The Wisconsin Badgers churn out 1,500-yard running backs the way Marvel comics churn out new superheroes. In a way, the latest running back for the Badgers is a superhero in his own right. Jonathan Taylor is only a junior for the Badgers, but he gained over 6,000 rushing yards in three years. That’s good enough for an average of 6.7 yards per carry. He’s also put up 50 rushing touchdowns in his career. That averages out to about 17 touchdowns per year on the ground. Taylor also has another 364 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns for his career. He’s truly a well-rounded player.
Given the average shelf-life of a modern running back, it’s hard to see Taylor sticking around for more than three years. With Taylor’s talent, a move to the NFL seems like the most prudent decision for everyone. A look at his fellow compatriots throughout the years would also suggest Taylor’s junior year is the final year he will give Wisconsin.
Look at Melvin Gordon. He played three full years after receiving a medical redshirt for a groin injury in his first year, and he became a first-round pick by the Chargers.
At this point in their careers, Taylor has surpassed Gordon in every major statistical category. Taylor has over 700 more rushing yards than Gordon. He also has one more touchdown, and an equal number of receiving touchdowns for their careers. Taylor has won almost every major award a back can win outside of the Heisman; he’s won the Doak Walker Award, numerous Big Ten awards, is one of the fastest players to ever rush for 1,000 yards in a season as a freshman, and has the record for most rushing yards in a season by a freshman with 1,997 yards.
Taylor will undoubtedly find a home in the NFL with his size, agility, and college statistics. There are a number of teams with a need at running back, and Taylor will be one of the hottest names available. Teams down at the bottom of the NFL that need a running back include the Washington Redskins, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Houston Texans. With Taylor’s ability, he should get ample playing time as a rookie. Wisconsin will be able to add yet another name to its pantheon of successful running backs.