Iowa Hawkeyes 2023 Snapshot Profile: No. 9 Jaziun Patterson
When discussing the running back position for the University of Iowa, do not forget about Jaziun Patterson.
While most of the attention will be directed toward returning starter Kaleb Johnson, he’s not the only young, talented back on the roster. Though he didn’t receive much playing time last year, redshirt freshman Jaziun Patterson has the ability to be a high-impact backup.
A talented back out of Pompano Beach, Fla., Patterson was stuck behind other more experienced backs on the depth chart last year. Kaleb Johnson’s breakout also made it hard for him to see the field. Now, with a year under his belt, Patterson is ready to make an impact for the Hawkeyes and is already turning heads. Patterson caught the coaching staff’s attention at the end of last season, specifically with his preparation for the bowl game.
Iowa will look to run the ball a lot, nothing unusual there. That’s been their mentality forever now. While Kaleb Johnson looks to be the starter and a breakout star in his own right, he likely won’t do it all alone.
Iowa has shown in the past their willingness to feature two backs. Think back to 2016 with both LeShun Daniels Jr. and Akrum Wadley reaching 1,000 yards. For a more realistic target, remember how Mekhi Sargent was a very capable backup to Tyler Goodson.
Patterson will face strong competition from Leshon Williams but will look to be a high-impact backup at Iowa’s featured position. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of Patterson’s career to date and his depth chart outlook for 2023.
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Jaziun Patterson's Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: Pampano Beach, Fla.
Ht: 5-10
Wt: 188
Class in 2023: Rs. Fr.
Recruiting Ranking
Stars | Overall | State | Position | |
247 | 3 | N/A | 102 | 65 |
Rivals | 3 | N/A | 57 | 23 |
ESPN | 3 | N/A | 100 | 53 |
On3 Recruiting | 3 | N/A | 113 | 62 |
247 Composite | 3 | 664 | 91 | 53 |
Before Iowa
Earned first-team all-county honors as a junior and sophomore
75 rushing attempts for 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior
Three-year team captain
Career Stats
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/9/2023.
Depth Chart Overview
Heading into the summer, Patterson is listed as third in the running back position. He is behind starter Kaleb Johnson and backup Leshon Williams. There is a lot of time though for Patterson to climb the charts and form a partnership as Johnson’s backup. The Florida native impressed the coaching staff at the end of the season. Only a redshirt freshman, Jaziun Patterson’s best football lies ahead of him.
Quote Them
“As far as young guys go, it’s been nice. Jaziun Patterson is a guy that jumped out to me through bowl prep. Didn’t get so many opportunities throughout the season when we were playing three backs. Played a little bit in a couple games sparingly.
“The way he approaches every day, I heard the head coach talk about Jack Campbell, seeing things as an opportunity. Jaz is a guy that I would describe the same way. Maybe hopefully he can have the type of career that Jack had.
“None of us control our talent, right? We can only control our approach. His approach is very impressive, the way he goes to work. He’s a guy that’s jumped out.
“There are several others, but I would single him out just for his approach day to day. That was true during the season. Now he’s been able to get some reps, and it’s really showed up,” Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz said of Jaziun Patterson before the TransPerfect Music City Bowl against Kentucky last December.
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