Wisconsin football recruiting: RB Antonio Williams becomes Badgers' first commit for 2016

It's been a running concern in recent seasons why the Wisconsin Badgers haven't been able to garner a blue-chip running back. They develop professional-grade linemen, run the ball a lot and while the tippy-top tier of college football prospects has eluded them, this is a set-up where they should consistently get at least one top caliber back.

Thursday should break the trend, as New London (North Stanly), N.C. running back Antonio Williams announced that he was going to commit to Wisconsin for 2016.

Proud to be committed to the University of Wisconsin ⚪️ ⚪️

— Antonio Williams® (@A_B_Williams34) December 5, 2014

Williams, a 247Sports Composite four-star and top-10 running back, was trending toward playing Saturdays in Madison even before he tweeted through Melvin Gordon getting his 408 yards against Nebraska. After he cancelled an unofficial visit to Auburn to come up for the Axe game, Thursday's announcement might not be the most surprising news in the world, but it's definitely good news.

Williams has a reported 4.53 40-time at a preseason camp at Auburn, and a reported peak bench press at 390 pounds. He ended his junior season with 2,852 yards rushing and 36 touchdowns coming off of a 2,000-yard sophomore season.

Williams chose Wisconsin over a top five that included Auburn, Duke, North Carolina and Notre Dame. His offer sheet included Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State and a late offer from Ohio State, among others.