Wisconsin Football 2024 Spring Practice Preview: Running Backs
The Badgers return Chez Mellusi for a sixth and final season.
Wisconsin Badgers head football coach Luke Fickell and his staff are preparing for their second round of spring practices with the program.
The Badgers are set to begin spring ball on March 22 and run until May 2. Several of those practices are expected to be open to the media.
Here's a look at Wisconsin's running back room, along with a player to watch, a newcomer that excites me, and the biggest question mark.
Wisconsin’s Projected RB Depth Chart
Starter: Chez Mellusi (SR)
Backup: Tawee Walker (SR)
RB3: Jackson Acker (JR) OR Cade Yacamelli (SO)
Others: Nate White, Gideon Ituka, Grover Bortolotti, and Zach Gloudeman.
The Wisconsin football running back room is undergoing a significant transformation in 2024. It is pivoting away from reliance on Braelon Allen, who is off to the NFL, and instead embracing a diverse array of skill sets.
Chez Mellusi leads the pack after opting to extend his tenure with the Badgers despite suffering a season-ending-ending injury last fall. Mellusi showcased explosive potential in Phil Longo's offense before his setback, amassing 307 yards and four touchdowns in just four games.
"Chez is obviously, as we all know, one of our most explosive players," Longo told reporters. "He fits a system that creates some space, so we are elated to have him back, can't wait to see him back out on the field, happy that he's returning."
The Badgers plan to ease Mellusi along this spring, and he likely "won't get a big load, if any load, in the spring."
The coaching staff's decision to bring in Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker reflects a strategic move to bolster the backfield's depth and protect themselves against Mellusi's health concerns. Walker, known for his powerful running style and versatility, brings valuable experience from his time in Norman — where he led the Sooners in rushing with 513 yards.
Walker should see a healthy workload this spring atop the depth chart.