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Wisconsin Badgers: Tight ends will be heavily featured in passing game

By Taylor Johnson

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (81) catches a touchdown pass in front of Western Michigan Broncos cornerback Darius Phillips (4) and linebacker Caleb Bailey (8) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Wisconsin won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (81) catches a touchdown pass in front of Western Michigan Broncos cornerback Darius Phillips (4) and linebacker Caleb Bailey (8) in the fourth quarter at AT&T Stadium. Wisconsin won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin Badgers having passing woes is nothing new for this program. That could get a boost this season, and that boost could come from the talented tight end group.

If you’re looking for the Wisconsin Badgers to boost their passing game this season, look no further than the tight ends. Led by Troy Fumagalli, the Badgers will look to the tight end group to kick-start the passing attack.

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Fumagalli led Wisconsin with 47 receptions and was second on the team racking up 580 yards. He also hauled in two touchdowns last season.

Starting where he left off, Fumagalli had a tremendous spring and looks to be in great form. Expectations will be high for the redshirt senior and rightfully so. Look no further than the Cotton Bowl. Fumagalli earned MVP honors for that game by hauling in six receptions for 83 yards and one touchdown.

And oh yeah, he arguably had the catch of the year in that game as well.

It’s no secret that head coach Paul Chryst loves to feature the tight ends in his offense, and Fumagalli looks to be the focal point for this group and passing attack. Showing great strides a year ago, he looks to be a viable weapon for quarterback Alex Hornibrook.

Behind Fumagalli are a couple of emerging playmakers as well.

Highly recruited Kyle Penniston will need to take a big step this year in the number two role on the depth chart. He showed some flashes of just how good he can be last year, scoring two touchdowns on just six receptions. One of the receptions came on a big 54-yard gainer that helped the Badgers defeat Iowa.

With Eric Steffes gone due to graduation, the versatile Penniston should certainly see an increased role in the offense as well.

Others at the position include Zander Neuville, who converted from the defensive line to tight end last year. Neuville will be used more as a run-blocking tight end and an asset in that role.

Luke Benzschawel, along with incoming freshman Jake Ferguson, might not be used heavily this season but could very well be featured in the future. Benzschawel has a big frame to go with his major upside.

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Ferguson, grandson of athletic director Barry Alvarez, was highly recruited and could see some action in the 2017 season even as a true freshman.