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Wisconsin Football Report: Top Badgers in the NFL

By Tanner Nestle

CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - AUGUST 18: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles out of the pocket during the first quarter of a presseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on August 18, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football Melvin Gordon
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers breaks the tackle from Nicholas Morrow #50 of the Oakland Raiders during the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /

Melvin Gordon

Los Angeles Chargers – RB

Last, but absolutely not least, on this list is somebody who was buzzing around Badger Nation for the last week already. Wisconsin just played Nebraska in Madison where four years ago Gordon ran for 408 yards against the Huskers. Jonathan Taylor ran for over 200 yards last year in Lincoln and matched that by breaking the 200-yard mark again this year.

Gordon took one of the best years in college football history to the NFL following 2014 season and was drafted 15th overall by the Chargers. The only rough patch in his professional career so far has been during his rookie season where he failed to find the end zone. That has shown to be an anomaly as Gordon is now one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Gordon is currently fourth in yards from scrimmage in the league (rushing and receiving yards) and is on track to have his best season as a pro yet. He’s always been a good runner and is blossoming into a great receiver out of the backfield. His career high is 58 catches in a season, which he tallied last year. Through five games he already has 28 catches this year.

Gordon being so good serves a greater purpose to Wisconsin beyond just having a distinguished alum in the league. Gordon is showing that Wisconsin running backs aren’t just system guys. If James White hasn’t already shown it, Gordon is proving further that Wisconsin running backs can evolve. They’re talented in multiple facets of the game. It’s just that the biggest thing they do at Wisconsin is run between the tackles.

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Wisconsin running backs are some of the best-coached backs in the country. They’re great runners, but not limited to just that. Gordon is a perfect example of fit being a large factor in a young player’s success too. I loved Gordon’s fit with the Chargers on draft day, I love it now, and I expect to see Gordon grow into an even better back with the Chargers as his career unfolds.