Jan. 24--Sam Brodner likes to play with a chip on his shoulder.
The Glenbard West senior running back won't have any problems with motivation at the next level after orally committed to Wisconsin on Sunday following an official visit.
Brodner, the Chicago Tribune Player of the Year, admitted that he was drawn to Wisconsin's tradition of producing talented running backs. Brodner said he picked Wisconsin over Illinois.
"They've always had great running backs and have such a great tradition at the position," Brodner said. "I'm excited about the challenge. Some people would be nervous, but that motivates me.
"I felt comfortable with the school and really liked the coaching staff. My official visit went great. I'm excited to show what I can do. I love having that chip on my shoulder all the time. I don't want to be the one running back that messes it up."
Brodner, who rushed for 1,917 yards and scored 47 touchdowns to lead the Hilltoppers to an undefeated record and Class 7A state title this season, decommitted from Vanderbilt in mid-December.
At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Brodner possesses the power of a fullback and the elite speed of a breakaway running back. He recorded a 4.49 40 and 39.6-inch vertical at the Nike Opening Regional at Addison Trail on May 3.
"Wisconsin is getting a real complete running back," Glenbard West coach Chad Hetlet said. "He has the ability to catch the ball and block and has great balance and great vision. He's not a kid you have to substitute out for protection packages. He can block linebackers in the passing game. He can catch the ball out of the backfield. He has the ability to be an every down back."
Brodner saved some of his best performances for the playoffs. He rushed for 1,065 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in Glenbard West's five playoff games this season, and compiled 3,867 yards rushing in his last two seasons.
Hetlet said Brodner's decision to attend Wisconsin should answer any questions about his ability to play running back at Power Five conference school.
"I'm excited about it for him from a personal standpoint," Hetlet said. "Wisconsin is Sam's dream school, and to have so many schools doubt his abilities in the area, in the state of Illinois and the Midwest, then to have Wisconsin and Iowa come back through for him, I think it's great. I'm real proud of him.
"He's a kid that carried the ball 500-plus times over a two-year period. He took a beating for his team, and never asked to come out or came out of the game. He was a team player. It's a big day for our program and him, and I'm glad he's going to end up at the one of the best places in the country for a running back."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
