The Wisconsin Badgers are well-known for producing NFL-ready running backs. This year, Fond Du Lac native Braelon Allen hopes to become the latest and greatest of these as he has already declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He will hopefully join the likes of Jonathan Taylor, Melvin Gordon, and Dare Ogunbowale in the NFL next season.
Allen dealt with some injuries this past season, but was able to stay on the field more often than not. The same, unfortunately, could not be said for his backfield mate Chez Mellusi. The fifth-year running back suffered a gruesome leg injury against Purdue this past year. As a result, Mellusi only played in four games.
It was a difficult blow for Mellusi and the Badgers. On the one hand, Mellusi was on pace to have his best collegiate season when he got hurt, finishing his shortened year with 51 carries for 306 yards and four touchdowns in only four games. On the other hand, Wisconsin lost a dynamic weapon that would have helped steady the waves of the first-year transition under new head coach Luke Fickell.
One really had to feel for Mellusi, who like Allen could have been a serious NFL prospect in the 2024 Draft. His injury, though, made it so that he likely would not have garnered much interest. As a result, Mellusi has decided to return to Wisconsin for his final year of eligibility.
Chez Mellusi Will Return to the Wisconsin Badgers in 2024
On Wednesday, head coach Luke Fickell announced that Mellusi had committed to returning to Wisconsin for his final year of eligibility. Later, Mellusi himself confirmed that decision when he posted the following on social media:
“Dear Badger Family,
“I have so much to be grateful for here in Wisconsin.
“I need to thank my trainers, coaches, teammates, and family for everything they have done while supporting me through my setbacks. I want to thank God for leading me here and lighting the steps on the path to where I am today. Badger Nation, thank you for showing me so much love from the second I put on the Badger jersey. Playing for an amazing fanbase alongside my brothers is the greatest feeling and my most cherished memory.
“When I arrived at Wisconsin in 2021, I was just a kid from Florida on a mission to become the best player and person I could be. There are so many people here who have helped me reach for that dream every single day and will always be thankful for their belief in me, wearing the jersey or not. Speaking of dreams, for as long as I can remember, I’ve always dreamed of playing at the highest level possible and getting a chance to compete in the NFL.
“But I’m not done dreaming in Wisconsin.
“I’m excited to announce that I will be returning for the 2024 season. I can’t wait for one last go around in Camp Randall with my teammates.
“Love, 1”
The 2024 season will be Mellusi’s sixth and final year of college football. He spent his first two years at Clemson before transferring to Wisconsin in 2021.
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