Cade Yacamelli's unique skill set could provide added dimension to Wisconsin backfield
MADISON – As much as this could really be the week for Cade Yacamelli, you learn the redshirt freshman running back treats every week as if it’s the big one.
“Our philosophy in the room is that everyone prepares like they’re the starter,” he said, “so we’re just going to keep at it and everyone should be good to go.”
Yacamelli is the next man up in the Badgers’ backfield rotation. The 6-foot, 213-pound back out of Trafford, Pennsylvania, has been on call since Chez Mellusi broke his leg against Purdue on Sept. 22, but the potential that UW will be without Braelon Allen (ankle) on Saturday when it plays at Indiana (11 a.m. kickoff) increases the possibility that Yacamelli will see action in the backfield.
Without Allen, the Badgers will start redshirt sophomore Jackson Acker. Yacamelli will be the top backup.
Mellusi and Allen had a 50-50 split of playing time. In 3 1/2 games without Mellusi, Allen received 65% (78 of 120) carries. Acker's 19 carries during that stretch represented 16% of the attempts.
After Allen's injury, Acker had 13 touches for 50 yards, including eight runs for 34 yards. Yacamelli got only a couple of snaps.
With a week to prepare, Yacamelli might get a few more chances.
“You’re going to have to trust those guys are here for a reason, trust the things they did in spring ball and the things they did in fall ball,” Badgers coach Luke Fickell said of Acker and Yacamelli “They just haven’t had as many opportunities.”
Cade Yacamelli has different skill set than other UW backs
Yacamelli did get his first college carry against the Buckeyes. He was dropped for a 4-yard loss by safety Lathan Ransom. Yacamelli barely completed a stride before getting hit a few yards from the UW end zone.
“When I was on the field, I was like at the end of the day it’s just football,” Yacamelli said. “It’s the game I love. It’s the game I’ve been playing for so long. I know I had to do nothing too extra, just do my game.”
Yacamelli’s make-you-miss running style is more in the mold of Mellusi than Allen. That said, Yacamelli’s skill set is different from any of the Badgers’ top three backs.
Yacamelli was recruited as a receiver. That could make him an ideal fit for some of the short passing game UW has tried with little success with its other backs.
Running backs coach Devon Spalding’s message to Yacamelli has been to be himself on the field.
“It’s as simple as that,” Yacamelli said. “We all prepare like we’re the starter. I’ve been doing it every single week. It’s almost like when I get out there in the game it’s just practice. I’m really excited. Last week I got a little taste of it. Hopefully this week I’m looking to get a little more and show what I can do.”
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cade Yacamelli brings unique skill set to Wisconsin's ground game
