Tag: running backs

Former Wisconsin star in running for NFL’s Rookie of the Week

Former Wisconsin star in running for NFL’s Rookie of the Week

Former Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen is in the running for the NFL’s Pepsi Rookie of the Week after his historic Week 2 performance.

Allen, who scored his first NFL touchdowns in the New York Jets’ 24-17 triumph over the Tennessee Titans, was listed as one of six candidates to earn the award this week. The list includes Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Jared Verse, Los Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers.

Daniels, who rushed for 88 yards and two scores during his Commanders debut vs. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, took home the honor in Week 1.

Allen walked off the turf with 56 total yards and two touchdowns in the Jets’ first win of the season over the Titans at Nissan Stadium. He became the youngest player in NFL history (20 years, 239 days) to register two scores from scrimmage in the same game.

While Harrison Jr., the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison, will likely take home the honor with his 130-yard, two touchdown day, Allen’s contributions to the Jets offense suggest he will become more involved in future games.

New York plays the New England Patriots in the team’s first home game of the 2024 season on Thursday, Sept. 19.

Former Wisconsin legend climbs Colts franchise rushing leaderboard in loss vs. Packers

Former Wisconsin legend climbs Colts franchise rushing leaderboard in loss vs. Packers

Jonathan Taylor scaled a pair of Indianapolis Colts’ rushing leaderboards against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

The Badger legend registered 12 carries and 103 rushing yards in the Colts’ 10-16 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field. The output pushed Taylor ahead of former Pro Bowler Tom Matte for sixth all-time rushing yards in franchise history, and third all-time in 100-yard rushing performances.

The Colts may boast the most loaded running back room of any franchise in NFL history. 2020 Hall of Fame inductee Edgerrin James dominates both of these lists, followed by Hall of Fame RB Marshall Faulk and 1993 inductee Eric Dickerson.

Taylor, who joined the Colts in 2020, is poised to finish his career alongside those iconic names in Indianapolis’ running back history.

Through two contests in 2024, the two-time Doak Walker winner at Wisconsin has rushed for 151 yards and one touchdown. His most prolific rushing output was in 2021, the year he totaled a league-best 1,811 yards on the ground.

Taylor and the Colts will return to action against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 12:00 p.m. CT.

Former Badger legend returns to state of Wisconsin, rushes for over 100 yards

Former Badger legend returns to state of Wisconsin, rushes for over 100 yards

Former Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor returned to the state of Wisconsin to play a football game for the first time since 2019 on Sunday.

In the Indianapolis Colts’ first time visiting the Green Bay Packers’ iconic Lambeau Field, Taylor showcased what Badger faithful grew accustomed to witnessing almost every Saturday from 2017-2019.

“I’ve been waiting for this one,” Taylor told reporters before the game. “Definitely hoping I get a Lambeau Leap in…it should be pretty lively.”

The New Jersey native certainly didn’t disappoint. Taylor finished the bout with 12 carries for 103 rushing yards and two receptions for 32 yards in the 16-10 defeat.

Most of those plays arrived in gains of 15 or more yards, a telling sign for those concerned about his previous injury history. Plus, with the Colts attempting to regain any type of momentum in the final minutes, Taylor didn’t see a touch in the fourth quarter. If he had, his final stats would be heightened even further.

Nonetheless, Taylor looked impressive. His final chunk play was 29 yards, a luxury for second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson to lean on as he progresses through the start of his NFL career.

Taylor now boasts 183 total yards and one touchdown through two games for the Colts in 2024. Indianapolis will return to the turf for a test against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 22.

WATCH: Every touch from Braelon Allen’s historic Week 2 performance

WATCH: Every touch from Braelon Allen’s historic Week 2 performance

Former Wisconsin and current New York Jets running back Braelon Allen set records during the second appearance of his NFL career on Sunday.

Allen found the end zone twice in the Jets’ seven-point win over the Tennessee Titans. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest player in NFL history to record two touchdowns from scrimmage in a single game.

While Allen did the majority of his damage on the ground, he also showcased his ability to create in the open field via the passing attack. The first score came when NFL legend Aaron Rodgers dumped Allen a screen pass, who then maneuvered around Tennessee defenders and dove to the pylon for a 12-yard touchdown.

The Fond du Lac, Wisconsin native saw three total touches on the drive, including another pass from Rodgers for a gain of 11 yards.

Allen also helped the Jets convert a short third down at the tail end of the third quarter before bursting down the sideline for a 20-yard score with just over four minutes to spare in the fourth frame. His touchdown would prove to be the difference in the 24-17 triumph over Tennessee.

The Wisconsin great finished the afternoon with nine total touches, 56 yards and those two touchdowns.

Here is every touch from Allen’s historic day.

The Jets will return to New York for the first home game of the 2024 season against the New England Patriots on Thursday, Sept. 19. Allen will likely see a similar, if not increased, workload behind star running back Breece Hall during the primetime slot.

