Surprises on Wisconsin Football’s First 2017 Depth Chart

A look at what we learned from the first Wisconsin Badger depth chart of the 2017 college football season

Wisconsin football’s first depth chart of the season shows impressive talent on the first and second string.  The Badgers also aren’t afraid to rely on youth for 2017.

We’ll look at any surprises the Wisconsin coaching staff has on the first depth chart of the campaign.

So first up, at the QB position and as expected, redshirt sophomore Alex Hornibrook is the starter.  Jack Coan won the battle to be backup which Badger of Honor projected back in July.

Related Story: Wisconsin Football Breakout Candidate Jack Coan

Coan may have a stronger arm than Hornibrook.  He was an early enrollee.  Most noteworthy, if Hornibrook gets hurt or struggles, then the Wisconsin offense would be in the hands of a true freshman.

As for the running backs, Wisconsin keeps it fluid.  Bradrick Shaw is listed first.  However, the word or follows Shaw’s name.  The same is true for the second string with Pittsburgh transfer Chris James name up next.  It seems like Jonathan Taylor, a 5-foot-11 214 pound true freshman from Salem, New Jersey is a surprise listing.  Yet, Taylor was 4-star recruit according to Rivals and 3-star by ESPN, Scout, and 247 Sports.  However, Wisconsin using the word or indicates to me the first to third string designation is not important.  Therefore, all the guys will get their chances.

With George Rushing injured, Quintez Cephus gets the starting spot at WR.  Although, it’s possible Cephus had that place regardless.  Badger of Honor is pleased to see AJ Taylor as the backup.  We cited Taylor as a possible breakout candidate given his diverse skill set.  Interestingly, 4-star recruit and true freshman Danny Davis is a backup.   The Badgers have a young receiver group beyond senior Jazz Peavy.

Related Story: Wisconsin Football Breakout Candidate: A.J. Taylor

No real surprises up front since Wisconsin has previously announced Michael Deiter was moving outside to left tackle.  Of note, the Badgers have zero seniors listed on the offensive line depth chart either first or second string.  Wisconsin does list sophomore John Dietzen as the starter “or” junior Micah Kapoi as starters at left guard.

The offensive line is a prime example of the youth movement for Badger football.

However, the Wisconsin defense breaks the youth trend.  For example, the first string lists seven senior starters.  The secondary itself has three seniors and junior transfer Nick Nelson.  Defensive End is another position with “or” as seniors Alec James and Chikwe Obasih are the two starting options.  Up front, keep an eye on spring game star Isaihh Loudermilk listed as second string.

Related Story: Wisconsin Football Breakout Candidate Nick Nelson

Frankly, the contrast between the experience on defense compared to relative youth on offense (outside of Peavy and Troy Fumagalli).  Therefore, Wisconsin fans should feel good about what the Badgers have this season and beyond.