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From Walk-On to NFL Prospect: Brian Calhoun's Rise to Stardom

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Brian Calhoun, the star tailback for the University of Wisconsin football team, has decided to forgo his senior season and enter the National Football League draft. This decision marks the culmination of a remarkable journey for Calhoun, who went from nearly quitting football as a freshman in high school to becoming a standout player in the NCAA Division I-A. Calhoun's transformation is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Calhoun went from nearly quitting football his freshman year at Oak Creek High School to becoming a standout on varsity the next season and the Gatorade state player of the year as a junior.
  • He earned a scholarship to play for the University of Colorado for two seasons before transferring to the University of Wisconsin, where he had a record-breaking season with 24 touchdowns and 1,636 rushing yards in his first and only season with the Badgers.
  • Calhoun informed Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema of his decision to leave on Monday, and will officially announce his decision at a news conference on Thursday.
  • Calhoun was a second-team All-American and finished with 571 receiving yards on 53 catches in addition to his rushing yards.
  • Calhoun's decision to enter the NFL draft was not taken lightly, and he sought input from several sources, including former Colorado teammate Chris Brown and position coach Eric Bieniemy, who spent nine seasons in the NFL.
  • Calhoun was told he'd be picked late in the first round or early in the second round by the NFL, and decided to enter the draft for the right reasons, after thoroughly checking into everything.

Statistics:

  • 24 touchdowns in Calhoun's first and only season with the University of Wisconsin.
  • 1,636 rushing yards for Calhoun in his abbreviated season with the Badgers.
  • 571 receiving yards on 53 catches for Calhoun.
  • 348 carries, a UW record, for Calhoun in his season with the Badgers.
  • 213 yards and a touchdown rushing for Calhoun during the Badgers' 24-10 upset victory over then-No. 7 Auburn in the Capital One Bowl.

Sources:

  • Jim Polzin, The Capital Times
  • Phelan M. Ebenhack, Associated Press

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