Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon led the nation with 2,587 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2014 and finished second in the Heisman race. Gordon is gone to the NFL, but the Badgers still have a talented tailback capable of making it back to New York in 2015.
As Gordon’s primary backup, Corey Clement nearly eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark as a sophomore last year. Utilizing a blend of speed and power, Clement ran for more than 100 yards four times, including 105 yards on 15 carries in the Outback Bowl against Auburn.
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound New Jersey native should excel as the primary ball carrier for new Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst. As the offensive coordinator in Madison from 2005-2011, Chryst oversaw some of Wisconsin’s all-time best offenses in which the Badgers compiled a 60-19 record largely behind the strength of one of the nation’s top rushing attacks.
For example, Wisconsin nearly became the first program in FBS history to have three 1,000-yard rushers in 2010 and tied the Big Ten record with 48 rushing touchdowns. Also, as the head coach at Pitt, Chryst helped running back James Conner earn All-American honors in 2014 with 1,748 yards and 26 touchdowns as a sophomore.
Clement is currently listed on Bovada’s Heisman board at 33-to-1, tied for sixth among running backs with Conner, Arizona State’s D.J. Foster, Florida State’s Dalvin Cook, Arizona’s Nick Wilson.
Next: Laquon Treadwell