Kenny Irons
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Camden, New Jersey, U.S.
 Irons in the 2007 Cotton Bowl Classic | |
| No. 30 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Running back |
| Personal information | |
| Born | September 15, 1983 Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 201 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Auburn |
| NFL draft | 2007: 2nd round, 49th overall pick |
| Career history | |
| Awards and highlights | |
Kenny Irons (born September 15, 1983) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers.
He is the brother of former Atlanta Falcons cornerback David Irons.[1]
At Dacula High School in Dacula, Georgia, Irons rushed for 1985 yards and 19 touchdowns, playing alongside his brother David. His high school honors included PrepStar All-American, Sporting News Top 25, Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Top 11, Gwinnett County Back of the Year, and playing in the Georgia-Florida High School All-Star Game. Irons initially signed with the University of South Carolina to play for then-head coach Lou Holtz. He is the nephew of Gerald Irons and Leroy Jackson and he is the cousin of Grant Irons, Jarrett Irons, and Paul Irons.[2]
College career
South Carolina
Irons lettered as a true freshman at University of South Carolina after appearing in nine games with one start. For the season, he rushed for 201 yards on 47 carries. He also had four pass receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown on a 30-yard catch and run against Mississippi State. He rushed for a season high 43 yards on 12 attempts against Mississippi State.
Auburn
Irons transferred to Auburn University following the 2003 season in order to play alongside his brother again. Kenny participated in the Auburn A-Day Spring Game, but was ineligible to play the following year due to NCAA regulations. While sitting out the 2004 season, Irons was able to apprentice under future NFL players Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown.
Irons entered the 2005 season as the backup running back, but took over the starting role after Brad Lester was injured in a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks. He went on to be selected SEC Offensive Player of the Week twice. He finished the season with 1293 yards and 13 touchdowns on 256 carries. His 2005 rushing total was the 6th best in Auburn history, placing Irons behind greats like Bo Jackson, Cadillac Williams, and future Cincinnati Bengal teammate, Rudi Johnson. At season's end, Irons was a unanimous selection for both the Coaches' All-SEC First-team and the Associated Press All-SEC First-team.
Irons broke his index finger early in the 2006 season. He finished the season rushing for 198 times for a total of 941 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Career statistics
| Opponent | Attempts | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ga. Tech | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| Miss. St. | 13 | 28 | 0 |
| Ball St. | 11 | 147 | 2 |
| W. Kentucky | 18 | 111 | 1 |
| S. Carolina | 11 | 27 | 2 |
| Arkansas | 33 | 182 | 0 |
| LSU | 27 | 218 | 1 |
| Ole Miss. | 32 | 101 | 1 |
| Kentucky | 23 | 103 | 3 |
| Georgia | 37 | 179 | 2 |
| Alabama | 28 | 103 | 1 |
| Wisconsin | 22 | 88 | 0 |
| Total | 256 | 1293 | 13 |
| Opponent | Attempts | Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington St. | 20 | 183 | 1 |
| Miss. St. | 21 | 69 | 0 |
| LSU | 25 | 70 | 0 |
| Buffalo | Did Not Play | ||
| S. Carolina | 27 | 117 | 2 |
| Arkansas | 15 | 75 | 0 |
| Florida | 13 | 67 | 0 |
| Tulane | Did Not Play | ||
| Ole Miss | 23 | 106 | 0 |
| Arkansas St. | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Georgia | 10 | 49 | 0 |
| Alabama | 19 | 85 | 1 |
| Nebraska | 24 | 72 | 0 |
| Total | 198 | 941 | 4 |