WATCH: Former Badger Braelon Allen scores first career NFL touchdowns

WATCH: Former Badger Braelon Allen scores first career NFL touchdowns

Former Wisconsin and current New York Jets running back Braelon Allen scored the first two touchdowns of his young NFL career on Sunday.

Allen kick-started his huge day against the Tennessee Titans with a 12-yard receiving score on a first-down play late in the second quarter. With four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers under center at the opposing 12-yard line, Allen caught a short pass on the left side of the sticks before lunging in for the score.

Allen’s first touchdown knotted the contest at seven points with 1:47 remaining in the first half. Afterward, he was mobbed by New York’s offensive line unit and congratulated by Rodgers, one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.

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His second touchdown was the deciding play of the game. The Jets and Titans were tied at 17 with 4:36 remaining. Rodgers gave a second-down handoff to Allen, who burst through the line, accelerated into the second-level and found the corner of the end zone.

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A week ago, Allen totaled one catch for nine yards and one carry for eight yards in garbage time against the San Francisco 49ers in his NFL debut. He didn’t see the field until late in the fourth quarter, so his early action against the Titans suggests head coach Robert Saleh may utilize him in the offense more often going forward.

New York defeated Tennessee 24-17 at Nissan Stadium to secure its first victory of the season. Allen had nine combined touches, 55 total yards and the two touchdowns in the victory.

Wisconsin receives surprising breakout from redshirt sophomore running back

Wisconsin receives surprising breakout from redshirt sophomore running back

In college football, it never hurts to roster a few extra playmakers.

Wisconsin football experienced exactly that during Saturday’s 27-13 triumph over South Dakota at Camp Randall.

With senior running back Tawee Walker sidelined due to injury, redshirt sophomore Cade Yacamelli shined for offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s offensive unit before a packed crowd at home.

The Trafford, Pennsylvania native tallied eight carries for 73 rushing yards on Saturday. He also caught two passes for 13 receiving yards.

Yacamelli’s most impressive highlight arrived when he fielded a handoff from quarterback Tyler Van Dyke and took it up the middle for a 29-yard gain with just under 7:00 to spare in the third quarter. The run moved UW just outside of South Dakota territory.

The 2021 Mr. Pennsylvania Football finalist registered a few more carries on the drive before Nathanial Vakos netted a 24-yard field goal to bring the Badgers’ lead to 17-3 prior to the conclusion of the first half.

Here’s what head coach Luke Fickell had to say about Yacamelli after the two-score victory.

Yacamelli played in nine games during the 2023 season and accumulated 169 yards on 36 carries. To put Saturday’s performance into perspective, the 6’0” playmaker’s previous career high in rushing yards was 48 against Indiana last November.

Wisconsin also received strong rushing contributions from upperclassman Chez Mellusi (16 carries for 60 yards) and true freshman Darrion Dupree (6 rushes for 24 yards) on Saturday. Look for all three to see the field against Alabama if Walker remains out.

Wisconsin football to honor a Badger icon during Saturday’s game vs. Alabama

Wisconsin football to honor a Badger icon during Saturday’s game vs. Alabama

Wisconsin Athletics will celebrate the 25th anniversary of running back Ron Dayne’s Heisman Trophy-winning season this Saturday.

The celebration will take place during Wisconsin’s Week 3 contest against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide, UW’s first marquee matchup of the 2024 slate. Several members of the Heisman Trophy Trust will be present in Madison for the commemoration as well.

Not only did Dayne pocket the 1999 Heisman, college football’s most prestigious honor, but he also set the NCAA Division I rushing record in a home game against Iowa at Camp Randall. His 216-yard output brought his career total to 6,288 rushing yards, breaking Texas’ running back Ricky Williams’ previous record.

Currently, the NCAA considers former San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey as the career leader in rushing yards with 6,405. That number fails to consider Dayne’s rushing explosions in bowl games during the late ’90s. If those performances were taken into account, as they are for Pumphrey, Dayne actually boasts a remarkable 7,125 yards on the ground during his collegiate tenure. That would be good for the highest total in the sport’s history.

In addition to the Heisman Trophy, Dayne also owns 1999’s Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award and Doak Walker Award.

The New Jersey native helped guide UW to consecutive Rose Bowl victories in 1999 and 2000. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

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“That was one of the great years in the history of both our football program and athletic department,” UW’s Athletic Director McIntosh told UWBadgers.com. “Ron [Dayne] was a unique combination of size, speed and power and he epitomized the blue-collar, hard-nosed style of football our team played…Ron is college football’s career rushing leader and no debate over whether his bowl game statistics count changes that.”

Chris McIntosh alluded to the celebration during Wisconsin’s appearance at July’s Big Ten media days. Nonetheless, the honor is unique to Dayne and encapsulates UW’s storied history in fielding running back talent. That talent is quite extensive.

