Wisconsin Star RB Jonathan Taylor Declares for NFL Draft After Sensational Junior Season

Salem high school product Jonathan Taylor had one of the greatest seasons for a running back in Wisconsin Badger history. His tenure in Madison ended in heartbreak -- a 28-27 loss to Justin Herbert and Oregon in the Rose Bowl -- but Taylor is now preparing for the next steps of his football career.

Taylor has opted to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft after his prolific display across three collegiate campaigns with the Badgers.

The record-setting running back won back-to-back Doak Walker awards his sophomore and junior season, and finished his career as the sixth-leading rusher in college football history.

Taylor stepped foot on campus in 2017 and immediately showcased his talent, earning reps at practice and through impressive in-game runs.

His freshman season would go down as one of the best-ever, as he totaled 1,977 yards and 13 touchdowns, winning the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year award.

He only got better as time wore on. His sophomore season saw him earn a unanimous first-team All-American selection and eclipse the 2,000 yard rushing mark -- leading all FBS rushers in the process. He rushed for over 2,000 yards again in 2019, scoring 21 touchdowns on the ground, while also making strides as a receiver, catching 26 passes.

He's projected as a mid-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and figures to be one of the first at his position to hear his name called in April.