Wisconsin Football: Badgers Wide Receiver Taj Mustapha

Taj Mustapha is an incoming freshman from Wisconsin’s 2017 recruiting class. He’s the newest player in the Freshman Focus series from Badger of Honor.

Wisconsin has one of the most exciting receiving cores in years, but that isn’t stopping the recruiting train. Taj Mustapha is one of the incoming receivers for the Badgers that hopes to eventually make an impact in the passing game. Aron Cruickshank was the center of focus earlier this summer. Let’s get to know more about the another freshman receiver, Mustapha.

Mustapha is a three-star recruit from West Bloomfield, Michigan with basketball and baseball experience under his belt. He helped lead his team to an appearance in Mchigan’s state championship game last year. The Badgers won out for his services against Big Ten foes Michigan State and Iowa, among others.

Mustapha has more traditional receiver size than fellow freshman Cruickhank. He is listed on Wisconsin’s spring roster at six-feet tall and 192 pounds. Mustapha’s highlights show he can do it all from stretching the field to making defenders miss after the catch. If not for the current depth at the position, Mustapha could definitely see the field as a true freshman. It’s not entirely impossible he doesn’t see the field anyway after strong spring practices.

I’m most looking forward to seeing how Mustapha develops with the current culture of the team and how it sees receivers. Prior to last year, the Wisconsin offense didn’t spread the ball around as much, but things are changing in Madison. Alex Hornibrook and the coaching staff trust multiple receivers now. Mustapha won’t have to wait it out for several years until he can become the first or second option on the team. The depth chart can go five or six receivers deep now.

What to expect in 2018

If Mustapha doesn’t see the field much this year, you can be sure he’s still being groomed with the intention of getting playing time very soon. The offense is more likely to rotate in multiple receivers now and spread the field, which means opportunities for Mustapha and his run-after-the-catch abilities.

Mustapha enrolled early to participate in spring practice and get a head start on learning the college game. He should see the field against non-conference opponents when the game is in hand. That’s when I expect Mustapha to show what he can do. He’s an electric runner with the ball and may even be a candidate to get end-around carries.

Next: Most underrated returning Badgers

Mustapha is studying business management and graduated high school with a 3.5 GPA.