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Chris James, Bradrick Shaw will provide Wisconsin with explosive backfield

By Taylor Johnson

Nov 19, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Bradrick Shaw (7) rushes the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Bradrick Shaw (7) rushes the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris James is ready to get back into game action after sitting out a year because of NCAA transfer rules. He’ll join sophomore Bradrick Shaw to give the Wisconsin Badgers one of the more explosive backfields in college football.

Wisconsin Badgers having formidable backfields over the years is nothing new. That will continue once running back Chris James sees his first action as a Badgers this season. He will be joined by Bradrick Shaw to create a two-headed monster at running back.

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James joins Wisconsin after spending two years at Pitt. He compiled 690 yards and four touchdowns, but was lost in the shuffle his sophomore season leading to him transferring. What the Badgers get in James is a dynamic back eager to make the most of his second chance in a new program.

Trying to prove he’s more than just a third down back, James has had a tremendous spring. Coaches have been more than impressed with the junior tailback and one tell-tale sign was the spring game. James did not play one snap during the scrimmage, joining many offensive starters watching from the sidelines.

Although there has not been an official starter named, it’s interesting to note that James was with a few of the other starters while Bradrick Shaw was getting touches during the scrimmage.

Shaw on the other hand is working towards being the featured back. The sophomore turned in a solid season last year behind Corey Clement and Dare Ogunbowale. Shaw ran for 457 yards and five touchdowns, seeing action in 10 games. His game as improved a lot through last year and into spring practice. A really good fit in the Badgers offense, Shaw may have a slight leg up over the rest of the running backs.

Both Shaw and James have done nothing but improve their stock this spring. James seemed to fit as a third down back heading in, but has now rose to compete for starter heading into the fall. Shaw has shown last year and into the spring that he is ready to be the next big thing when it comes to running backs.

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Whether it is Bradrick Shaw or Chris James that is named top of the depth chart, one this is certain. Wisconsin has once again created a two-headed monster in the backfield. One that could be just as scary as the one’s that have come before them.

Wisconsin does not simply re-fill their backfield. They reload.