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Wisconsin Football: List of top QB’s doesn’t include Alex Hornibrook

By Tanner Nestle

BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 04: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass in the second quarter of a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 04: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass in the second quarter of a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Is Wisconsin Football QB Alex Hornibrook one of the top 25 players at his position in the NCAA?

Wisconsin Football QB Alex Hornibrook
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Sporting News released its list of the top 25 quarterbacks in college football for 2018. Notably absent from the list is Wisconsin football quarterback Alex Hornibrook. We shouldn’t expect Hornibrook to be at the top of the list, but some of the quarterbacks on the list in place of Hornibrook are disappointing.

Related Story: Player Spotlight - Alex Hornibrook

Potential spots for Hornibrook

Bringing up the caboose of the list at number 25 is true freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence from Clemson. True freshman meaning, he hasn’t taken a single snap in the NCAA yet. Lawrence is one of the most hyped up quarterbacks in the country, but there’s no reason a true freshman should be on this list ahead of anybody that has played in the NCAA before.

Number 23 on the list is Miami quarterback Malik Rosier, who Hornibrook dominated in last year’s Orange Bowl. Rosier completed 11 of 26 passes for 203 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions and Hornibrook completed 23 of 34 pass for 258 yards and four touchdowns. On the season, Rosier took almost 100 more pass attempts to throw for roughly 500 more yards than Hornibrook. His touchdown to interception ratio was 26-14, almost identical to Hornibrook’s 25-15. The only reason Rosier could be a better quarterback is because of his running ability.

Number 17 on the list is Jake Bentley from South Carolina, who threw for 2,794 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His stats don’t jump off the page any more than Hornibrook’s do. Bentley helped the Gamecocks to a 9-4 and is going into his third season as the starter, just like Hornibrook.

Why Hornibrook isn’t on the list

Hornibrook isn’t on this list because nobody outside of Badger Nation would miss him. The buzz on Wisconsin is rightfully centered around Jonathan Taylor and an offensive line that could have as many as three first round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. Hornibrook didn’t have a great season in 2017, but the Badgers won 13 games in spite of it. They don’t need to rely on Hornibrook as much as some teams rely on other quarterbacks on this list.

Another big reason is Hornibrook’s numbers. He had an abysmal touchdown to interception ratio through most of the year and didn’t pass for many yards. He cleaned up his play and elevated his game to new levels late in the season, which saved his stats from being even worse than they are. Hornibrook made some great plays in big games, but it must not be enough to catch the eye of most fans.

Lastly, Hornibrook apparently isn’t a quarterback with potential. Even though he’s only going into his redshirt-junior season, there aren’t many signs that suggest Hornibrook has room for improvement. After all, he can hand the ball off most plays and the offense will still march down the field.

Why Hornibrook should be on the list

Potential. Yes, a direct contradiction to a previous speculation. He is only going into his redshirt-junior season and will only be getting better. It’s true that Wisconsin won’t lean on him too often to make big plays, but the offense will be something we’ve never seen before in 2018. Wisconsin has several receivers it trusts to make plays. We saw in the Orange Bowl how Paul Chryst is willing to spread the field now instead of lining up in a traditional I-formation and running every down.

Another reason Hornibrook needs to be on this list is because his team wins a lot of football games. Bentley helped South Carolina to a fine 9-4 record, but the difference between 9 and 13 wins is astronomical. Just ask South Carolina, who has never even won 12 games in a single season. You may be able to win some games in spite of Hornibrook, but winning as many as 13 games suggests you win some because of him too. The Michigan game and Orange Bowl are perfect examples.

The biggest reason Hornibrook needs to be on the list ties into the last one. The Badgers are going to compete for the Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Every other team who can be related to the playoff has its quarterback present on the list. Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State’s quarterbacks are all on the list. Georgia, Auburn, Clemson and Washington all have their guys on the list too. Alabama even has two quarterbacks present. Some of those quarterbacks are well deserving of a spot, but some are simply there due to their team’s success. And some are several spots higher than they should be because of said success. But that’s not enough to get Hornibrook to even number 25?

Next: Top 10 Wisconsin Badgers in the NFL

Where do you think Alex Hornibrook should be on the list of top 25 quarterbacks in the NCAA?