Wisconsin Football: Preseason team awards

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 25: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers carries the ball for a touchdown after avoiding a tackle by Jacob Huff #2 and Antonio Shenault #34 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the fourth quarter of the game on November 25, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Badgers defeated the Golden Gophers 31-0. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Team MVP

Running Back – Jonathan Taylor

Is anybody really surprised with this one? Taylor is the one, individual talent that puts Wisconsin on the national map. He’s capable, and expected to by most fans, of rushing for 2,000 yards this year. It’s almost unfair that he dominated last year tallying over 1,900 yards on the ground, setting the mark so high for himself.

Taylor is great but has a lot to improve on as just a true sophomore. His rushing numbers were impressive, but his touchdowns and fumbles were not. I think any Badger fan would gladly trade fewer yards for more touchdowns and fewer concerns for fumbling the ball. Taylor will get his touches. The yards will come. He needs to be more cerebral near the goal line.

Taylor is a lock to have a great season. He’s almost a lock to find his way to the Heisman Trophy presentation at the end of the year too. Wisconsin isn’t Wisconsin without Taylor and certainly not competing for national championships.

Taylor’s ability is special. He has track speed and elite vision for somebody as young as he is. He possesses every desirable attribute in a runner and is only getting better. Despite his ball security issues, he’s still one of the best running backs in the country.

Next. Badger of Honor predicts Wisconsin's schedule. dark

Anything Taylor does this year to surpass expectations would surprise me. He’s that good.

Other candidates: T.J. Edwards, D’Cota Dixon, Alex Hornibrook