Wisconsin RB Taiwan Deal to participate in Green Bay Packers rookie orientation camp

First reported by WKOW’s Amy Gill and later by multiple media on Friday afternoon, Wisconsin Badgers running back Taiwan Deal will participate in the Green Bay Packers’ rookie orientation camp this weekend on a tryout basis.

Deal’s former high school, DeMatha Catholic, first tweeted news of him signing a deal last Saturday after the 2019 NFL Draft. This does not appear to be the case any further.

Though injuries ravaged his redshirt sophomore and junior campaigns, Deal became a valuable complement to Jonathan Taylor in his final year at Wisconsin during the 2018 season. The Maryland native rushed for 545 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 6.6 yards per carry.

In his career, Deal ran for 1,212 yards on 5.2 yards per attempt and 11 touchdowns. He logged two 100-yard performances in cardinal and white—a 147-yard performance at home against Hawaii in September 2015, and a 111-yard day on just 12 carries against Illinois in 2018.

After his Wisconsin career, he participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January and bench pressed during UW’s pro day in March. Fellow running back Chris James also received a rookie minicamp invite from the Chicago Bears.