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Wisconsin Football: Predicting Running Back Stats

By Tanner Nestle

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Running back Jonathan Taylor (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 02: Running back Jonathan Taylor (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football
LINCOLN, NE – OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Chris James

Rushing yards: 520

Rushing touchdowns: 4

James is the veteran of the backfield. The transfer from Pitt was expected to be a contributor last year before Taylor broke out. The combination of Bradrick Shaw and James was going to be a more balanced attack. Shaw battled injuries and James struggled to find a groove with the breakout of Taylor. James found the end zone just once last year against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship.

James will likely be able to improve on his underwhelming performance last year even if he’s the third back on the roster. I trust James will get more carries than Groshek and should result in him getting more yards, but Groshek will be the guy closer to the goal line because of his power. James also has the ability to break off a big run better than Groshek. He’s more experienced, and more patient, and may be able to better utilize the great line in front of him.

In an ideal offense, James will get a lot of carries between the 20’s with Groshek getting the dirty work near the goal line whenever Taylor needs a breather. James averaged 4.6 yards per carry last year, so he can be an efficient runner. After another year in the system, I think he’s going to be more comfortable, more productive, and a threat to occasionally break off a bigger run.