Wisconsin Football: Top 10 Running Backs since Ron Dayne
Anthony Davis
Years played: 2001-2004
Career rushing yards: 4,676
Career rushing touchdowns: 42
Honors/Awards: Big Ten freshman of the year (2001), First team All-Big Ten (2001), Second team All-Big Ten (2002), Second team All-Big Ten (2004)
Notes: Led Big Ten, fifth in NCAA, in rushing yards (1,466) in 2001). Second in Big Ten in rushing yards (1,555) in 2002. Fourth in rushing touchdowns (11 and 13) in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Third in Big Ten in rushing touchdowns (11) in 2004. Career rushing yards (4,676) ranks ninth all-time in Big Ten.
Davis’ Game
It isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. That’s Anthony Davis to a T. Listed at 5’7, Davis is the smallest back on this list, by far, but he never let it make a difference to him. His size made it difficult for opposing linebackers to get a read on where he was going behind the line. His burst made sure it was too late once those linebackers eventually figured it out. Davis was everything you wanted in a running back. He was patient, explosive, tough to tackle and productive. You would think being so small he would be easier to bring down, but you’d be sorely mistaken.
Davis’ Legacy
Davis is another back that comes with a big ‘what-if.’ He had incredible freshman and sophomore seasons, but missed games each of the next two years keeping him in the wrong side of the 1,000-yard mark. Still, he was able to run for over 4,600 yards in his career. He’s one of the greats in Big Ten history, but didn’t even have a full career.
Davis also took the reigns from Ron Dayne. There was a year between the two, but when Davis got to Wisconsin, he made sure Dayne’s legacy wouldn’t be short-lived. He carried the torch for four years and led Wisconsin to more success. Being the guy that comes after ‘the guy’ is one of the hardest things to do in sports. Davis did it masterfully.