Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon to return for junior season

Melvin Gordon is 11th in the country with 1,466 rushing yards. (Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)

Redshirt sophomore Melvin Gordon, who was a Doak Walker Award semifinalist, announced that he will return to Wisconsin for his junior season.

“After talking it over with my family and my coaches, I have decided to come back next year,” Gordon said. “I love the University of Wisconsin and feel that there is still a lot of room for growth. Academically, another year in school will help me get closer to completing my degree and on the field I hope to help my team get back the Big Ten championship.

“With this decision out of the way I can now focus on helping my team prepare for the Capital One Bowl and a great opponent in South Carolina.”

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Gordon is 11th in the country with 1,466 rushing yards and has scored 12 touchdowns. He is averaging 8.1 yards per carry, which leads the nation for players with at least 100 carries, and has seven 100-yard games.

“Melvin is a great player and a great kid and we are very happy with his decision,” said Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen. “We tried to be very supportive throughout the decision-making process and relayed all the information he needed to make an informed decision. I’m glad he can now focus on the bowl game and prepare for a great 2014.”

The No. 19 Badgers (9-3) will play No. 9 South Carolina (10-2) in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando on New Year's Day.

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