Wisconsin's leading 2020 RB released from team
Redshirt freshman running back Jalen Berger has been dismissed from the Wisconsin football program, UW head coach Paul Chryst announced Sunday.
The school did not specify a reason for the dismissal. Berger wasn't dismissed for any off-field issues, a source told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.
Following Wisconsin's win, a reporter asked coach Paul Chryst about Berger's role this season, but Chryst declined to directly answer the question.
Berger had said this last Monday in an interview with The Athletic:
“Of course it’s frustrating coming in thinking you’re going to be the top guy and then kind of losing your spot,” Berger said. “It’s just something that I have to control. Control what you can control is what they say.”
Berger was asked what he needed to show to earn back his spot.
“I guess not show my frustration as much as I try not to,” he said. “I guess keep working hard in practice and see how it goes from there. I kind of show it in my facial expressions on the sideline. That’s something I have to work on.”
Coming out of high school Jalen Berger had a very impressive offer sheet which included Alabama, Ohio St, Florida, LSU, Oregon, Michigan, Penn St, and Michigan St:
https://247sports.com/Recruitment/Jalen-Berger-100549/RecruitInterests/
October 10th, 2021 at 4:41 PM ^
I see there was a lingering CB for Rutgers. Prolly win the heisman sometime soon
October 10th, 2021 at 4:44 PM ^
Dr Pepper will show him appear in the Transfer Portal
October 10th, 2021 at 6:09 PM ^
Rico's time is noooow!
October 10th, 2021 at 4:45 PM ^
A couple others among their RBs had an altercation in late August, one got dismissed from the team.
Tough and down year in Madison.
October 10th, 2021 at 4:57 PM ^
This is what I meant when talking about Michael Barrett being a good teammate after losing his starting job. He’s not pouting. He still contributes on special teams, seems to be working hard, and even came in to play a single play at CB last night.
October 10th, 2021 at 5:04 PM ^
I was wondering if he would have been a better LB to have on the field then Hill-Green because NHG and Ross were way too slow to contain and cover last night.
October 10th, 2021 at 5:25 PM ^
Not the same scenario, but Joel Honigford comes to mind too. Rebuilds himself to contribute at a new position where there was more opportunity. Collection of good teammates make a good team. Team seems to be pretty good this season
October 10th, 2021 at 9:52 PM ^
And the team returns their appreciation, too. I loved seeing the joy when Honigford made his first reception last night.
October 10th, 2021 at 6:02 PM ^
Look around the country. With sophomore Blake Corum, and freshman Donovan Edwards at the core - who has a brighter future at the RB position than us? Maybe nobody...
Just another reason it is great to be a Michigan Wolverine.
October 10th, 2021 at 7:28 PM ^
Might make it a bit difficult to sign an elite level RB this year.
October 10th, 2021 at 8:22 PM ^
That's ok. RB is a position where diamonds in the rough can be found. Hassan Haskins and Karan Higdon are prime examples. You need guys who will stick around till their senior year sometimes, both for a reliable veteran presence and depth.
October 10th, 2021 at 6:37 PM ^
FWIW both M and OSU backed off Berger after early interest. I can't speak for all the others but I think WI was his only "big" opportunity when he committed. (Chris Ash RU and and final-year D'antini MSU don't count as big IMO.)
Listening to a UW podcast leading up to the season I believe I heard them mention a degenerative leg condition that Berger is dealing with - so the lack of M and OSU interest was probably medically related.
October 10th, 2021 at 6:53 PM ^
Watch Braelon Allen. He's the next UW RB stud