As Badger247 reported on Dec. 30, senior Leon Jacobs will move to running back in 2016.

Running backs coach John Settle confirmed the report on Wednesday:

“With the injury, we had the opportunity to develop three inside linebackers (last season)," he said. "He has a running back background. We thought, ‘Come over, try it this spring. If it works, you found a new home. If not, you can go back and compete at linebacker if you choose.’

"I like it from the stand point that he’s a big back and can help us be physical running ball the down field.”

Jacobs spent the last three seasons at inside and outside linebacker. He entered the 2015 season as the starting inside linebacker, but after playing in just four games due to injury, shut things down. Jacobs was replaced by freshman Chris Orr for the remainder of the season.

Prior to committing to Wisconsin in high school, Washington, Duke, and Penn State recruiting him to play offense. In fact, he ran for 1,000 yards as a senior.

Settle added that Jacobs could see some time at fullback as well and compete with sophomore Alec Ingold and junior Austin Ramesh.

“Right now, we’re going to start him at tailback, but he will have a role at fullback too," Settle stated. "We’re going to use him as much as he can in the backfield and give him an opportunity.”