Mekhi Sargent emerges out of nowhere to boost Iowa offense

Running back Mekhi Sargent is one of the biggest surprises for the Hawkeyes early this season.

The junior college transfer from Iowa Western led the Hawks with 120 total yards and two rushing touchdowns in the win over Northern Iowa.

“It’s all focus and detail,” Sargent said. “I feel like I’ve been doing a really good job of that and the coaching staff has been helping me a lot. Along with Toren and Ivory…the older guys.” 

Quarterback Nate Stanley says there’s no secret to why Sargent’s earned the trust of every one in the program in a short time.
 
“Put in a tremendous amount of time learning the offense, tremendous amount of time out on the field running routes,” Stanley said. “You know, trying to study things, doing it mentally in the classroom. So I think it just shows the amount of work and the work ethic that he has.”
 
Sargent’s emergence is even more impressive because he’s only been on campus since the beginning of June, meaning he’s learned the playbook in about three months.

“The biggest challenge was actually learning the playbook early on, but I think I’m getting the hang of it,” Sargent said. 
 
“Took awhile the first week or two, doing okay, and then whenever it was, I think it was our last scrimmage he really looked good,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Now you’re starting to see it on the field at Kinnick, which is where it counts, obviously. I think he’s got a chance to be a really good player here before he leaves here and, boy, that’s exciting for us.” 

With Ivory Kelly-Martin’s status still up in the air the next couple of weeks, Sargent should continue to be a big part of Iowa’s offense as they enter the Big Ten slate. 

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