Wisconsin has historically been a school rich with running back talent. The last decade alone has provided the Cardinal and White a Heisman winner and all-time Division-I rushing leader in Ron Dayne. Badger faithful have also been witnesses to eventual NFL players Michael Bennett and Anthony Davis. Followed by a one-year stint of Brian Calhoun before he moved to the next level.
On this year's roster, UW has four running backs that could potentially be remembered in Badger lore for years to come.
We enjoy being out there,"" junior running back Lance Smith-Williams said following a chilly outdoor practice. ""It's having fun, that's mainly what it's about and knowing mainly when your name is called to do a certain assignment to handle it the right way.""
Led by juniors P.J. Hill and Smith-Williams, as well as sophomore Zach Brown and freshman John Clay, the Badger backfield will present a formidable group for opponents. Before last season, the running back core was to be led by Hill and Smith-Williams, but after Smith-Williams ran into legal trouble and Hill was injured, Brown received many carries while Clay had red-shirted.
Due to an off-field incident last summer, Smith-Williams was unable to travel with the team during the regular season. At points on the road, it was noticeable the team was lacking Smith's big play ability. When Hill suffered his leg injury, the penalty seemed even more daunting for Smith-Williams.
""[It was] extremely frustrating,"" Smith-Williams said. ""Only the strong can really survive situations like that and not give up on what's really important. You just realize that days go on and obviously it should be a good thing for me coming up in the future.""
The in the near future this Badger backfield may be labeled as powerful, fast and experienced. Clay, Brown and Hill, who has returned from his leg injury and has looked impressive throughout spring practice, will all be reunited with Smith-Williams in the backfield when the new season begins.
""I'm feeling very healthy,"" Hill, the former national freshman of the year, said. ""I'm coming in, coach is letting me know I'm doing some good things. At the same time, I'm taking a leadership role, working on the running back core. I want to make sure that they are doing the right things as well.""
When Brown filled in for Hill and Smith, he was explosive. Against Minnesota, the regular season finale, the Florida native rushed for 250 yards, a career high and the 10th highest total in UW history. Thus, heading into spring practice all four running backs were in position to show the different skills they bring to the table.
""When it comes down to it, they'll (coaches) make the decision,"" Hill said. ""We all get the same amount of reps. You'll probably see sometimes when different situations, you'll see they'll put a certain back in. But when it all comes down to it, the coaches will make decisions and everybody will see what happens.""
With only one practice remaining before the annual spring game, fans will not have to wait long to get a glimpse of this highly touted backfield. All four backs are healthy and should log plenty of reps throughout the course of the inter-squad game. For Hill, he wants to show everyone he is healthy again.
""I'm just running like regular old P.J. Hill,"" he said. ""I also have the guys behind me, I hope they go out there and do a good job, but I'm just going to go out there and just have fun.
