Report: Running back Corey Clement to return to Wisconsin in 2016

Per various reports on Twitter, Corey Clement has told Wisconsin running backs coach John Settle that he will be returning to Wisconsin for his senior season, opting not to declare for the NFL draft.

It's not terribly surprising news, but it's still calming for Badger fans, not only with next season's team in mind, but with Clement and his future in mind, as well. Going into the 2015 season, Clement was primed to be one of the top running backs in the Big Ten. Unfortunately, he suffered various setbacks throughout the year, the most prominent being sports hernia surgery, that kept him off the field for all but three games.

The outlook for Clement's 2015 was so bright, that he was expected to strongly consider declaring for the NFL draft following his junior season. Amidst the injuries, his stock likely dipped quite low amongst NFL front offices, which surely helped make his decision to return to Wisconsin much easier. Had he declared, his most recent, injury-marred season, would have been compared against other big running back names in this year's class, including Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio State), Derrick Henry (Alabama), Devontae Booker (Utah), Paul Perkins (UCLA) and others.

Things won't get easier in his path to the NFL, as next season will see players such as Leonard Fournette (LSU), Dalvin Cook (Florida State), Nick Chubb (Georgia), Royce Freeman (Oregon) and others submit their names for the draft. But you can bet that Clement will be back next season with some fire, ready to take the next step into Wisconsin running back lore.