Gary Brown hasn’t been in Madison long as the running backs coach, but sophomore Jalen Berger has already left a lasting impression.

Monday, Brown spoke with the media as the Badgers continue to trudge through spring practice to prepare for the 2021 season. The new running backs coach was incredibly impressed by what he’s seen out of Berger, who completed his first season with the program last year.

“I don’t want to compare him right because he’s so young, but I’ll tell you this: he is as smooth of a runner that I’ve coach,” Brown said, per USA Today. “He reminds me of a young DeMarco [Murray] when we had him.”

Murray enjoyed a seven-year career in the NFL (2011-17), playing for the Dallas Cowboys (2011-14), Philadelphia Eagles (2015) and Tennessee Titans (2016-17). He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 and was the league’s rushing yardage and rushing touchdown leader that season.

In his career, Murray rushed for 7,147 yards and 49 touchdowns. Not a bad comparison for Berger.

Last season, Berger rushed for 301 yards and 2 touchdowns on 60 carries in his first year with the Badgers. He also had 2 receptions for 13 yards.

Berger has flashed all the tools necessary to be the next great Wisconsin ball carrier, even in an abbreviated season. With the Badgers having plenty of strength along the offensive line and Berger getting a full season — and spring ball — under his belt, he could be in store for a big year in Madison.

Brown certainly thinks Berger has all the skills to make it happen.