Brian Calhoun

Calhoun achieved numerous honors playing high school football and track and field at Oak Creek High School in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. He rushed for over 5,000 yards, scored 82 touchdowns, was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year, team MVP, All-America, first-team all-state, and was ranked the nation’s 12th best running back by Rivals.com.

After playing football at Colorado for his freshman (2002) and sophomore (2003) years, Calhoun decided to return home and attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During his two years at Colorado, Calhoun was named the ABC Player of the Game against Nebraska University in 2002 and again against Florida State in 2003. Named the Player of the game against Iowa State, Kansas State and was named honorable mention All Big 12. Because of NCAA transfer rules, Brian had to sit out the entire 2004 season. However, he kept himself busy by participating on the scout team and on the 4 × 100-meter relay team. The relay team would go on to become the 2005 Big Ten Conference champions.

In the 2003 season, Calhoun took over for an injured Bobby Purify and carried the ball 195 times for 810 yards and 5 touchdowns. Calhoun enjoyed a fantastic 2005 with the Wisconsin Badgers by leading the nation with 348 rushing touches for 1,636 yards and 53 receiving touches for 571 yards. He finished with 22 rushing and 2 receiving touchdowns. His 22 rushing touchdowns were a school record. In addition, his 2,207 all purpose yards, ranks 2nd in school history. Became the 2nd player in Big Ten history with 1000 rushing and 500 receiving yards in one season. Became the 2nd player in NCAA history with 1,500 yards rushing and 500 receiving yards in one a season [first done in 1991]. Was named to the Big Ten First-team, 2nd Team All-American by the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated. Named as a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award and blossomed into a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate, but faded towards the end of the season. Calhoun was named the MVP of the 2006 Capital One Bowl, after gaining 213 yards and scoring a touchdown in the Wisconsin Badgers victory over the Auburn Tigers.