While Wisconsin has welcomed Jonathan Taylor, Melvin Gordon, James White and Montee Ball at Camp Randall, Dayne is inarguably the greatest running back to lace up for the Badgers in the backfield.

Wisconsin top-10 class of 2026 running back target to visit Madison this weekend

Wisconsin top-10 class of 2026 running back target to visit Madison this weekend

Wisconsin football top-ranked class of 2026 running back Shahn Alston announced his plans to visit Madison this weekend on X.

The recruiting weekend has morphed into a notable one for Wisconsin in both football and basketball. Four-star hoops prospects Davion Hannah and Amari Allen will also trek to Madison for UW’s bout against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday.

While all eyes will be directed toward what transpires on the gridiron, Luke Fickell’s staff is navigating future recruiting waters behind the scenes.

Arguably the most coveted offensive target of Wisconsin’s next recruiting class, Alston received his offer from UW on March 22, 2024. 247Sports currently ranks the junior back as the No. 112 overall recruit, No. 9 running back and No. 5 recruit from the state of Ohio for the class of 2026.

On3, another high-profile recruiting hub, considers Alston the No. 84 player in the country for the class of 2026 and No. 2 overall recruit out of Ohio. He’s labeled as a four-star on 247Sports, On3 and ESPN.

Despite his age, Alston owns quite the list of collegiate offers thus far. Of his 21 extended opportunities, the most notable programs include Baylor, Missouri, Penn State, USC, Purdue, Louisville, Auburn and Wisconsin.

At Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio, Alston has played on both sides of the ball. As a sophomore, he ran for 1,042 yards and 15 TDs on 8.1 yards per carry on top of his four catches for 82 receiving yards and one receiving TD.

As a freshman in 2022, he rushed for 675 yards and 15 TDs in the backfield and registered 39 tackles, five sacks, two interceptions and four forced fumbles on defense.

As of Sept. 10, there is no clear-cut recruiting lock for where Alston will land. If Wisconsin can impress this weekend, the program will boost its chances of landing one of the most talented players in the class.

WATCH: Legendary Wisconsin running back reaches end zone for first score of 2024

WATCH: Legendary Wisconsin running back reaches end zone for first score of 2024

Former Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor reached the end zone in the Indianapolis Colts’ season opener against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

The score arrived at the 5:43 mark of the third quarter on a first-down play inside the Texans’ 10-yard line. Taylor fielded the hand off from quarterback Anthony Richardson, maneuvered around a handful of Houston defenders and crossed the goal line to cut the Texans’ lead to 15-13.

The score was the first for the New Jersey native since his 30-carry, 188-yard, one-touchdown output against the Texans on Jan. 6, 2024. Taylor missed seven contests during the 2023 season, yet still finished with 741 yards in his fourth season.

Taylor finished Sunday’s game with 16 carries for 48 rushing yards and the score.

The 5-foot-11 workhorse enters the 2024 campaign as one of the NFL’s most premier running backs. Prior to a pair of injuries in 2022 and 2023, Taylor mustered over 1,800 rushing yards for Indianapolis in 2021. If he can stay on the field for the remainder of the season, Taylor will be as dynamic a threat as any running back in the league.

Second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson also adds another layer to Indianapolis’ offense this season. With a cannon for an arm and dynamic rushing abilities, he makes Taylor an even more dangerous threat for opposing defenses.

At UW, Taylor pocked two straight Doak Walker Awards and unanimous first-team All-America nods. He finished his collegiate career ranked sixth all time among Football Bowl Subdivision players in rushing with 6,174 yards.

The Colts will square off against the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 15 at Lambeau Field.

Indianapolis Colts name former Badger icon a team captain for 2024 slate

Indianapolis Colts name former Badger icon a team captain for 2024 slate

The Indianapolis Colts named former Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor one of its team captains for the 2024 season on Thursday.

Taylor will serve as a Colts team captain for the second time since joining the team in 2020.

The Salem, New Jersey native is one of eight Colt captains this year alongside defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, linebacker Zaire Franklin, center Ryan Kelly, cornerback Kenny Moore II, guard Quenton Nelson, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The Colts, who went 9-8 a season ago with a mix of Gardner Minshew and Richardson under center, will rely on a healthy Taylor as their most prolific offensive weapon this season.

Prior to a pair of injuries in 2022 and 2023, Taylor accumulated over 1,800 rushing yards for Indianapolis in 2021. With an able-bodied Richardson stapled in as the Colts’ starting quarterback, Taylor could replicate his performance in ’21 for a team hungry to prove itself in an improved AFC South.

Taylor also joins outside linebacker T.J. Watt (Steelers), quarterback Russell Wilson (Steelers), offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (Rams), linebacker T.J. Edwards (Bears) and fullback Alec Ingold (Dolphins) as Badger alumnus to hold the captain title for the 2024 season across the NFL landscape.