Wisconsin is known for running backs, offensive linemen, and edge rushers. It's the recipe that Wisconsin has built over decades. The best running backs have come out of Wisconsin, and the NFL still has plenty to show for it. Jonathan Taylor recently was signed to a new contract, and a big one that furthers that RBU for Wisconsin isn't that long away.
Yet, in the last few years under Luke Fickell, it has not been that way. Yet, there's a desire from Fickell and his staff to bring it back. New running back coach Jayden Everett said he is working to "resurrect RBU" at Wisconsin. That's a big statement, and he believes he knows how to do it. He said it starts with the ability to finish runs and be physical in doing so.
Of course, he admits that it all starts up front with the offensive line. RBU comes from the big boys up front, creating holes and getting to the second level. That's a huge part of it, but as the running backs coach, he doesn't control that; he trusts offensive line coach Eric Mateos to get that installed. His job is to make sure the running backs are adding their touch to the process. For Everett, it's that physicality that will bring it back. It will help the Wisconsin offense as a whole.
Playing time is at stake if the running backs aren't willing to be physical for Wisconsin
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He told the media earlier this week, "I think first of all, understanding the history of this place. Um, and at the end of the day, understanding how to finish runs, the physicality, what it should look like day in and day out."
But how will he enforce this physicality? It's one thing to say it; it's another thing to make sure it actually is a standard. Well, it's simple: he has one simple rule, "It's not a choice. You've got to do it, or you're not going to play. You know what I'm saying? I keep it really black and white. "
Everett's stable of running backs is so deep that he doesn't have to simply rely on one back to carry the load. If he sees a running back take a rep off, that player is sitting on the bench, and the next back gets the load. There are other players waiting behind the starters, desperate for a chance. So, stay physical, finish your runs, or ride the bench. That's the secret sauce. But it takes depth to do that.
Well, he has that with Abu Sama III as the most likely starter, with Darrion Dupree, Bryan Jackson, Nate Palmer, and JuJu Pope ready to take the reins at the drop of a hat. Chomping at the bit. "You better be tough in every situation, every facet of the game, or you're not going to play."
Play physical, finish your runs, or sit on the bench. That's the simple rule for Everett to bring back RBU.
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