Mel Tucker is going back to the transfer portal for his next running back.
Michigan State landed Wisconsin transfer Jalen Berger on Monday. Berger was a highly-coveted four-star recruit in 2020 with offers from the likes of Alabama, LSU and Ohio State -- and Michigan State and Michigan -- who led the Badgers in rushing as a freshman.
The Spartans will hope Berger can help fill the shoes of Heisman candidate and former Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker, who's likely to depart for the NFL. As a recruit, Berger was pegged by 247 Sports as a "major contributor at a top program" and a "mid-round NFL draft pick."
Let's work🟢⚪️ Where my spartan fans at?👀 @PeaglerWilliam pic.twitter.com/bV37ZAu0Pl
— Jalen Berger (@JalenBerger) November 29, 2021
Berger put up 301 rushing yards and 5.0 yards per carry in four games last season and entered this season as Wisconsin's No. 1 running back. But he lost playing time to Clemson transfer Chez Mellusi and was dismissed from the team in October after reportedly skipping team activities. He finished with 3.7 yards per carry in three games.
Assuming Walker goes pro after finishing second in the country and first among Power-5 backs in rushing, Berger will join a running backs room that also includes Jordan Simmons, Elijah Collins and former Auburn transfer Harold Joiner.
