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Wisconsin Badgers Running Game Hinges on Supporting Cast

By Taylor Johnson

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Everyone knows the success that the Wisconsin Badgers have had at the running back position, especially in recent years. This year seems to be no different with junior Corey Clement getting his opportunity to be in the elite class of Wisconsin running backs. But it’s the players behind him that will determine how successful the Badgers running game is this season. 

Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers /

Wisconsin Badgers

Melvin Gordon last season had one of the best seasons we have ever seen from a college football running back. Even with that, Clement played the backup role wonderfully by running for 949 yards and nine touchdowns. Now that it’s Clement’s time to shine, let’s take a look at the guys behind him who will need to find success in a backup role.

Dare Ogunbowale made the switch from cornerback to running back last season after injuries to Taiwan Deal and Caleb Kinlaw left the Badgers very thin at the position. In a limited role behind Gordon and Clement, Dare rushed for only 193 yards on just 34 carries which translates to an impressive 5.7 yards per carry average. With an entire spring and summer to prepare for the season, Ogunbowale should come in as a solid No. 2 running back and will need to produce to take some heat off of Clement this season.

Redshirt freshman Taiwan Deal seems to be third in line behind Clement and Ogunbowale, although he will compete for the backup role this season. After suffering a hand injury last season limited Deal, he looked to be running with a purpose during spring practices. If something were to happen to Clement or Ogunbowale, Deal gives head coach Paul Chryst a suitable option to step in and carry whatever load needed for the team.

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Kinlaw is another redshirt freshman that sat out last season recovering from shoulder surgery and a hip injury that looks to provide the coaching staff with a stable fourth option. With Clement getting the bulk of the carries, Kinlaw is a player that needs to soak up as much information as possible and step up if his number gets called. Both him and Deal have a chance to step in like Ogunbowale did last season and make the most of his opportunity once he steps on the field.

Ogunbowale, Deal and Kinlaw all need to elevate their game heading into the 2015 season. Clement is the star of the show for obvious reasons, but Wisconsin will need more from their backups to be successful this season and the foreseeable future. Clement can do a lot, but that only gets a team so far. The three behind him will need to be viable options for Chryst if indeed they need one or all to be called upon throughout the season.

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