Kaleb Brown Looking to Build on Big Catch

Iowa Receiver Happy He Could Contribute to Hawkeye Victory

Iowa’s Kaleb Brown (3) carries the ball while teammate Erick All (83) blocks during a game against Western Michigan on Sept. 16, 2023 in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

Kaleb Brown was glad to be in the position for one of the biggest receptions of Iowa’s season so far.

It really was him, just with a different jersey number.

The wide receiver, who came to the Hawkeyes with high expectations after transferring from Ohio State in the offseason, caught his first pass of the season in Saturday’s 10-7 win over Northwestern, and it came at a critical point in the game.

The 23-yard catch of a Deacon Hill pass in the closing minutes of the game set up Drew Stevens’ game-winning field goal.

“I would definitely say it was the right moment, the perfect moment,” Brown said this week. “Great protection, great ball from Deacon. I really can’t take credit for it. I just happened to be there, and we executed it.”

Brown, who usually wears the number 3, was wearing the number 81 after switching jerseys to accommodate the move of cornerback Cooper DeJean, who also wears 3 and who was also playing on wide receiver for a few plays, to the offensive side of the ball.

“It was unexpected,” said Brown, who changed jerseys in Iowa’s injury tent on the sidelines. “It wasn’t something I wanted to do — 81, big ol’ jersey. It was for Cooper, though. It didn’t make me a different person or anything. It was cool. No big deal.”

What was a big deal was Brown finally getting a catch. He had played in five games before Saturday, and had two rushing attempts, but didn’t have a reception.

“Just to break the ice definitely felt good for me,” Brown said. “It’s something I definitely needed, and we’re going to build from there, I think.”

“It was a great play,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “The play overall was a great play. It was good for him to break in, if you will. I didn't realize it was his first catch until after the game. That's a good start. Hopefully more to follow.”

Ferentz liked the way Brown, who saw more playing time because Diante Vines was dealing with an injury suffered during the game, handled the moment.

“I think the more impressive part, he fought for four or five yards after he got the ball,” Ferentz said. “That was critical at that point. We were confident we didn't have to move it too far, but to move it without putting things at risk.”

There were high expectations for Brown, a highly-touted recruit who came to Iowa after having just one reception at Ohio State last season as a freshman.

But getting into significant playing time has been a struggle for him.

“It definitely has been a long time coming,” Brown said. “But behind the scenes, I’ve been working. It’s just a matter of time, and the time has come.

“It’s not always easy (to stay engaged). But trusting the process is something that is really vital for us, as football players in general. No matter what position you play, trust the process, all of the time.”

Getting that first catch at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, in the city where he grew up, added to the moment.

“It was perfect timing,” Brown said. “It felt good to be home, knowing my whole family was there. Just to be in the presence of Chicago. That’s my place.”

Brown’s moment came because of his patience, he said.

“It’s just putting the work in,” he said. “Everything else comes together. Just keeping your head down and putting the work in.”

Brown is back on Iowa’s depth chart. But his first big moment was still something he was thinking about.

“Somebody had to do it,” he said. “I was glad to be in that position. To be in that situation, it was a great feeling.”