Dilin Jones will be next great Wisconsin football running back

Wisconsin football might be undergoing some changes but the Badgers are known for elite running backs and they just landed another. 

There’s been a lot of talk about how Wisconsin football is going to turn into a pass-happy offense under new head coach Luke Fickell and offensive coordinator Phil Longo.

Yet, I don’t know that Wisconsin football will be radically different. The offense will change. There is going to be more passing and in Tanner Mordecai, the Badgers have one of the most talented quarterbacks they’ve had in years.

Mordecai is good enough to win games with his arm. However, the Badgers will also have Braelon Allen and I really don’t see him being ignored. There were rumors of Allen entering the transfer portal this offseason.

Yet, Allen is still part of the Wisconsin football program, which tells you that he at least liked what he heard from the coaching staff in terms of his use.

Allen burst onto the scene at Wisconsin football and another guy that could have an early impact for the Badgers is recent 2024 commitment Dilin Jones.

The next great Wisconsin football running back?

Jones is 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, and is ranked 178th overall, as well as 13th among running backs in the 247 Sports composite rankings. He also committed this past week.

The talented running back from Maryland also wrestled at 175 pounds last season and also rushed for 1,300 total yards. He doesn’t have elite speed but he’s quick enough (4.6 in the 40) and his scouting report from 247 Sports says he’s got a chance to play early, plus make the NFL.

"“Once upper body strength is increased has the ability to be a workhorse running back. Can be a factor in the passing game but has to work on route running and being a reliable pass catcher. Can get on the field early in college because of his running style and talent. Has NFL draft potential.”"

Allen is going to be a junior this season and there’s a decent chance he declares for the draft. Running backs don’t want too much tread on the tires coming out of college. Allen won’t have as much under Fickell/Longo anyway, since the passing game should be more emphasized.

But if Allen leaves after this season, Wisconsin will have an elite freshman waiting in the wings in Jones and you have to believe Wisconsin will still be Wisconsin in terms of running the ball.

Wisconsin might not run more than they pass but I don’t see Fickell abandoning the ground game and with Jones in the fold, the pipeline of running back talent remains strong.