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Braelon Allen follows star running backs in Wisconsin football history

JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·12 min read

Junior tailback Braelon Allen left a major impression on University of Wisconsin football, starting with his 1,268-yard rushing performance over 12 games in his freshman season in 2021 and continuing over the next two years. Allen delivered an impressive performance against Minnesota on Nov. 25, his final game in a college uniform.

Allen ran for 3,494 yards in his Badgers career, ninth all-time, with a 5.9 average that ranks fourth all-time among those with at least 200 carries. He scored 35 touchdowns and added 275 receiving yards over his three years.

Allen, a Fond du Lac alumnus who reclassified in high school to join the team a year early (and famously at age 17), worked his way up to a starter's role despite opening his first season buried on the depth chart, behind Jalen Berger and Chez Mellusi, not to mention Isaac Guerendo, Julius Davis and maybe even Brady Schipper. Allen finished the year with 12 touchdowns.

He joins the list of running backs from a program that has developed a reputation as a proving ground for elite college ball-carriers. Take a look at a legacy of great Badgers running backs:

Jonathan Taylor rushed for 6,174 yards in three seasons.
Jonathan Taylor rushed for 6,174 yards in three seasons.

Jonathan Taylor (2017-19)

At UW: 6,174 rushing yards, 55 total touchdownsDraft: Second-round pick (41st overall) by Indianapolis Colts in 2020, two NFL seasonsIn the pros (through Week 12 of 2023): 4,255 rushing yards (5,194 all-purpose), 41 total touchdowns

A three-time all-Big Ten selection at Wisconsin, Taylor set the record for most rushing yards through three seasons, and he would have almost certainly set the NCAA record had he not gone to the NFL after his junior season of eligibility. He twice won the Doak Walker Award for the nation's best running back. He went on to lead the NFL in rushing yards and become a first-team All-Pro in his second NFL season, with a runner-up finish in the league's offensive player of the year voting. He set the NCAA freshman rushing record with 1,977 yards at Wisconsin.

Corey Clement went undrafted out of Wisconsin but went on to play five seasons in the NFL with a Super Bowl victory.
Corey Clement went undrafted out of Wisconsin but went on to play five seasons in the NFL with a Super Bowl victory.

Corey Clement (2013-16)

At UW: 3,092 rushing yards, 38 total touchdownsDraft: Undrafted in 2017, five NFL seasonsIn the pros: 850 rushing yards (904 all-purpose), 11 total touchdowns

The first-team all-Big Ten choice worked his way up with the Philadelphia Eagles and appeared in Super Bowl LII, winning a championship when his team defeated the New England Patriots.

Melvin Gordon set an NCAA single-game record with 408 yards rushing in a win over Nebraska on Nov. 15, 2014, in Madison.
Melvin Gordon set an NCAA single-game record with 408 yards rushing in a win over Nebraska on Nov. 15, 2014, in Madison.

Melvin Gordon (2011-14)

At UW: 4,915 rushing yards, 49 total touchdownsDraft: First-round pick (15th) by San Diego Chargers in 2015, eight NFL seasonsIn the pros (through 2021): 6,515 rushing yards (9,028 all-purpose), 69 total touchdowns

The unanimous All-American won the Doak Walker Award for the nation's best running backs in 2014 and was a Heisman Trophy finalist that season, taking second in the voting behind Marcus Mariota. The Kenosha native rushed for 251 yards in his final college game to help the Badgers win the 2015 Outback Bowl in overtime, but more memorably, he ran for 408 yards in a win over Nebraska on Nov. 15, 2014, setting a single-game NCAA record (albeit one that only stood for one week). In the pros, he made two Pro Bowls with the Chargers, and he won a ring with Kansas City as a member of the Chiefs' practice squad in 2022. He's appeared in double-digit games in eight NFL seasons.

James White rushed for 4,015 rushing yards at Wisconsin and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.
James White rushed for 4,015 rushing yards at Wisconsin and won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.

