Future is now for ISU running backs Johnson, Woody

Iowa State fans should get a glimpse of the future tonight against No. 6 Oklahoma.

With senior tailback Alexander Robinson nursing foot and ankle injuries, freshmen Shontrelle Johnson and Jeff Woody are next in line, and figure to be fixtures in the Cyclone backfield for the next several years.

A start tonight would be the first of their careers.

“A 1-2 punch could be something that we'll prepare for,” Johnson said. “I haven't really put much thought into (starting). If I do get the chance, I'll make the best of it.”

Johnson, from DeLand, Fla., is a speedy slasher with what Coach Paul Rhoads calls a “violent” running style.

Johnson already has a 100-yard game on his resume and has been a bright spot returning kickoffs for the Cyclones.

“He has an ability to make people look stupid,” Woody said. “I don't even think he knows where he's going once he gets the ball, so it makes it even harder for a defender to know where he's going.”

Woody's approach with the ball under his arm is a little more straightforward. Literally.

“With me, you kind of know what's going to happen when I get the ball ... take it and get the hell down the field,” he said.

The 6-foot, 234-pounder is a powerful, bruising runner.

Woody is averaging 4.6 yards a carry and has been a pleasant surprise becoming a part of the running back rotation. The red-shirt freshman was put on scholarship right before the start of season.

“He's a great guy, a hard worker,” Johnson said. “We both bring good running styles to the table.”

Robinson hurt his foot in the first half of last Saturday's loss to Utah and didn't return. Rhoads said earlier this week Robinson would be very limited even if he was able to play.

“Hopefully A-Rob is back healthy,” Johnson said. “He's a big part of our running game.”

That said, he and Woody are realistic about the situation. Robinson, who leads the Cyclones with 449 yards rushing and is the team's second-leading receiver with 17 catches, is a game-time decision at best.

The two prepared like starters this week during practice.

“I'm anticipating to play and anticipating to contribute,” Woody said. “Once you get on the field you are not a backup. You are a starter.”

Even with Johnson in the backfield more this week, Rhoads would like for him to continue returning kicks.

Johnson is averaging 25.7 yards per return.

“We've got enough weapons back there but we think he's the best,” Rhoads said. “He gives us a chance to break plays back there.”

Woody is excited for the challenge of another ranked team.

“We've had this before,” he said. “It's a matter of preparing correctly and executing correctly, which are things we haven't done against those top teams.”