Based on the way Montee Ball and James White have played during his absence, it would seem Wisconsin’s running back stable might get a wee bit too crowded if John Clay were to return for his senior season.
Nonetheless, a Badgers legend is telling the junior to follow in his Madison footsteps and come back for a collegiate curtain call.
Ron Dayne left the Badgers as the leading rusher in Div. 1-A history, but also left after returning for his senior season following a brief flirtation with early entry into the NFL draft. By way of madison.com, Dayne says his fellow big-boned back should do as he says and did.
“I would tell him ... and am telling him to stay,” Dayne said during an Internet chat Thursday. “You never get college back ... it becomes a job after college.”
Before very limited action -- four carries -- in the regular-season finale, Clay had missed the two prior games because of a sprained MCL in his right knee. During the three games Clay was either out or limited, the freshman White and sophomore Ball combined to run for 977 yards and 16 touchdowns. Again, those totals came in three games.
As it will with other players who are eligible and contemplating the jump to the NFL, the uncertain labor situation in the pros will play a part in Clay’s decision on his immediate football future. Based on the stats of his replacements, his current school might not mind if he risked the uncertainty and jumped.