James White (2010-13)

At UW: 4,015 rushing yards, 48 total touchdownsDraft: Fourth-round pick (130th) by New England Patriots in 2014, eight NFL seasonsIn the pros: 1,278 rushing yards (3,278 all-purpose), 36 total touchdowns

In the pros, White was more of a receiver (3,278 receiving yards, 25 touchdowns) than rusher, a perfect fit for the Patriots system and winning three Super Bowls in the process, not to mention a spot on the Patriots All-2010s team. The Florida native was Big Ten freshman of the year in 2010 and often didn't get the same fanfare as teammates Montee Ball and Melvin Gordon. There's a strong case to be made that White should have been the MVP of the Super Bowl after the 2017 season — he scored the winning touchdown in overtime to cap a wild comeback over Atlanta.

Montee Ball set the Big Ten single-season rushing touchdown record in 2011 and scored touchdowns in three straight Rose Bowls.
Montee Ball set the Big Ten single-season rushing touchdown record in 2011 and scored touchdowns in three straight Rose Bowls.

Montee Ball (2009-2012)

At UW: 5,140 rushing yards, 83 total touchdownsDraft: Second-round pick (58th) by Denver Broncos in 2013, two NFL seasonsIn the pros: 731 rushing yards (938 all-purpose), five total touchdowns

The two-time Big Ten running back of the year won the Doak Walker Award in 2012 commemorating the nation's best running back and broke a number of records along the way. He set the Big Ten's single-season rushing touchdown record in 2011 and broke Ron Dayne's career rushing touchdown record in 2012, on his way to becoming the FBS record holder for total touchdowns when he scored his 79th rushing touchdown on Nov. 24, 2012, against Penn State. He scored touchdowns in three straight Rose Bowls (2011-14). Though his pro career was brief, he led the team with six carries in Super Bowl XLVII as Denver lost to Seattle, 43-8.

John Clay (2008-10)

At UW: 3,413 rushing yards, 41 total touchdownsDraft: Undrafted in 2011, one NFL seasonIn the pros: 41 rushing yards, one touchdown

Clay briefly saw action in two games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011, getting one carry in the team's lone postseason game that year. The Racine native was named Big Ten offensive player of the year in 2009 and earned MVP of the 2009 Champs Sports Bowl when the Badgers upset Miami, 20-14, and Clay ran for 121 yards and two touchdowns. He was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.

P.J. Hill ran for 1,569 yards as a freshman and was third on UW's all-time rushing list when he left after three seasons.
P.J. Hill ran for 1,569 yards as a freshman and was third on UW's all-time rushing list when he left after three seasons.

P.J. Hill (2006-08)

At UW: 3,942 career rushing yards, 44 total touchdownsDraft: Undrafted in 2009, two NFL seasonsIn the pros: Did not play

Hill ran for 1,569 yards as a freshman but began to lose carries in the subsequent years and turned pro after his junior season (after which he was still the program's third-leading rusher, and he still ran for no less than 1,100 yards each season). Hill didn't get drafted, however, and his NFL experience was limited to preseason; he ran for three touchdowns in a game for the Saints after signing a three-year deal as an undrafted free agent in 2009, and he spent time with Washington and Philadelphia on practice squads, as well.

In his one season at UW, Brian Calhoun became a second-team All-American and was MVP of the 2006 Capital One Bowl when he ran for 213 yards and the winning touchdown.
In his one season at UW, Brian Calhoun became a second-team All-American and was MVP of the 2006 Capital One Bowl when he ran for 213 yards and the winning touchdown.

Brian Calhoun (2005)

At UW: 1,636 rushing yards, 24 total touchdownsDraft: Third-round pick (74th) by Detroit Lions in 2006, two NFL seasonsIn the pros: 54 rushing yards (110 all-purpose), two total touchdowns

The graduate of Oak Creek High School transferred after two years at Colorado and became a second-team All-American in his lone season, with an MVP nod in the 2006 Capital One Bowl when UW shocked Auburn, 24-10, and Calhoun ran for 213 yards and the winning touchdown. He left a year early for the draft and was taken in the third round but wound up on injured reserve after tearing an ACL.

Anthony Davis holds the UW record with five rushing touchdowns scored in a 301-yard performance against Minnesota in 2002.
Anthony Davis holds the UW record with five rushing touchdowns scored in a 301-yard performance against Minnesota in 2002.

