The spring practice period is the college football fan’s glimpse into the future at what the upcoming season may hold. That was the case for the 2023 Wisconsin Badgers, as a big spring from wide receiver Will Pauling translated into a productive fall, while a poor spring from the offensive line also foreshadowed what was to come.
That’s the importance of spring practice, and why the Badgers’ upcoming spring period will draw so much interest. Head coach Luke Fickell must improve the team from its 7-6 2023 campaign as the Big Ten expands and the road gets more challenging.
Related: Wisconsin football’s biggest questions entering spring practice
Year two is a time for progress forward. But that progress cannot come without breakout performances from young players on both sides of the football.
That is our focus as spring practice quickly approaches.
First, looking ahead to the season, we’ve already ranked all 18 programs in the Big Ten, ranked the 18 starting quarterbacks, ranked all 18 head coaches, predicted each Big Ten team’s 2024 record and checked in on the Las Vegas win totals for each team in the conference.
Now, it’s time to look at the breakout candidates entering Wisconsin’s 2024 spring practice:
QB Braedyn Locke
MADISON, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 28: Braedyn Locke #18 of the Wisconsin Badgers warms up prior to the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 28, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Here’s a curveball. Locke will not start the season under center, barring an injury to starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke. But he’s my pick to be the biggest breakout this spring.
First, he has more experience in Phil Longo’s offense than anyone else in the room.
Second, last year’s on-field reps should prove valuable as he looks to position…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/breakout-candidates-wisconsin-football-2024-120255459.html
Author : Badgers Wire
Publish date : 2024-03-02 12:02:55
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