Alex Erickson hauls in a long throw from Joel Stave, falling into the endzone for a touchdown. Jim Oxley photograph
Can I Get a Receiver?
The Badgers certainly struggled to throw the ball last season, but it wasn’t entirely on the quarterbacks.
Wisconsin needs its wide receiving corps. to step up in 2015, and they will have to do it without two key contributors from a season ago.
The Badgers move on from returner/receiver Kenzel Doe, who played a niche role in the 2014 offense. Doe finished the season with 17 catches for 179 yards and a score, and added 16 carries for 149 yards. His 17 catches were the third highest on the team.
The bigger receiving threat Wisconsin needs to replace is tight end Sam Arneson, who was a security blanket for Wisconsin’s quarterbacks last season.
Arneson finished the year second on the team with 29 catches for 387 yards, none bigger than his overtime grab in the Outback Bowl.
Badger of Honor Top-10 Play of the Year Nominee: Stave to Arneson on 4th and 5 in @Outbackbowl http://t.co/Zwqv4Lo1AI
— Badger of Honor (@BadgerOfHonorFS) January 12, 2015
Arneson also led the team with 4 touchdown grabs.
The Badgers will return leading receiver Alex Erickson, who finished the 2014 season with 55 grabs for 772 yards and three scores, but will need several players to step into a bigger role in 2015.
Expect tight end Troy Fumagali and receiver Jordan Frederick to be more involved next season. Fumagali looks to be Sam Arneson 2.0, and he’s got great hands. Frederick has shown flashes, but needs to become more consistent.
Both players will benefit from another spring and summer session, and should help pick up where Arneson and Doe left off.
Next: Linebackers Leaving