Anthony Davis (2001-2004)

At UW: 4,676 career rushing yards, 42 total touchdownsDraft: Seventh-round pick (243rd) by Indianapolis Colts in 2005In the pros: Canadian Football League

The 2001 Big Ten freshman of the year is still in the top five in program history in both career rushing yardage and single-game yardage from his 301-yard performance against Minnesota in 2002, in which he ran for a program-best five touchdowns. His pro career was limited to a couple seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League.

Michael Bennett, freed from Ron Dayne's shadow after two years, rushed for 1,681 yards in 11 games in his junior season.
Michael Bennett, freed from Ron Dayne's shadow after two years, rushed for 1,681 yards in 11 games in his junior season.

Michael Bennett (1999-2000)

At UW: 1,979 rushing yards, 15 total touchdownsDraft: First-round pick (27th) by Minnesota Vikings in 2001, 10 NFL seasonsIn the pros: 3,703 rushing yards (4,997 all-purpose), 19 total touchdowns

After two years backing up Ron Dayne, the speed demon from Bradley Tech in Milwaukee got his shot and had a breakout junior season with 1,681 yards rushing in just 11 games. In the pros, Bennett made the Pro Bowl with Minnesota in 2002 and wound up playing for Kansas City, Tampa Bay, San Diego and Oakland. His WIAA state track and field records in the 100 and 200 meters have remained intact since 1998.

Ron Dayne won the Heisman Trophy in 1999 and racked up an NCAA-record 7,125 rushing yards.
Ron Dayne won the Heisman Trophy in 1999 and racked up an NCAA-record 7,125 rushing yards.

Ron Dayne (1996-1999)

At UW: 7,125 career rushing yards, 71 total touchdownsDraft: First-round pick (11th) by New York Giants in 1999, seven NFL seasonsIn the pros: 3,722 rushing yards (4,062 all-purpose), 6 total touchdowns

The gold standard for Badgers running backs, Dayne won the Heisman Trophy in 1999 and racked up an NCAA-record 6,397 rushing yards plus 728 in bowl games. Technically, that combined total of 7,125 should remain an NCAA record today, though it's a bit complicated.

The NCAA's stat-keeping changed when it started counting bowl-game yardage during the 2002-03 football season, so Donnel Pumphrey of San Diego State officially has the honor with 6,405 yards, including the postseason yardage. The official NCAA record book doesn't give Dayne (or anyone else before 2002-03) credit for bowl-game yardage.

Dayne was a two-time Rose Bowl MVP and won a slew of awards (Maxwell, Walter Camp, Doak Walker), and his number 33 is planted on the façade at Camp Randall Stadium. He played in the pros with the Giants, Broncos and Texans, and though he wasn't able to replicate his college magic, he remains one of the icons of Wisconsin sports.

Often-overlooked Carl McCullough rushed for 1,038 yards as a sophomore before Ron Dayne arrived at Wisconsin.
Often-overlooked Carl McCullough rushed for 1,038 yards as a sophomore before Ron Dayne arrived at Wisconsin.

Carl McCullough (1993-97)

At UW: 2,111 rushing yards, nine total touchdownsDraft: Undrafted in 1998, two NFL seasonsIn the pros: Did not play

McCullough often gets forgotten as the man Dayne supplanted as starting running back, but he did rush for 1,038 yards as a sophomore the year before Dayne arrived and still got a shot with the practice squad of the Bills and Vikings before playing pro football in Germany.

Terrell Fletcher breaks from the grasp of Northwestern's Dwight Brown to score one of his three touchdowns in a 1993 game.
Terrell Fletcher breaks from the grasp of Northwestern's Dwight Brown to score one of his three touchdowns in a 1993 game.

Terrell Fletcher (1991-94)

At UW: 3,414 rushing yards, 29 total touchdownsDraft: Second-round pick (51st) by San Diego Chargers in 1995, eight NFL seasonsIn the pros: 1,871 rushing yards (3,814 all-purpose), 13 total touchdowns

Could there have been a better backfield in program history than Fletcher and Moss, both of whom remain in the program's all-time top 10 for rushing yards? OK, probably the White-Clay-Ball trio in 2010, but this was a good one at an important time in UW history. Fletcher surged as a senior with Moss sidelined, racking up 1,476 yards after three productive years. In San Diego, he was a major receiving threat with 1,943 yards receiving.

