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With the departure of running backs Corey Clement and Dare Ogunbowale, it was understood Pittsburgh transfer Chris James would play a major role for the University of Wisconsin this year.

Bradrick Shaw’s emergence down the stretch of last season, though, led many to believe the redshirt sophomore had the inside track at the taking over as the Badgers’ starter in 2017.

James, however, has taken initial first-team reps during UW’s first two practices of the spring.

The redshirt junior, who sat out last year due to NCAA transfer rules, averaged 4.83 yards per carry and scored four rushing touchdowns in limited playing time during his two years at Pitt. He only caught eight passes for the Panthers, but he has a skill set that could make him a receiving threat out of the backfield as well.

“We did some throwing this offseason and last year, too,” UW quarterback Alex Hornibrook said of James. "I like him in the pass game coming out of the backfield, and he’s got some speed and some hands to match it."

The 5-foot-10, 216-pound James said in December that he believes he can be an every-down back. While the season remains months away and UW has only held two unpadded practices, he could get that opportunity.