Over the course of his career at the University of Wisconsin, running back Dywon Rowan has garnered the dubious distinction of being a very good practice player. That label pretty much goes hand-in-hand with his being little-used in games.

Rowan took the first step toward changing that reputation Saturday, as he was the star of the show in the UW spring football game.

"He was a guy who even a year ago at this time had begun to show some signs," Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema said.

Before this spring, Rowan, a transfer walk-on from Madison Area Technical College, was probably best known for his seven kick returns last season, as he was the beneficiary of teams refusing to kick to All-American return-man Brandon Williams.

Rowan also managed to pick up 34 yards on 13 carries last season and even found paydirt against Temple, busting through from two yards out.

When the spring season began and the question of who would replace tailback Brian Calhoun in the fall became the hot topic, many names were discussed, including P.J. Hill, Jerry Butler, Jamil Walker and Dion Foster, along with incoming freshman Lance Smith.

Nowhere to be found in the chatter, however, was Rowan.

"I've just been waiting for a chance," Rowan said. "I hope that today I proved that I should get a shot at starting."

That he certainly did. Rowan averaged more than 10 yards a touch on the day, picking up 50 yards on the ground on six carries and 46 yards receiving on three receptions.

"It's a confidence booster," a beaming Rowan said of his performance. "I think there are some things I could've done better, but we're not going to talk about them."

The spring game capped off an outstanding spring session for Rowan, who along with cornerback Shane Carter and wide receiver Paul Hubbard, is in the mix as the player who had the most impressive spring. Not only was Rowan able to show big play capability, but he also showed consistency, something he said he has focused on intently.

"Coach always stresses being consistent," Rowan said. "I just tried to come in every day and be that."

Rowan might have made himself the front-runner for the starting tailback position on Saturday. At the least, he ensured that he would no longer be left out of the conversation when the competition resumes in the fall.

"I don't see why people underestimate him," said Rowan's lead blocker Chris Pressley. "He's one of the best overall backs that we have. His vision is the best, I think. He has power, he has size, he has pretty good speed. I don't think he is going to continue to be underestimated for that long. He's going to change that around."

At 5-foot-9 and 243 pounds, Rowan more resembles a wrecking ball than a running back. He showed a surprising evasive quality while also displaying the sheer power to leave potential tacklers in his wake.

"He's been real good for us," Stocco said. "He's kind of a power guy, but has definitely showed some versatility."

Rowan also showcased a killer stiff-arm — just ask cornerback Allen Langford, who is still probably coughing up rubber chips from Camp Randall's artificial turf after getting caught up in Rowan's self-proclaimed "danger zone" and receiving a ferocious stiff-arm.

"Personally, I think he's a great running back," Pressley said. "He shows it all."

Showing a diverse skill set is something that Rowan has made a priority, believing that it could be the little things that help get him the position of starting running back.

"Catching the ball, blocking, knowing your assignments … that all helps you separate yourself so that you can put yourself in position to get that starting spot," Rowan said.

While Rowan made his case Saturday, Bielema reiterated that the spot will remain wide open when fall practices resume, adding he is excited to see what the full talents of "Mr. Smith" will be when he arrives on campus.

"I honestly believe in competition," Bielema said. "We'll see how it plays out."