Bradford back will stay home

When Melvin Gordon elected to reconsider his pledge to the Iowa a few days after the Hawkeyes' loss to Ohio State, one school remained on his mind, his hometown University of Wisconsin.

And after taking an unofficial visit during UW's win over Northwestern and an official this weekend, the three-star in-state running back officially made himself a member of the Badgers' 2011 class.

"I gave my commitment to Wisconsin last night," Gordon told BadgerBlitz.com. "It's official."

Gordon's commitment is arguably one of the biggest in Wisconsin's current class, assuring Bret Bielema he would not lose one of the top prospects this state has produced since his time as head coach.

Gordon joins Trayion Durham as projected running backs in this class. Both are expected to join a talented stable next year which could include John Clay (2009 Big Ten POY), Montee Ball (881 yards in 2010), James White (Big Ten Freshman of the Year), Zach Brown and Jeff Lewis (offensive scout team player of the week for the Michigan and Ohio State). Clay, however, may opt early to enter the 2011 NFL Draft.

With no less than 12 offers during his recruitment, Gordon, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, rushed for over 3,000 yards and 49 touchdowns on the ground for Kenosha Bradford High School during his junior and senior seasons.

Wisconsin currently has 20 verbal commitments in the 2011 class, including eight from within the state.