Groshek still mulling 2021 return
MADISON – Like many of his fellow Wisconsin seniors, tailback Garrett Groshek has a degree in hand.
Groshek recently received his bachelor’s degree in personal finance.
Now he must decide whether to use that degree immediately, give the National Football League a shot or take advantage of the NCAA rule that allows seniors to return in 2021.
Offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph made it clear this week he’ll welcome Groshek back without hesitation.
“As long as you can make it a great experience for yourself and the people around you,” Rudolph said, “I’d love to have him back. I’d love to have all those guys back.
“It’s got to be each individual’s decision. It seems easy, right? But it’s college and there are times when you outgrow the shell of college and it’s time to go and there’s times when (it) isn’t.
“I do respect the fact that it’s a cycle and some guys are at different places on that cycle.”
On Wednesday night, UW officials announced the intentions of more than a dozen graduates.
The list of players who have decided to move on and pursue their NFL dreams includes defensive ends Isaiahh Loudermilk and Garrett Rand, cornerback Caesar Williams, fullback Mason
Stokke, offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen, and safety Eric Burrell.
Groshek is coming off his best game at UW, 167 yards in the Badgers’ 20-17 overtime victory over Minnesota.
The fifth-year senior from Amherst
High School rushed 24 times for 154 yards and a touchdown and caught four passes for 13 yards.
“It wasn’t things that he said; he went out by his actions and you could feel he made a choice to bring energy and to bring effort and competitiveness,” Rudolph said. “I thought he was phenomenal. I’ve got a lot of respect for Minnesota’s backs. I think they run incredibly physical. I think they get yards where there aren’t yards.
“I tell you what. I don’t know that anyone was better than Grosh. And that’s saying something. He did an awesome job. He was playing. It was fun.”
Groshek, who is married, recently addressed his thought process.
“The biggest thing for guys who are graduating is having to go back and do more school,” he said. “And then looking forward to next season, all the training is strenuous. It’s long. And (there) is still so much uncertainty with COVID.
“Is next season going to be any different? Is the vaccine going to help? Or are things going to be the same? Just trying to sort through and find as many answers to the questions that you have and try to make the best decision.
“Go with your gut and go with what is best for you.”