After looking at the quarterback depth chart for the Wisconsin Badgers yesterday, today I switch to the running backs. The duo of Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi is one of the best in the Big Ten and can be one of the best in the country. Wisconsin is fortunate to have two running backs who could start for most teams on their side. Here is how I see the running back room shaking out this year.
Starter- Braelon Allen (Junior)
Ncaa Guaranteed Rate Bowl
It would be a surprise if Braelon Allen played his senior year next year at Wisconsin. Barring anything crazy, he will hear his name called in the 2024 NFL Draft in April. It’s crazy to think he wasn’t originally recruited to play running back. Wisconsin saw him as a safety and linebacker. After a dominating 2020 spring football season as a senior, Allen made the switch the running back and won the job a few weeks into the 2021 season.
In only two years, Allen has ran for just about 2,500 yards. Playing around 230-240 pounds, Allen is faster than most would think. He does have that burst of energy once he gets to the second level and he’s strong enough to get through eight and nine man boxes consistently. I also think his vision is underrated too. He always has his eyes up and knows where he needs to be. Allen is looked at as one of the top running backs in the 2024 draft as well. With the new air raid offense, it take away constant eight and nine man boxes. If it does, watch out because Allen could have a monster junior year.
1B Starter- Chez Mellusi (Senior)
Ironically, when Braelon Allen took over the starting running back job as a freshman, Chez Mellusi was the original starting back. The Clemson transfer was fantastic in his first game against Penn State. Unfortunately, Mellusi has suffered injuries his first two years and it’s kept him off the field for long periods of time. At the same time, Mellusi has racked up almost 1,500 career yards in his first two seasons with Wisconsin.
Rarely will you see Braelon Allen get 25 carries or more. That’s because Mellusi is a great option to relieve Allen to keep him fresh. You can give him 12-15 carries a game and you won’t miss a whole lot. It’s great to have a player like Chez Mellusi for those reasons. He could be starting at a lot of places in the country.. This year, I expect a similar role of 12-15 carries.
Who Is RB3?
Cade Yacamelli broke one on Thursday.@cyacamelli #Badgers pic.twitter.com/dRlQwbCD14
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) April 28, 2023
The biggest question with the running back room is who will be the third running back. Most times with the Badgers, we’ve typically seen only three running backs throughout the season. Right now, it seems like it will be between sophomore Jackson Acker and freshman Cade Yacamelli. Acker was a fullback under Paul Chryst but is making the move to running back under Luke Fickell. On the other hand, Yacamelli was recruited as an athlete and the coaching staff feels like running back is his spot.
Last season, Acker recorded six carries for 34 yards and caught five passes for 73 yards a a touchdown in 2021. Yacamelli doesn’t have any stats up to this point, but he had flashes in spring practices. He was seen as the third running back in spring and received a lot of snaps as well.
Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi are UW’s unquestioned 1,2 punch at running back.
That much is obvious.
But I expect converted fullback Jackson Acker to win Wisconsin’s RB3 competition—and I don’t think it’ll be particularly close.
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) March 6, 2023
This could go both ways. Right now, I lean towards Acker and the experience. He has shown in games he has the ability to both run and catch passes out of the backfield. I like the upside Yacamelli brings and would not be shocked to see him take some reps as well as the season goes along.
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