The Wisconsin football staff has put plenty of work into their recent recruiting classes, finding potential developers the second they step onto the field.
One such player for the Wisconsin Badgers this upcoming could be running back Gideon Ituka, a 2024 class signee. Ituka is part of the first full class that Head Coach Luke Fickell was able to see through from start to finish. Despite being the lowest-ranked running back out of the three Wisconsin signed, Ituka has been proving he could become a dominant force early on.
Wisconsin Football Freshman Running Back Prepared to Impress During Upcoming Season
After signing three running backs in the 2024 recruiting class, the Wisconsin football staff hopes someone will emerge as the future starter. Next season, Wisconsin will have to make a decision after starting running back Chez Mellusi will graduate along with transfer Tawee Walker.
One running back who could prove himself and make a case for the future starting role could be true freshman Gideon Ituka. Ituka, a three-star signee from the 2024 recruiting class, was the lowest-ranked running back Wisconsin signed in the 2024 class. Wisconsin also snagged four-star Dilin Jones and three-star Darrion Dupree, who was previously a four-star when Wisconsin signed him.
Despite not having the highest ranking, Ituka has a type of play-style that may translate better within the Wisconsin offense. The powerful, big-bodied running back is not afraid to put his shoulder down and drive through opposing defenders. His willingness to hit and acceleration before hitting the hole could propel Ituka into a power running back role this season.
Can Gideon Ituka Become a Featured Player for the Wisconsin Badgers Football Team this Season?
While Ituka has been killing it in the weight room and improving his strength on the field, the running back still needs to prove himself before solidifying the power back slot. Heading into college, there were still some questions regarding the game of Ituka which he could have improved upon.
Ituka struggled with separation at the secondary level, sometimes being caught from behind by defensive backs or struggling to get past the last safety. If the running back can prove when he finds open space, he is gone, then it would be hard not to give him some carries. Ituka is a skillful change-of-pace running back that could provide versatility out of the backfield if used properly.
What Can Ituka Provide at the Running Back Position?
On the field, Ituka has a similar play-style to that of teammate and fellow running back Jackson Acker. Acker is a powerful, one-cut running back who hits the hole with some serious strength. Ituka can provide the same strength and willingness to hit the hole, while also adding solid speed and creating a wrecking ball effect on the field.
The running back hits hard because of his strength already, and combined with the head of steam he can create his willingness to put a shoulder down become scary to defenders. At 5-feet-10-inches, and roughly 230-pounds, Ituka is a difficult player to tackle and it will only become harder as he continues to grow.
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