Photos: Iowa running back Akrum Wadley

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels (78) covers Akrum Wadley as he runs down field during the Hawkeyes' game against Miami (Ohio) at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley runs down field during the Hawkeyes' game against Miami (Ohio) at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley runs the ball in for a touchdown against Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Iowa's Akrum Wadley gets pushed out of bounds during the Hawkeyes' game against Miami (Ohio) at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.

Iowa's Akrum Wadley runs down field for a touchdown during the Hawkeyes' game against Miami (Ohio) at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016.

If Iowa tailback Akrum Wadley keeps his weight up, he'll be harder to tackle. So far this spring, he's having more good days than bad in that regard, running backs coach Chris White said.

Akrum Wadley showed some nice burst and power at the spring game (51 yards on 10 touches). He and LeShun Daniels Jr. have the potential to combine for 2,000 yards in 2016.

Iowa defensive back Miles Taylor tackles running back Akrum Wadley during the Hawkeyes' spring game at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

Iowa' Akrum Wadley gets swarmed by Brandon Snyder (37), Michae Ojemudia (11) and Anthony Gair (12) during the Hawkeyes' spring game at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley (25) will likely be deployed more in a pass-catching role, and possibly in short yardage.

Akrum Wadley had some electric games this year, and if he can make weight he could be the Hawkeyes' best backfield weapon in 2016. LeShun Daniels Jr. and Derrick Mitchell Jr. are in the mix, too.

Iowa's Akrum Wadley dives for a touchdown during a game with Maryland at Kinnick stadium in Iowa City Oct. 31, 2015.

Iowa's Akrum Wadley runs down field during the Hawkeyes' Big Ten Championship game against Michigan State at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley (25) gets upended by Michigan State linebacker Riley Bullough (30) during the Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 5, 2015.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley (25) is drove out of bounds by Michigan State cornerback Arjen Colquhoun (36) during the Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 5, 2015.

Iowa's Akrum Wadley leaps over teammate Macon Plewa during the Hawkeyes' game against Purdue at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015. The play was brought back after a holding penalty.

Iowa Hawkeyes running back Akrum Wadley (25) runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium.

Iowa's Akrum Wadley cuts ahead for some of his 67 yards vs. Maryland.

Iowa's Akrum Wadley runs the ball during a game with Maryland at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015.

Iowa's Akrum Wadley celebrates a touchdown during a game with Maryland at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015.

Akrum Wadley is one of four running backs to see action this season.

Iowa football players celebrate one of Akrum Wadley's four touchdowns against Northwestern on Oct. 17. After a bye week, Wadley is No. 1 at running back on the depth chart, with Derrick Mitchell Jr. and LeShun Daniels Jr. backing him up.

Akrum Wadley sprints into the end zone for one of his four touchdowns at Northwestern while quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) celebrates early and center Austin Blythe, right, pancakes a helpless Wildcat defender.

University of Iowa running back Akrum Wadley (25) rushes for a touchdown during a NCAA Division I Football game between Northwestern University and the University of Iowa at Ryan Field on October 17, 2015 in Evanston, Illinois.

Akrum Wadley chose Iowa over Temple, and it's become a history-making decision. The running back from Newark, New Jersey, has been one of the program's most prolific scorers and big-play threats.

Then a sophomore, Akrum Wadley rushed for 204 yards and four touchdowns against Northwestern on Oct. 17, 2015, in the Hawkeyes' 40-10 win. Wadley and Iowa return to Evanston this Saturday.

OK, so Akrum Wadley high-stepped on his go-ahead, fourth-quarter touchdown against Penn State. "You (saw) me give the ball right to the ref, though," he said this week. Wadley is Iowa's leader in rushing and receiving yards.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley dives for a 70-yard touchdown during the Hawkeyes' game against No. 4 Penn State at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley runs down field for a 46-yard game-tying touchdown at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017.

Iowa guard Sean Welsh (79) is the leader of an offensive line looking to pave the way for another 1,000-yard rushing season by Akrum Wadley (25). Welsh was named a second team Sports Illustrated preseason all-American.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley enters Kinnick Stadium for the open practice on Kids Day on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017.

James Butler (20) and Akrum Wadley have big plans for their senior year together as Iowa tailbacks.

Tailback Akrum Wadley led Iowa in yards and touchdowns last season. The senior has landed on the "watch list" for the Doak Walker Award given to the nation's top running back.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley should be the featured guy for the 2017 Hawkeye offense after he announced his return Thursday.

Iowa running back Akrum Wadley jokes with teammates at the indoor practice facility on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016.