Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon to return for junior season

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon rushed for 1,466 yards and 12 touchdowns this year. (Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) Wisconsin's rushing attack is about as reliable as
Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon to return for junior season
Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon to return for junior season /

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon rushed for 1,466 yards and 12 touchdowns this year. (Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)

(Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)

Wisconsin's rushing attack is about as reliable as people in D.C. complaining about the weather and the traffic, so even if Melvin Gordon had opted to take his services to the NFL, the Badgers would have been OK.

That said, the sophomore announcing he'll be returning to Madison for his junior season is good news for Gary Andersen, who will be entering his second year as head coach with one of his most potent offensive threats.

From Wisconsin's official release:

“After talking it over with my family and my coaches, I have decided to come back next year,” Gordon said. “I love the University of Wisconsin and feel that there is still a lot of room for growth. Academically, another year in school will help me get closer to completing my degree and on the field I hope to help my team get back the Big Ten championship. With this decision out of the way I can now focus on helping my team prepare for the Capital One Bowl and a great opponent in South Carolina.”

Gordon, along with senior James White and freshman Corey Clement, helped the Badgers rush for 3,396 yards during the regular season, eighth best in FBS. The sophomore from Kenosha, Wisc., had 1,466 yards on 8.1 yards per carry along with 12 touchdowns. Wisconsin (9-3) plays South Carolina on Jan. 1.


Published
Martin Rickman
MARTIN RICKMAN

Martin Rickman is a contributing college football writer for SI.com