Racine native Brent Moss was the MVP of the Badgers' Rose Bowl victory over UCLA after the 1993 season.
Racine native Brent Moss was the MVP of the Badgers' Rose Bowl victory over UCLA after the 1993 season.

Brent Moss (1991-94)

At UW: 3,428 rushing yards, 34 total touchdownsDraft: Undrafted in 1995, one NFL seasonIn the pros: 90 rushing yards, 0 touchdowns

The Racine native led the Badgers to their first Rose Bowl berth in 30 years and rushed for 158 yards in the 21-16 win over UCLA after the 1993 season, garnering the game MVP award. He was a sensation for the Badgers, but legal troubles compelled a suspension to short-circuit his 1994 season, and he went undrafted, tthough did play four games with the Rams and appeared in other professional leagues.

Alan Ameche, former University of Wisconsin running great, shown in his Baltimore Colts uniform in 1955.
Alan Ameche, former University of Wisconsin running great, shown in his Baltimore Colts uniform in 1955.

Don't forget about

Alan Ameche (1951-54): The Heisman Trophy winner in 1954 has his number retired after running for 3,345 yards in his career and the Badgers' first 1,000-yard season with 1,079 in 1952. He's one of the signature names in UW history and was taken third in the 1955 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts.

Billy Marek (1972-75): With 3,709 rushing yards, he's still eighth in program history, and he racked up 46 touchdowns, almost all of which in just three seasons.

Mark Montgomery (1990-93): He shared the field with some star players but was consistent and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1994.

Larry Emery (1983-86): Rushing for 2,979 yards and 19 touchdowns, Emery went on to be selected in the 12th round of the 1987 draft by the Atlanta Falcons, and he played in five games as a kick returner.

Dare Ogunbowale (2013-16): This steady option out of the backfield at UW is in his seventh NFL season after signing as an undrafted free agent. He even got an NFL field goal in 2023.

Rufus Ferguson (1970-72): He ran for 2,814 yards and was responsible for 26 touchdowns. Ferguson was selected in the 16th round of the 1973 draft by the Falcons, although he didn't record any NFL game experience.

Alan Thompson (1969-71): He rushed for 2,005 yards and 22 touchdowns and was taken in the 14th round of the 1972 draft by the Cowboys.

Gary Ellerson (1981-83): Ellerson ran for 1,106 yards and scored 14 touchdowns and then played two seasons with the Green Bay Packers and one with the Lions before becoming a Milwaukee-area radio personality.

Mike Morgan (1974-77): He ran for 1,354 yards and 13 touchdowns before briefly playing for the Chicago Bears, but he had an even more impressive next chapter when he served in Governor Jim Doyle's cabinet as a tax-policy advisor and as Secretary of Revenue and Secretary of the Department of Administration. He's also a former assistant DA in Milwaukee County.

Ira Matthews (1975-78): He rushed for more than 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns for UW and then made his mark in the pros as a return man, making the All-Pro team as a rookie. His Oakland Raiders squad won Super Bowl XV, and he spent three seasons in the league after getting selected in the sixth round of the 1979 draft.

Dan Lewis (1956-57): He rushed for 1,165 yards over two seasons with nine touchdowns and then played eight years in the NFL, mostly with the Detroit Lions, leading the team in rushing twice.

The fullbacks: Wisconsin has always had a history of talented fullbacks, including College Football Hall of Famer Pat Harder and Derek Watt (graduated in 2015). Cecil Martin, Bradie Ewing and Alec Ingold have also been drafted or competed in the NFL. Rich Reichardt was the fullback on the Badgers Rose Bowl Team in 1963 and then played Major League Baseball for a decade with the Angels, Senators, White Sox and Royals. Montgomery also served as a fullback blocking for Moss and Fletcher.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Braelon Allen follows star running backs in Wisconsin football history