After a standout performance at the East-West Shrine Game, Wisconsin running back Dare Ogunbowale is hoping to go from Badger walk-on to NFL Draft pick.
With the recent interest Ogunbowale is drawing from NFL teams, that dream is appearing more and more likely.
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Sources tell Sporting News that Ogunbowale attended a private workout with the Patriots in April 4 and will work out for the Vikings this week. It's not clear when his two-day visit to the Vikings' team facility will begin.
The visits continue a meteoric rise for Ogunbowale, who began his collegiate career as a walk-on cornerback before earning a scholarship as a runner. Now he has a legitimate chance at an NFL job after a strong four-year stint with one of the Big Ten’s top programs.
Ogunbowale finished his Badgers career with 319 carries for 1,518 yards (4.8-yard average) and 13 touchdowns, plus 60 receptions for 507 yards and two scores. He displayed explosiveness out of the backfield late in his senior year; he averaged 12.8 yards per catch vs. Iowa and 20.7 yards against Purdue.
His work during the week leading up to the East-West Shrine Game also turned heads.
Ogunbowale projects well as a third-down back initially who can grow into a larger role in the NFL. He showed with the Badgers he can be a good blocker, and if he adds size to his 5-11, 205-pound frame, his role in the league could also expand.