Kaleb Johnson is one of the best prospects out of Kirk Ferentz’s old-school Iowa Hawkeyes, and he has emerged as one of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. His journey to this point was very different from that of some of his peers.
Several emotionally and mentally taxing losses in his life shaped him into who he is today. Here is everything you need to know about Johnson, his parents, and how his family played a pivotal role in his NFL journey.
Who is Kaleb Johnson’s Mother, Juanielle Finley?
Johnson was born to Juanielle Finley and her partner on August 14, 2003. No information is available about Johnson’s father. However, his grandfather was the major father figure in the running back’s life.
Growing up, Johnson’s grandparents, Charlene and Jeffery Strader, had a significant influence on his life. When Kaleb was 14 years old, his grandmother passed away, and her death took toll on the teenager. As a result, his grandfather pulled him out of organized sports to focus on academics and ensure he didn’t head down the wrong path.
“My mom was one of his main fans when he was younger, playing sports and things. She was always one of his main supporters,” Juanielle said.
This was the turning point of Johnson’s life.
“Her last words to me and stuff was make sure that Kaleb was taken care of,” Jeffery said, remembering his wife’s last words. “That was one of the things that I knew that I was going to do anyway. And it was just one of them stories where life happens.”
One day, a teenage Johnson saw a billboard of a football player, decided, “I want to do that,” and told Strader about it. Early on, due to his small frame, he was put on the defensive line, where the opponents utterly dominated him.
Strader was surprised when his grandson exclaimed, “Papa, papa, look how dirty I am in the back.”
“I was happy that I was getting down and dirty, I thought,” Johnson said recently.
Once he moved to running back, Johnson didn’t take long to find his footing. At the end of the day, Johnson credits his success to his grandmother.
“I really wanted to do it for her,” Johnson said of his grandmother. “Because I knew she would be proud of me. So it just feels like with me, always having that in the back of my mind and always thinking about the results I can have — if I just keep doing what I need to do.”
Now, after a successful collegiate career that saw him rush for 2,779 yards and 30 touchdowns, Johnson will try to duplicate his success in the NFL after he hears his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kaleb Johnson’s NFL Draft Scouting Report
In 2024, his final college season, Johnson rumbled for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries. At 6’1″, 224 pounds, Johnson isn’t the most explosive or the fastest back, but he compensates with some of the best vision and creative instincts the class has to offer.
A fast first- and second-level processor, and an efficient footwork technician, Johnson knows how to use his setup space to bait defenders and clear lanes. He also has the bend and constant leg churn to create chunk plays once he’s working vertically.
Johnson had an incredible season, solidifying his spot in the NFL Draft conversation. He’s a rare mix of power and agility, like a pitcher with both a plus fastball and a plus changeup.
Whether breaking tackles or outrunning defenders, Johnson consistently shines against elite competition. Once in the Heisman Trophy discussion, his stock only continues to climb.
