Wisconsin Football: Predicting the Top Five Offensive Playmakers for 2015

Oct 11, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (48) is tackled after catching a pass during the third quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3, Troy Fumagalli

Next up is a tight end who is set for a breakout year in 2015 — redshirt sophomore Troy Fumagalli.

Playing behind Sam Arneson last year, Fumagalli only showed us a sliver of his potential. What we saw was promising.

To start, he’s simply huge. At 6-6, 243 pounds, he’s an imposing figure on the field, much as his predecessor, Arneson, was. While his blocking abilities aren’t fully refined, his ball skills are excellent despite a limitation he’s dealt with his entire life — he’s missing one of his index fingers.

Aug 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jalen Mills (28) defends against Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (48) during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Regardless of his number of fingers, Fumagalli can flat-out play. He will likely slide into the receiving tight end role, as Austin Traylor, Wisconsin’s most experienced tight end, will be used more often as a blocker.

The tight end has been an important weapon in Paul Chryst’s offenses in the past — think Russell Wilson and Jacob Pederson, Scott Tolzien and Lance Kendricks/Garrett Graham — and there’s no reason to think the duo of Stave and Fumagalli can’t produce this season.

Stave paired nicely with Arneson a year ago, and hopefully Fumagalli will be able to slide seamlessly into Arenson’s old spot. Badgers fans (and Joel Stave) should look for Fumagalli on third down this year.

Next: Number 2, Alex Erickson