Wisconsin Football: Predicting the Top Five Offensive Playmakers for 2015
By Jim Oxley
Corey Clement warms up prior to the 2014 Wisocnsin Badgers matchup with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Jim Oxley photo
As the 2015 Wisconsin Football season approaches, Badger of Honor takes a stab at predicting the top five offensive playmakers in the 2015 season.
The 2015 Wisconsin football team will feature an offense that will likely be much different than a season ago. No Melvin Gordon, improved quarterback stability (hopefully), and an improved passing game (again, hopefully).
Let’s take a look at who Wisconsin’s top five playmakers will be in the coming season, starting with some honorable mention selections.
Honorable Mention
Tanner McEvoy carries the ball during the 2014 game against USF. Jim Oxley photo
Safety/wide receiver Tanner McEvoy: In 2014, quarterback Tanner McEvoy was one of the most frustrating players to watch. He has incredible athletic ability — as evidenced by multiple long touchdown runs and tackle-breaking abilities — but he struggled so often as a throwing quarterback the Badgers were forced to make a switch.
When used as an option quarterback, he became very predictable, rarely giving up the ball even when the situation dictated he should.
Still, in short bursts, he was very effective, and showed he can be an asset. It’s tough to see what his role will be in 2015, so for now he’s an honorable mention pick. If Wisconsin can get him involved at his new wide receiver position, he could be a big-time playmaker even in limited opportunities.
Wisconsin Badgers
Running back Dare Ogunbowale: For someone who converted from cornerback to running back after the 2014-15 season began, Ogunbowale had a pretty good showing last year. With a full offseason under his belt, Ogunbowale is back and looking to play a bigger role this season.
He has the inside track on the backup running back position, and the Badgers have proven time and time again that more than one running back will get significant work. Last year Corey Clement totaled 949 yards on 147 attempts, and in 2013, Melvin Gordon and James White each had over 200 carries.
While Ogunbowale will face some pressure by the likes of Taiwan Deal, and, eventually, Jordan Stevenson, he could become an impact player as a backup similar to the what we saw from Clement a year ago.
Fullback/H-back Derek Watt: It remains to be seen how impactful Watt can be for the Badgers considering he has dealt with injuries for much of his career. When healthy, Watt has shown he is a weapon in the passing game, and will likely be given every opportunity to get involved in the passing game this season.
Beyond his abilities in catching the ball, Watt is an exceptional blocking back, and will likely pave the way for Clement, Ogunbowale, or whoever lines up in the Badgers backfield this season.
Next: Number 5, Tyler Marz