Wisconsin football: Running backs to watch in 2024
Braelon Allen, Chez Mellusi return to lead Wisconsin's running back room in 2024
After losing leading rusher Isaac Guerendo to the NFL Draft, the Wisconsin Badgers will return to a familiar tandem to lead the running back room in 2024. Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi will be the top two backs in the rotation, with both expected to make major contributions in their third seasons with the program.
Allen was a revelation for the Badgers in 2022, rushing for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games. He was a consistent force for Wisconsin, surpassing 100 rushing yards in eight of those games. His performance earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors.
Mellusi missed the 2022 season with a torn ACL, but he is expected to be a major part of the Badgers' offense in 2024. In 2021, he ran for 815 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games.
Behind Allen and Mellusi, Wisconsin has a number of other talented backs who could see increased roles in the offense
Behind Allen and Mellusi, Wisconsin has a number of other talented backs who could see increased roles in the offense in 2024. Julius Davis, Jackson Acker, and Loyal Crawford all showed promise in 2022 and will be looking to break into the rotation.
- Julius Davis is a redshirt freshman who rushed for 289 yards and three touchdowns in 2022. He showed good vision and elusiveness, and could be a breakout candidate in 2024.
- Jackson Acker is a redshirt junior who rushed for 156 yards on 28 carries in 2022. He is a powerful runner who can move the pile, and could see more carries in the Badgers' offense next season.
- Loyal Crawford is a redshirt sophomore who rushed for 204 yards on 39 carries in 2022. He is a shifty runner with good speed, and could be a valuable asset in the Badgers' offense next season.
With Allen and Mellusi leading the charge and a number of other talented backs to choose from, the Badgers' running back room should be a strength in 2024.
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