TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 30: Jonathan Taylor (23) of Wisconsin runs the ball into the end zone for the score during the College Football game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the South Florida Bulls on August 30, 2019 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Jonathan Taylor’s monster performance for Wisconsin in the opener vs. USF drew the attention of Patrick Mahomes who endorsed him for the Heisman Trophy.

Wisconsin Badgers junior running back Jonathan Taylor displayed his versatility in week one of the college football season scoring four touchdowns and getting a shout-out from Patrick Mahomes on Twitter.

NFL scouts and coaches were hoping to see Taylor improve on his pass-catching ability before turning pro as he had yet to score a receiving touchdown entering Friday. It did not take long for Taylor to change scouts’ minds as he flashed tremendous hands in the passing game turning two plays into touchdowns for the Badgers.

With just 18 touches during the game, Taylor made them all count posting 183 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns to carry the load for the Badgers. Taylor broke the game open for Wisconsin who went on to win 49-0 against the USF Bulls.

Patrick Mahomes voices some support

Former Texas Tech star quarterback Patrick Mahomes noticed the dynamic performance, naming Taylor as his Heisman Trophy winner before the first week of the season even ended. Mahomes obviously was impressed with Taylor’s athleticism as were many college football fans who tuned in.

Jonathan Taylor for Heisman! — Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) August 31, 2019

Taylor entered the season with elevated expectations after rushing for more than 2,000 yards in his first two seasons. Taylor won the Doak Walker award a season ago and finished No. 9 in the Heisman Trophy race after compiling 16 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards rushing.

If Taylor can continue to prove catching passes is easy for him, he will definitely be a first-round pick when he declares either after this season or following his senior campaign.

Great hands and unreal footwork

Jonathan Taylor’s first career receiving touchdown ✅ pic.twitter.com/R29m62xJbu — ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 31, 2019

Few college running backs can make it look as easy as Taylor does every single week. A running back who can pound it between the tackles, pick up a blitzer for a quarterback and can catch the ball out of the backfield is an ideal starter for any NFL or college football team.

Wisconsin may have the best college running back since former Penn State Nittany Lion Saquon Barkley and they shouldn’t hesitate to give him all the touches he needs. The good running backs

Against USF, Taylor had everything working similarly to the way Travis Etienne did against Georgia Tech on Thursday. The two running backs are as good as it gets and hopefully, these two go head-to-head one day in the NFL.

With most college football pundits taking Ohio State and Michigan to win Big Ten, Taylor could bump Wisconsin into the conversation. Taylor made an early Heisman statement and a statement to NFL scouts with his receiving skills all while getting the endorsement of the NFL MVP.