Ron Dayne, Montee Ball, James White, Melvin Gordon, Jonathan Taylor…Wisconsin has developed some outstanding Running Backs. Now the next in the Badger line of RBs is headed to the NFL.
Wisconsin Star RB Declared for NFL Draft
Braelon Allen had a breakout freshman season for the Badgers in 2021, with over 1,200 yards and 12 TDs. Initially expected to share carries with Chez Mellusi and Jalen Berger, Allen emerged as a dominant force after Mellusi was injured and Berger was dismissed from the team.
Out of high school, Allen was a Safety and Running Back with many projections seeing him as a Linebacker. He quickly showed he was suited for the offensive backfield. His 6.8 yards per carry finished tied for 3rd in the country among RBs with over 100 carries with TreVeyon Henderson out of Ohio State. He also finished 3rd in the Big 10 with 1,268 yards rushing.
During his Sophomore season, Allen went for over 1,200 yards (1,242) again and increased his reception output from 8 to 13. He was named 2nd Team All-Big 10 for the second straight season.
This season, Allen played through injury for Wisconsin but still ran for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also more than doubled his reception output from 13 to 28, proving he is an 3-down RB as he moves into the NFL.
Allen has been compared to Tennessee Titans’ RB Derrick Henry due to his size (6’2, 245lbs) and aggressive running style. He should be considered one of the top backs in the 2024 NFL Draft.