It's not exactly a stretch to call Houston Texans superstar J.J. Watt the best defensive player in the NFL right now.
While he is staying quite busy on Sundays, he's also finding some downtime the day before to catch his alma mater, Wisconsin, on TV. Naturally, that included the record-setting performance from Badgers running back Melvin Gordon against Nebraska last Saturday, when he rushed for an FBS-record 408 yards -- in just three quarters.
As somebody who has been around his fair share of good tailbacks, Watt lofted some high praise Gordon's way during his appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday.
"He's one of the best I've ever seen do it at the collegiate level," Watt said. "I've been very fortunate to play with a lot of great running backs, John Clay and Montee Ball, and playing in the league with Arian (Foster). The thing Melvin has been able to do is unbelievable. He's playing very well."
Watt isn't alone in his opinions on Gordon. Around the same time on Tuesday, NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt suggested the Badgers stud is comparable to Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett.Â
Add in the fact that Gordon is threatening to break NCAA records once held by somebody named Barry Sanders, and you can see why he has vaulted to the top of the Heisman Trophy conversation as one of the most outstanding players in the sport right now.
"It's a lot of fun to watch," Watt said. "Every single game you tune into, you don't know what you're going to get. It's pretty cool. You're usually going to see something exciting. He'll tell you himself, he owes a lot of credit to that offensive line. They do a great job of putting out great offensive linemen at Wisconsin."
It's been quite the week for Gordon, but we're guessing the kind words and lofty endorsement from one of the best ever to play in Madison will mean quite a bit to the running back.
You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.
