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Impressive 2027 Wisconsin Football In-State Target Hints at First Program List 3 Nov 29, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers mascot Bucky Badger performs prior to the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers: Redshirt Freshman RB Impresses Staff Ahead of Big 2025 Season

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics
By Jarrett Guerrera | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 9:21 PM ET

The Wisconsin Badgers are in preseason mode and while the preparations are being made for the upcoming season, some players have stood out early.

Dilin Jones, a former four-star recruit, played in three games for the Wisconsin Badgers a season ago and was given a redshirt to finish the year. Jones was buried in the deepest position room in Madison last season, but the running back used the season to develop. With a full year at the collegiate level under his belt, Jones has begun to impress the Wisconsin staff on the field.

During spring practices, Jones was one of the hottest players on the field and seemingly always made a play that excited the staff. The running back room is rather open after starter Tawee Walker graduated and Jones could be the man who takes on the bulk of the carries once the season arrives.

Wisconsin Badgers Running Back Dilin Jones Could Breakout During 2025 Season

While much of the focus in the running back room has been on Darrion Dupree and Cade Yacamelli, Jones could be the one to trump them all and lead the team in rushing during the upcoming season. The real key to success for Jones will be speed as the running back offers a different look at the position in comparison to Dupree and Yacamelli.

On the field, Jones is a quick yet physical running back that consistently finds the correct footing while cruising downfield. Jones can cut and step with ease while also possessing great balance which makes tackling the running back a difficult task if the defender does not wrap up. In addition to maintaining great balance on the field, Jones can also run at top speed while tip-toeing down the sideline and brushing off tackles.

Wisconsin Badgers: SEC Foe Pushing to Flip Critical 2026 Commitment 2 Jul 23, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers Developing Close Relationship With 2027 Offensive Tackle 5 Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell answers questions during Wisconsin Badgers football media day at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023. – Mike De Sisti / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Jones is a dynamic running back that can score from virtually anywhere on the field given his speed and strength, but close yardage situations and the redzone in particular as where the running back thrives. Jones only needs a few steps to reach top speed and most defenders are unable to generate enough momentum to stop Jones in the time the running back needs.

The running back is also a capable receiver out of the backfield, but the blitz pickup work of Jones is more notable. At 6-foot, 210-pounds, the running back is a solid object in pads that cannot be moved unless someone provides a serious amount of force.

For the Wisconsin Badgers, Jones is the perfect mashup of both worlds at the position which is why the running back could be a valuable part of the offense during the upcoming season. Wisconsin will almost certainly use multiple running backs during the year which could also open up situational carries for Jones as the carries are distributed.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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