Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football Twitter Awards

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Dontre Wilson #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a catch past Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Dontre Wilson #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a catch past Zack Baun #56 of the Wisconsin Badgers in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football - Alex Hornibrook
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 02: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first quarter of the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Darkhorse All-Pro: QB Alex Hornibrook

A darkhorse to become an all-pro, or all-conference, talent is somebody who you don’t necessarily expect to blossom, but you wouldn’t be surprised to see it happen. The ceiling for him is one of the best players in the conference, and the writing is on the wall. To me, this award screams Alex Hornibrook’s name.

I’m not sure what Hornibrook could do to earn the respect of the college football fans and analysts, but I believe it’s something he can and will do. His expectations will be exceeded. The Badgers will probably incorporate more passing into the offense this year with the talented receivers they have, but they won’t stray too far from the run. It’ll be a delicate balance for Paul Chryst to toy with all year long. Opposing defenses may try to force Hornibrook to win games with his arm, which he should be well aware of, but that may not work how it did in the past.

As much as Wisconsin would like to get the ball to Taylor, the staff knows to take what the defense is willing to give up. That means plenty of opportunities for Hornibrook to pick up yardage through the air.

Hornibrook’s biggest issue was interceptions, but he toned that down in the last few games of the year. Most notable was his four-touchdown performance in the Orange Bowl. Other teams can only hope that’s not the kind of game Hornibrook is capable of playing on a weekly basis in 2018. Unfortunately for them, I think it is.