DJK sets Iowa receiving yardage record

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Iowa wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was silenced by himself and his coaches once again.

In part it's because he's "speechless" or at least that's what he told reporters on the field after Iowa beat Michigan 38-28. The other part is that the record he earned Saturday night speaks for itself.

Johnson-Koulianos, a senior, set Iowa's all-time receiving yardage record with 2,274 career receiving yards, passing Tim Dwight (2,271). Johnson-Koulianos is five catches shy of tying Kevin Kasper (157) for the most catches in school history.

"He's a big-time player whenever his number is called, he didn't disappoint," Iowa wide receiver Marvin McNutt said. " That's something we look for because DJK is a playmaker. Any time he's out there he can do amazing things with the ball."

Johnson-Koulianos scored three touchdowns Saturday. His first touchdown was a 14-yard crossing route on third down and 10. His next catch was on a 31-yard post-corner route that gave Iowa its first lead at 14-7. His final touchdown was on a 19-yard post where he beat the cornerback inside for an easy score.

"DJK is the man," Iowa guard Adam Gettis said. "He's a good kid, and he's one of my favorite players on the team. I like playing for him. He gets the guys going. He has a great hands, great feet. I'm just glad he's one my side; I wouldn't want him on the other side.

"He's a playmaker, and that's what he's on the team for, to make plays."

Johnson-Koulianos also has 14 touchdowns in his career. Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz downplayed the record's performance when compared to the team accomplishment, but called it "extremely significant."

"Our concern today was winning the football game, and he's a major contributor," Ferentz said. "There's no way to predict where the ball's going to go in any given game ... but today was his day."

The outgoing and charismatic Johnson-Koulianos did not speak to reporters following the game, which has become almost traditional. Ferentz joked that once Johnson-Koulianos leaves the team following Iowa's bowl game, the wide receiver can talk all he wants to reporters.

"You can go to his house for all I care," Ferentz said. "He's done a great job. I'm really proud of him."