New Transfer Tawee Walker Has Breakout Potential for the Badgers

Wisconsin spring practices are well underway and while a quarterback battle dominates the headlines, newcomer running back Tawee Walker has impressed. Tawee joins the Badgers after transferring from Oklahoma, where he posted seven touchdowns and 513 yards last season. Most fans would have been perfectly happy rolling into the season with standout Chez Mellusi running the backfield, but Walker has shown he's perfectly capable of handling a heavy workload as well.

According to practice reports, Walker has been one of the most impressive players this spring. He has garnered the attention of the media and may have the ability to turn the Badgers running back room into a true split with Mellusi.

Walker has established himself through his physicality and ability to break tackles. In OC Phil Longo's air raid system, a physical back who can force the defense into loading the box will open the field up to throw downfield. The fact that he has shown out already in practice is an encouraging sign that he can bring stability to the Badger backfield that has some question marks after Mellusi.

The Badgers offensive line this year might be its weakest in years, so having a one-two punch at running back can help cover up some of its flaws. Walker still has a lot to prove, but he's made the best of his short time in Madison so far.