The excitement for the running back room is incredible. There is so much talk about Dilin Jones, Cade Yacamelli, Darrion Dupree, and even Gideon Ituka. The running back depth is in such a good place that fans and reporters are buzzing about the potential of that position this season.
Running backs coach Devon Spalding spoke with the media after yesterday's fall camp, and he said that the players are making his job easy this year. He's happy to see the room flourish in such a way that they are all celebrating each other.
However, what's the secret? He was asked why he thinks the position is doing so well and why they are poised for a breakout year, and he dropped a quote that only a former running back could make. He gives the credit to the offensive line:
"Them big boys up front. We have a heck of an offensive line. They strain, they play hard, and they play with a lot of physicality. Coach Blaz has done an unbelievable job with that room, the leaders in that room, they all come to play every single day, and they want to play physical football. "Devon Spalding
Coach Spalding says the secret to the success of the running backs has been the offensive line
While he praises the veteran leadership of Cade Yacamelli, the growth of Dilin Jones, and even the poise of Darrion Dupree, the early success of his room is largely due to the "big boys" clearing the way for the backs to explode out of the backfield.
New offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes has worked to instill in his players a physicality, and according to Spalding, it's been led by the offensive line. The trickled down to the running backs is evident as they aren't shying away from contact and looking to bust into the open field.
This could be a really fun year of Wisconsin football again if the offensive line and the running backs are two of the best position groups. That's what you love to see. Wisconsin football, while facing a tough schedule, could truly be back if the optimism becomes reality.