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Jon Gruden explains why he ‘really deep down’ loves ex-Badgers FB Alec Ingold

Teddy Rydquist

By Teddy Rydquist

Published:

Signing with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in May, former Wisconsin Badgers fullback Alec Ingold has made a strong impression on his head coach, Jon Gruden.

With Ingold leading the way, fellow rookie Josh Jacobs – a product of Alabama – ran for a career-high 123 yards in the Raiders’ 24-21 victory over the Chicago Bears on October 6.

Receiving a carry in each of Oakland’s last two games, Ingold has only four rushing yards but has picked up a first down on both of his attempts.

Gruden spoke with ProFootballTalk about what he likes from the Bay Port, Wisconsin native:

“You watch the first touchdown (vs. Chicago), he’s knocking a guy down, off his feet. On the goal line play at the end of the game, he leaves his feet, launches and makes a great play. We’ve asked him to run the ball in short yardage, fourth-and-one in Indy, third-and-one the other night, he’s gotten the first down. He’s playing on special teams. I love that guy. I don’t want him to hear me say that, but I really deep down like that guy a lot. He’s what the position is all about.”

RELATED: FB Alec Ingold clears path with epic flying block

Here is Gruden’s full conversation with PFT:

Recruited mostly as a linebacker out of high school, Ingold played for the Badgers from 2015-18. Carrying the football 103 times, he graduated with 343 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Off to a 5-0 start, the 2019 Badgers are ranked No. 8 in America. Routing Kent State, 48-0, on October 5, Wisconsin hosts Michigan State (4-2) on Saturday (3:30PM ET, BTN).

 

Teddy Rydquist

A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Rydquist has been contributing to Saturday Down South and Saturday Tradition since 2019. He can be found on Twitter @TeddyRydquist.