O
30
ne mom texts an inspirational message
the night before games. Another attends as
many practices as possible at Camp Randall
Stadium. Another is working towards accreditation
as an agent.
When you pull back the curtains on Wisconsin's
three tailbacks ― James White, Melvin Gordon and
Corey Clement ― you can learn more about the influences in their lives and who they are.
On the field, they're pretty much an open book.
"They're all a little bit different with their running
style," said UW linebacker Chris Borland. "James is
the best at cutting, Melvin has got the best speed
and Corey is pretty physical."
Borland, a fifth-year senior, has obviously been
around White the longest.
"Off the field, he's probably one of the most likeable guys I've ever played with," Borland said. "He
gets along with everybody and everybody loves
James.
"On the field, he's probably one of the most consistent players I've seen. He's the same guy every
day at practice and he performs well come Saturday.
He's the consummate running back.
"Melvin is more of a playmaker," Borland went
on. "He's got a little more explosiveness than James;
//
VARSITY September 12, 2013
he's got big play potential and he can be a superstar.
"It's impressive whenever a young guy comes in
ready to contribute and Corey is in that mold. He
works very hard for just being a true freshman. He's
got a bright future if he continues like this."
White, Gordon and Clement have each rushed for
100 or more yards in wins over UMass and Tennessee Tech. Nobody has a better measure of a one-twothree punch than a linebacker like Borland.
"It's difficult first off because they're always fresh,"
he said. "Sometimes running backs don't make as
good of reads or as quick of cuts when they're a little
worn down.
"But it seems like our guys are always fresh and
their contrasting styles probably makes it more
challenging for defenses, too. They all play hard and
they all prepare the right way."
They all have no problem with sharing the rock,
either; a staple of the more-the-merrier UW rotation over recent seasons where multiple tailbacks
have been featured.
It helped land Clement, but what happens if a prospective running back isn't interested in such an arrangement?
"That type of thought is weeded out in the recruiting process; they don't really bring in guys who are
