With four months standing between now and the start of the college football season, Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor decided to help pass the time by joining the track team, hoping to earn some hardware in another sport.

Taylor, who led the NCAA in rushing last season, will make his first collegiate track appearance this weekend, when the Badgers take part in the Penn Relays. It will be the first time since high school Taylor has run track, but he’s eager to for the first competition.

“It feels great to be back on the track. I always wanted to run track in college and just see what it’s like,” Taylor said in an interview. “I enjoyed track in high school, so I got permission from coaches to come out and get this collegiate experience on the track. I’m really excited.”

Wisconsin is still finishing up spring football, but Taylor received permission miss the last few practices to participate in track. After rushing for more than 4,000 yards in two season, Paul Chryst doesn’t seem to have a problem letting his star skip a few drills in April.

Taylor is expected to be a member of Wisconsin’s 400 relay team at the Penn Relays and be with the team through the B1G Conference meet in early May.

A native of New Jersey, Taylor said he’s excited to get his track career started at the Penn Relays, which will be close to home.

“A lot of family and friends go to Penn Relays, so for them to be able to be there and watch my college debut on the track, “Taylor said,” it’s gonna be fun.”