Always having a great staple of running backs, Wisconsin will head into the 2012 season even more loaded at the position than last year.
Ball is looking to leave New York with some hardware this time around.
Featuring a Heisman favorite, an experienced, electrifying junior, and an up and coming star, the Badgers' tailbacks will once again be the focal point of the offense.
The Front Runner
Montee Ball
Career Stats
Rushing Yards: 3,310
Rushing Touchdowns: 55
Receptions: 49
Reception Yards: 526
Reception Touchdowns: 6
In somewhat of an odd move, Senior Running Back Montee Ball elected to forgo the NFL draft, and return this season, after racking up nearly 2,000 yards on the ground and 33 touchdowns. Ball's regular season ended with a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy Presentation. Heading into 2012, Ball and the Badgers are determined to make sure the senior running back not only gets back to New York, but this time leaves with some hardware.
Ball is expected to experience a numbers drop as the Wisconsin coaching staff will try to protect him, at least early on in the season. Still, Ball and his offensive line are determined to put up huge stats in 2012.
The reigning Heisman candidate also added a few pounds from last season, hoping to add just a bit more power to his game, without losing his speed.
Gordon is in line to be the next great Wisconsin running back.
"Right now I'm at 213," Ball said this spring. "I'll probably stay around this weight. It feels fine, just as loose as I did last season. I'm just playing around with it and we'll see where I'm at in the fall."
Top Contender
Melvin Gordon
Career Stats
Rushing Yards: 98
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Receptions: 0
Reception Yards: 0
Reception Touchdowns: 0
Gordon had an absolutely huge spring and gets the nod as the top contender for playing time behind Montee Ball. Having arguably the best spring camp out of any player on the roster, Gordon came into his redshirt freshman season stronger, faster, and more confident.
Gordon likely won't be the No. 2 back heading into next week's practice, or even the start of the season, but with his promise and upside, Gordon should make a big splash in the lineup before season's end.
"I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team win," he said. "I’m pretty sure the coaches will find a place for me on the field."
White is looking for a bounce back 2012 season.
The Dark Horse
James White
Career Stats
Rushing Yards: 1,765
Rushing Touchdowns: 20
Receptions: 26
Reception Yards: 238
Reception Touchdowns: 0
White has experienced the ups and downs of being a running back in his first two years in Madison. With his experience playing ahead and behind of Monte Ball, White is also poised for a nice season.
This spring, White was also one of the standouts as he's added some burst and confidence to his game as well.
"James has really impressed from last season," said Ball. "He was limited in a couple games with carries, but I've seen him really grow this spring. He's going to bring a lot to the table with this team like he did this first year."
Others in the Mix
Jeff Lewis
Career Stats
Rushing Yards: 187
Rushing Touchdowns: 1
Receptions: 2
Reception Yards: 14
Reception Touchdowns: 0
- Evan Flood
- Wisconsin Insider - Badger247