What to Expect Troy Fumagalli Edition for Wisconsin Football

What to expect from TE Troy Fumagalli for the 2017 Wisconsin Football season

Badger of Honor looked at possible “breakout candidates” over the last few weeks. Wisconsin senior TE Troy Fumagalli is nobody’s definition of a breakout candidate. He has already stamped himself firmly as the leading receiver target for the Badger passing offense.

So Badger of Honor is busy road testing some in the “What to Expect” category. This group includes incumbent established Badger stars.

The 6’6″ 248 pound Aurora, Illinois native is another name to add to the growing pantheon of successful former walk-ons. Fuagalli was put on scholarship prior to the 2015 season.

Fumagalli was an “All Big Ten honorable mention” in 2015. He earned 2nd team “All-Big Ten” from the coaches and 3rd team “All-Big Ten” from the media in 2016. Keep in mind the nation’s top TE Jake Butt from Michigan won the Mackey Award last year.

Fumagalli also won the Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP Award after logging six catches for 83 yards and a massive 4th quarter TD that proved decisive.

Fumagalli led Wisconsin in 2016 with 47 receptions, and was 2nd in yards (580) to Jazz Peavy (635). However, he only had two TDs last season (albeit the mammoth one in the Cotton Bowl) so that is one area that should tick up in 2017.

Keep in mind, Wisconsin had 58 red zone trips in 2016, and 15 ended in FG attempts (12 makes) and 37 resulted in TDs. Of the TDs, 26 were on the ground and just 11 passing TDs. The Badgers throw less than other teams in the red zone which limits Fumagalli’s scoring chances.

All told, there are 70 receptions that went to guys no longer on the Wisconsin Football roster (Robert Wheelwright, Dare Ogunbowale, Corey Clement). That means more looks towards Fumagalli as a primary weapon.

Next: Natrell Jamerson a Key to Wisconsin Secondary

Of course, expect opposing defense commit more bodies to defending him. But good luck, given his size and strength. Opponents will need a fast LB or large S to get the job done. Otherwise, teams may bracket him in double coverage. That means a CB and a dropping LB or S over the top on Fumagalli. That will open space for other receiving targets.

Fumagalli will certainly contribute as the top receiving threat on the Badgers this year. But his presence on the field will force defenses to pay him special attention and help create opportunities for his teammates.