Oct 5, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Dilin Jones (7) rushes with the football after catching a pass during the fourth quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Badgers RB Dilin Jones shares hilarious story of how he committed to Wisconsin

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Cam Wilhorn | Last updated Aug 10, 2025 6:51 PM ET

High school recruits often make their commitment announcement an event, entertaining large crowds with live streams and hat fakes.

Wisconsin Badgers redshirt freshman running back Dilin Jones' commitment took a much different approach.

In the ongoing "Camp Conversations" series, Jones and running backs coach Devon Spalding reminisced on Jones' official visit to Madison and commitment.

4th and 55...he's probably asking for a run play

A Camp Conversation with @DilinJones and @CoachSpalding_. pic.twitter.com/vLM4VYGVNz
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 10, 2025

Spalding and Jones had forged a close relationship before Jones' official visit in June of 2023.

"Just doing the recruiting process I ain't really talk to coaches," Jones said. "But for some reason I just always talked to (Spalding)."

It was their close relationship that gave Spalding confidence that Jones would leave Madison committed to the Badgers. As they said their goodbyes at the end of the weekend, Spalding watched Jones walk away and get into the elevator.

As the coach recalled, his heart was in his stomach. He couldn't believe it.

Then, at the last second, Jones delivered the words Spalding was looking for.

"Oh yeah. Hey coach, I'm committed."

Now entering his second season with Wisconsin, Jones is on track to be a key component of the Badgers' running game, forming a committee with Darrion Dupree and Cade Yacamelli.

Jones saw the fewest carries of the three in 2024, but he's made major strides over the offseason and may have a leg up on his fellow tailbacks for the lead role.

Wisconsin RB coach Devon Spalding had nothing but good things to say about the development of redshirt freshman Dilin Jones.

“I think he's improved in every area of his game, and I'm really pleased with where he's at.”

STORY: https://t.co/SkCpORDQpO
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) August 8, 2025

The four-star RB from Maryland played in just three games and redshirted in his first year with Wisconsin. He turned 16 carries into 88 yards, including a seven-carry, 65-yard performance in a rout of Purdue.

Jones has been lauded for his speed and decisiveness as a ball carrier, and he showcased both during the Badgers' fall camp at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

Wisconsin running back Dilin Jones at practice Thursday:

74-yard TD run. 30-plus yard toss run. 16-yard run on a cutback. 14-yard run blasting up the middle down to the 1.

Yeah, he looks like he's going to be a good one for the Badgers. https://t.co/GT4RCKFfvu
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) August 8, 2025

And while Jones isn't expected to see the hefty workloads that other lead running backs have gotten in Madison during years past, this team's trio look like they could give opposing defenses fits in 2025.