Throwback Thursday Tribute: Wide Receiver Jared Abbrederis

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Jared Abbrederis #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the Big 10 Conference Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Jared Abbrederis #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the Big 10 Conference Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Wisonsin Football - Former WR Jared Abbrederis
COLUMBUS, OH – SEPTEMBER 28: Jared Abbrederis #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores a touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on September 28, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Badger of Honor is throwing it back today with Jared Abbrederis. This former walk-on turned Wisconsin legend was there for some of the best moments in program history.

Jared Abbrederis was a fan favorite for most of his time in Madison. His sophomore year in 2011 was a breakout year for him, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The Badgers had just brought in transfer quarterback Russell Wilson, and the offense exploded.

Related Story: Throwback Thursday - Russell Wilson

The Wautoma, Wisconsin native was a dynamic football player in high school, but also dominated in track. Abbrederis’ speed in track spikes translated directly to his game on the football field.

Abbrederis’ Game

For the Badgers, it was all about getting Abbrederis out and running. Every time he came across the formation for a sweep, he was a threat to pick up chunks of yardage. When he wasn’t running sweeps, he was burning defenders down the field. His track speed and good size allowed for him to beat defenders in multiple ways.

Abbrederis benefited immensely from Wisconsin’s excellent running game. There may not have been a better play-action receiving threat in Badger history. Abbrederis was able to take advantage a defender if he peeked into the backfield for even a split second.

For many of his deep touchdown catches, he was wide open. It could be because of his speed, his deceptive route running, or perhaps a combination of the two that just made defenders give up once they were beat. Either way, he scored. A lot.

Abbrederis’ Legacy

Abbrederis was the last Wisconsin receiver to break the 1,000-yard mark for a season. He did so in 2013, his final year in Madison. He tied the record for most catches in a Badger career (202), has the record for most catches in a season (77) and is second all-time in receiving yards. Only Abbrederis and Lee Evans have surpassed 3,000 yards receiving in their Wisconsin careers.

Abbrederis was a fan favorite during his time in Madison because of the big plays he made. The small-town product embodied Wisconsin Badgers Football and was as productive as he could be, given the insane running backs he played with.

Receivers now are trying to live up to the standards Abbrederis set. The Badgers don’t throw the ball often, but it doesn’t mean they can’t. When a receiver as talented as Abbrederis comes along, the Badgers know it. And the rest of the Big Ten finds out. Expect to hear a lot of Abby’s name in 2018 as this year’s crop of talented receivers draws comparisons to his incredible talent and career.

Next: Ten best Wisconsin Football games since 2010

Abbrederis was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 2014 in the fifth round and it seemed like a match made in heaven. He struggled with injuries and couldn’t find consistent playing time, eventually leading to an earlier than planned retirement.