More Than Just Power
by Bo Marchionte
Published May 28, 2025, 01:33 PM
Kaleb Johnson Is Turning Heads in Pittsburgh with a Surprising Blend of Power and Speed
When Kaleb Johnson showed up in Pittsburgh, he didn’t come with fanfare. There were no headlines, no national buzz, and no bold predictions from analysts. But inside the Steelers facility, word is quickly spreading about a running back who’s more than just another big body in the room.
“I’m running for Coach (Eddie) Faulkner every day, getting 1% better,” Johnson said, referencing Steelers assistant Anthony Fauci, who’s helped guide his daily improvement. “And I’m learning from the older guys. Jaylen Warren, and especially Kenny Gainwell. It’s a great room to be part of.”
At 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, Johnson fits the mold of a classic power back. But anyone who assumes he’s just a downhill bruiser hasn’t been paying close attention and Johnson’s fine with that. In fact, he believes most people miss what makes him special.
“My catching ability, my route running, and really, my speed,” Johnson said. “People see film and think I’m fast, but they don’t really know. Last time I checked, I hit 22 miles per hour. That’s real speed. Go check it.”
And yes, they did check it — coaches, teammates, and staff alike. That number turned heads. For a player of his size, clocking 22 MPH puts him in rare company. The kind of top gear that very few backs possess. And he’s not just fast in open field sprints, he carries that explosiveness through contact.
“I was like shoot that’s how I run” he added with a grin, referencing his high-octane, sprint-style approach. “That’s how I run. I’ve never been caught from behind in college ever. The only guy that ever got me was Darien Porter, and he ran a 4.2. He’s a track guy. That’s different.”
While the speed and power, he’ll be an impressive specimen once the pads are put on. It’s consistency and work ethic that shouldn’t be unnoted. His days start before sunrise, packed with meetings, workouts, and film and Johnson is embracing it all.
“Wake up at five, work starts at 6:30,” he said. “Eat, chill, get ready, workout, then go to film with the coaches. Watch everything. Then it’s time to practice. And after that, you do it again tomorrow.”
That attitude paired with his skillset makes him a very intriguing prospect, especially considering the Steelers penchant for having great backs carrying the football in Pittsburgh.
Johnson has earned praise during a few drills. His ability to absorb the playbook quickly, should only benefit him when it’s time to catch out of the backfield, and break tackles in space.
He’s not just a power back or a gadget guy. He has the tools to look like a complete back the kind who can contribute on any down, in any situation.
“Sometimes, you just gotta let your actions speak louder than your words,” Johnson said. “I’m not really trying to prove anything to anybody. Just show up, work, and when it’s time to go, go.”
He’s doing just that. And in a Steelers backfield loaded with talent and competition, Kaleb Johnson is doing more than just fitting in he’s forcing his way into the conversation.
Whether it’s the weight room, the film room, or between the lines, Johnson is showing he belongs. And now, thanks to a deadly mix of size, toughness, and breakaway speed, he’s not just another name on the roster. He’s a name to remember.
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
