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Wisconsin Football: Seven team strengths in 2018

By Tanner Nestle

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 07: Offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz #61 of the Wisconsin Badgers snaps the ball to quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 07: Offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz #61 of the Wisconsin Badgers snaps the ball to quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: A.J. Taylor #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates a touchdown during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Offensive Depth

Wisconsin has almost two All-Big Ten level teams on the offensive roster. The running backs, receivers, and the offensive line can all go several players into the bench and still perform at high levels.

At running back, the Badgers have a stud and Heisman Trophy contender with Jonathan Taylor. Behind him are a diverse group of backs that all compliment Taylor’s running style. The Badgers have more running backs than carries to go around next year. It’s a good problem to have.

That same problem may be worse for the receivers and linemen. At receiver, Wisconsin returns Quintez Cephus from injury, who may be the best Wisconsin receiver since Jared Abbrederis, and he is closely followed on the depth chart by underclassmen Danny Davis and A.J. Taylor. All three are capable of being number one receivers in a typical Wisconsin offense that isn’t heavy on the pass. Behind those three are Kendric Pryor and a group of freshmen all capable of earning playing time, highlighted by speedster Aron Cruickshank.

The offensive line will get more attention later, but it’s so deep the Badgers were able to move redshirt freshman Kayden Lyles to the defense without missing much of a beat. The entire offensive line returns from last season and might be the best Wisconsin has ever seen. As an offensive linemen factory, that speaks volumes. It may be the deepest position group on the entire team.