Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football 2018 Postseason Awards

By Tanner Nestle

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers look on during warmups prior to playing the Michigan Wolverines on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers look on during warmups prior to playing the Michigan Wolverines on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football Taiwan Deal
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 15: Taiwan Deal #28 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts after a two-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of the game against the BYU Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Comeback Player of the Year: Taiwan Deal

This award couldn’t have gone to anybody else. Deal not only had a great season for somebody coming back from a serious injury, he had a great season, period. Heading into the year I couldn’t figure out who was going to spell Jonathan Taylor. Was it going to be Garrett Groshek or Chris James? Turns out Deal was the answer all along and I hardly gave him any thought.

Deal was the perfect change of pace from Taylor and was a bruiser in short-yardage situations. He ran hard, just as any other Wisconsin running back would, and he took advantage of every opportunity given to him.

Being able to rely on a guy like Deal is a luxury this team didn’t have last year. There is a very slim chance Deal could return to the team next year, but if he doesn’t the Badgers will have to find a replacement for that comfort he gave the offense. Early options look like a healthy Bradrick Shaw or Garrett Groshek.

Deal’s career may not have ended up how fans had hoped it would after a promising freshman season but it definitely ended well. Sometimes you just get dealt a bad hand of cards and have to make due. Deal did a masterful job at coming back from his injuries and making an impact on the team.

Next. Ten best Wisconsin Football games since 2010. dark

Do you agree with these awards? Let us know at @BadgerOfHonorFS on Twitter.

Stats courtesy of Sports Reference.