Luke Fickell Hints at Potential Changes Coming at Running Back

In head coach Luke Fickell's Monday press conference, he hinted that he would be shaking some things up at running back. Up until this point, the Badgers have employed a stable of backs with Chez Mellusi, Tawee Walker, Cade Yacamelli and Darrion Dupree all splitting carries. But those days might be over as Fickell says he wants to try and let just one or two backs get into more of a rhythm.

"I don't know that you can play four or five running backs. We've got to focus on who's going to be the one, who's going to be the next guy, and then who's the spare," said Fickell. To his point, the Badger rushing attack so far this year ranks 68th in yards per game, a far cry from what is usually one of the best rushing teams historically.

Mellusi leads the team in carries, but averages a very pedestrian 4.1 yards per rush. Walker sits at only 3.9. Fickell may decide to ride one of those upperclassman as the starter the rest of the year, hoping to develop more of a rhythm for one of them. Or, he could decide that they aren't cutting it, and let Dupree or Dilin Jones, the young freshman, take on earlier than expected big roles.

While no starter has been named, the Purdue game on Saturday should give fans a good idea of what the new plans for the backfield are. Ultimately it may be whoever Fickell and company think give the Badgers the best chance at more explosive plays.

"I think our longest run is maybe 25 [yards]...there's bigger plays that need to be had at that position," said Fickell. "We gotta figure out if we're not giving them enough of those opportunities, but I can't tell you who that will be."

The Badgers will release an updated depth chart this week.