it would be catching the ball and route running,” Betts said of Moulton. “And those are things he’s worked on and he and I have talked about. To me, you wouldn’t even recognize it as a weakness at this point.”
Video: Ladell Betts on Leshon Williams, Kaleb Johnson and more
Running back coach Ladell Betts discusses various topics at Iowa Football Media Day on August 9, 2024.
The redshirt freshman’s rapid rise on offense reached a new high when the Illinois State roster was released on Monday – he was listed as the Hawkeyes’ first-team running back. The reasons for that are complex, according to head coach Kirk Ferentz.
First, Leshon Williams missed time during fall camp. Williams, who is coming off the best season of his college career, expects to build on his success in 2023. But an injury that set back his schedule also created an opportunity for Moulton.
But Moulton also benefited from it.
“That really showed up in December when we were working more with the guys,” Ferentz said. “Last year he was on the scout team most of the time. It seemed like maybe he was a guy that could show up here a little bit. I think he definitely did that in August.”
Video: Kirk Ferentz on Cade McNamara and more before the season opener
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz discusses various topics ahead of the Hawkeyes’ 2024 season opener against Illinois State.
In the short time he’s spent at Iowa, Moulton has already shown a glimpse, albeit brief, of his potential. He was one of the unexpected stars in the Hawkeyes’ win over Western Michigan last September, rushing for 50 yards and two touchdowns. But overall, his role wasn’t significant — that game accounted for more than half of his rushing yards this season, as he kept his redshirt.
“I think last season was a great feeling for me,” Moulton said in early August. “Just being a freshman and being able to travel and see different places and things. I think it was great for my psyche and being able to see what I can do, where I can be and accomplish something.”
From preparing for the Citrus Bowl in the spring to the upcoming 2024 season, Moulton has improved in the running backs room. He has bulked up, putting on 12 pounds since last season, Iowa’s official roster shows. Rice, chicken and steak, and working out in the weight room have helped him do that.
The hype surrounding Moulton in the spring was reflected in the pre-fall training camp roster, where he was listed as the third-team running back, passing returning teammate Jaziun Patterson. With Williams out during the open practice on Kids Day, Moulton got some reps with the first team. And now, in Week 1, he’s passed Kaleb Johnson and Williams.
“He’s had a great attitude since he’s been here,” Ferentz said of Moulton, a Florida native. “He’s got good vision. He’s physically bigger and stronger than he was a year ago, over a year ago, when he came here. That’s all good, and that’s one of the benefits of experience. I’m happy about that. He’s got an incredible attitude, but he’s got really good vision, a good ability to see things that others may not be able to see, and that’s pretty consistent.”
Still, it’s a bit surprising that Moulton has moved into the RB1 line so quickly. Johnson is considered a potential breakout candidate. Williams is back in practice and is expected to be a major factor. Patterson can contribute. That makes Moulton’s status all the more impressive, especially for someone who has only 93 rushing yards in his career.
More: Leistikow: A comeback by Kaleb Johnson would end the quarterback panic in Iowa football
But just because Moulton is listed as a first-team running back doesn’t mean Iowa isn’t likely to hold back from showing its love. Or possibly backing the favorite if one emerges. That’s how good Iowa’s running back roster could be.
“I can see us playing a lot of the guys in the group,” Ferentz said. “Max White has done a good job as well. I think it’s a good group in that regard. We’ll just see how it plays out as we go along. History has shown you can never have too many defenders, that’s for sure.”
Unlike Johnson, who is physically gifted in many ways, Moulton is not particularly imposing. His height is listed at just 5’10”. While the muscle he has built has helped him be better suited as a college running back, he is not a genetic wrecking ball.
But actually he can use this to his advantage.
“A lot of times (notable plays) happen when you don’t expect them,” defensive end Jeremiah Pittman said of Moulton. “Because you think the gap is closed, he either weaves through or he knows how to cut. He makes some good cuts. But being a smaller guy, he’s really agile. So I think he knows how to make something out of nothing.”
For example:
“If I go to B (gap) with 3-tech and see him in A (gap), he might not be there by the time I release the block and get there just because he’s so fast,” Pittman said.
It remains to be seen how long Moulton will remain in the role. But his progress is an intriguing development at a position already considered one of the best in Iowa’s offense. The Hawkeyes can use all the help they can get as they try to get their offense back on track under new coordinator Tim Lester.
“He’s just a joker,” defensive back Jermari Harris said of Moulton. “When you talk to him, he’s always smiling. And that’s how he plays on the field. Tough runner, can run downhill, has great vision. I think he’s shown that over the last couple of weeks.”
Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15Contact via email at [email protected]
