Tight End
The Badgers are in the same situation at the tight end position as they are at receiver. They have a number of walk-on tight ends from the state of Wisconsin that don’t seem to be in a great position to compete for playing time next season. The Badgers also signed Jake Ferguson, grandson of Barry Alvarez, who was a tight end at nearby Madison Memorial. Ferguson is listed at 6’5 and 210 pounds as a senior in high school. He is also a four-star recruit and the number six-rated tight end in the country for the class of 2017. Wisconsin also has a number of returning tight ends next season.
Jake Hescock was a freshman this season, but didn’t receive any playing time. Hescock is 6’7” and 250 pounds from Connecticut. He was a three-star recruit in the class of 2016. He could be a wildcard this upcoming season that many fans haven’t heard of.
Players to Watch
Zander Neuville is another interesting player for Wisconsin. Neuville saw action this season mainly as a premier blocking tight end. He didn’t record a reception this season, but was a key part to many of Wisconsin’s short yardage situations as a blocker. His lack of receptions could have been due to switching from defensive end to tight end last summer. He could use the offseason to work on his pass catching skills and potentially turn some heads next season. If he progresses, he could potentially help take over the departed Eric Steffens’ blocking role.
The other two tight ends on the roster are the only two returning players to have a reception this past season. Kyle Penniston is the most likely candidate to replace Steffens. Penniston is 6’4” and 235 pounds. He came out of high school as more of a pass catching tight end from California. He was also a four-star recruit in the class of 2015. Penniston caught six passes this season for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Penniston didn’t see nearly the playing time that Steffens did, but had nearly the same production. Becoming the second tight end and the lack of depth at the receiver position could benefit Penniston next season. He should be poised for a heavier workload and more targets his way in 2017.
The Starter
The final and most important piece that will be returning is Troy Fumagalli. Fumagalli led the team in receptions this season with 47 and also had 580 yards receiving and two touchdowns. He had arguably, his best games in the biggest moments of the season. He had seven catches for 100 yards against LSU. Against Ohio State under the lights at Camp Randall, he caught seven passes for 84 yards. Fumagalli capped off the season in the Cotton Bowl having six catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. He should be able to build off of his stellar 2016 campaign for an even better season in 2017. Fumagalli will need to step up with the lack of experience at the tight end next season. If he can continue to improve and get better as a player, Fumagalli could continue the long line of Wisconsin tight ends playing in the NFL.
Next: The State of the Wisconsin Backfield for the 2017 Season
The Badgers are returning a number of players next season at both wide receiver and tight end. Though many of those players lack much experience, they will have plenty of opportunities to fill the void in the passing game. Wisconsin will also have to lean a little more on seniors such as Jazz Peavy and Troy Fumagalli to carry the passing game. The offense will also benefit from another year of experience from Alex Hornibrook. The Badgers should have enough talent in the passing game to get by and have yet another successful season next year.