Hawkeyes snag running back from Badger territory

The last time Iowa snagged a running back from Wisconsin's backyard, the Hawkeyes watched Melvin Gordon get away a few months later and race into the record books for the home-state Badgers.

So naturally, the question was coming Sunday when the Hawkeyes went even deeper into Wisconsin territory – just a few miles from Camp Randall Stadium – to grab another running back.

What happens if the Badgers come calling with a scholarship offer?

"Nobody has to worry about me flipping to Wisconsin," Toren Young told HawkeyeInsider.com after committing Sunday to the Hawkeyes. "I committed to Iowa. As long as the coaching staff is the same and I still have that strong relationship, I'm here to stay."

Young, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound junior from Monona Grove, Wis., is the second skill player from the Badger State to commit to Iowa's 2016 class. The Hawkeyes also picked up a commitment in November from Menomonie High School quarterback Nathan Stanley.

Wisconsin recently offered Stanley a scholarship. Iowa was first in line for Young, who expressed his gratitude to the Hawkeye coaches on Twitter after they extended an offer Saturday.

Young ran for 2,357 yards and 26 touchdowns during his sophomore and junior seasons at Monona Grove.

"He's a strong, powerful kid who has a low center of gravity and does not go down easy," Scout.com's Allen Trieu wrote in a scouting report on Young. "While he still must work on his breakaway speed and explosiveness, he's an elusive kid who can cut and change direction and make people miss in a short area."