Wisconsin Football: Predicting the Top Five Offensive Playmakers for 2015

Joel Stave warms up prior to a game against Minnesota in 2014. Jim Oxley photo

No. 4, Joel Stave

The play of redshirt senior quarterback Joel Stave will go a long way in determining how good this Badgers team can be.

More from Badger of Honor

• Wisconsin Football flips 3-star defensive tackle from Northwestern
• Former Wisconsin Football stars to be featured on the next Wheaties box
• Believe it or not, Wisconsin Football has never played these FBS teams
• Four-star running back Darrion Dupree commits to Wisconsin Football
• Wisconsin Football wide receiver enters the transfer portal

Stave has an interesting career path. He became the first freshman quarterback to start a game since Jim Sorgi back in 2000 when he took over the job from Danny O’Brien. He was playing well until an injury knocked him out for the rest of the regular season.

In a strong 2013 season, Stave completed over 60 percent of his passes and threw for 22 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. His confidence was shaken heading into the 2014 season, when Tanner McEvoy was named the starter. Stave eventually won the job back, but continued to struggle, especially throwing deep balls.

Stave’s confidence heading into 2015 should be at an all-time high after a strong finish in 2014 and a full offseason as the unquestioned No. 1 quarterback.

When he’s on his game, Stave has been great:

We’ve seen the playmaker he can be — especially during his sophomore season — so he clearly has the talent it takes. If he can get past whatever issues slowed him last season — mental, physical or otherwise — he has the potential to lead the Badgers well in 2015.

Next: Number 3, Troy Fumagalli