Wisconsin Football: Freshman WR Aron Cruickshank continues to impress

Despite being only a freshman, Aron Cruickshank continues to make explosive plays during fall camp.  If he keeps it up, he may force Paul Chryst to put him on the field right away.

The Badger offense is loaded with weapons at receiver, but they may have a new member ready to contribute this season.  Aron Cruickshank caught the coaching staff’s attention the second he stepped on campus in the spring.  His decision to enroll early has paid off tremendously thus far.

Cruickshank’s speed and acceleration were never in question going into fall camp, it was more of a question of how he will handle being a full-time receiver.  So far, Cruickshank is showcasing not only his athleticism but his hands as well.  During a recent scrimmage, Cruickshank was one of the biggest playmakers on the field.

With the return of Quintez Cephus, A.J. Taylor, Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor, snaps may be hard to come by for Cruickshank.  If he continues to dazzle in fall camp, however, Chryst will need to find a package that features the speedy Cruickshank.  The jet sweep, a staple of Chryst’s offense for many years, may make an effective comeback this year with Cruickshank as the main reason why.

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Even if Cruickshank does not find many reps this year at receiver, he may be the leading candidate for both kick and punt returner.  Just check how elusive and shifty he is with the ball in his hands.

Aron Cruickshank was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school.  He was recruited by the elite of the Big Ten, holding offers from Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan.  Wisconsin winning a recruiting battle against those schools was a massive win.

Wisconsin has not typically gotten kids with Cruickshank’s level of athletic abilities at the receiver position.  Based on his play early on, signing Cruickshank may have an influence on the Big Ten for the next four years.

Of course, he is playing against inferior competition compared to what he will see in the Big Ten, but the vision and athleticism he possesses could be deadly.  There will be doubters who say that Cruickshank is too small to contribute this early in his career given his size. He is listed at 154 pounds.  They may have a point, but the weapons in his arsenal are special and something that you can not teach.

He can make a huge impact this year without being heavily utilized in the passing game.  The coaching staff will most likely take it slow with Cruickshank but do not be surprised to see him running around your television screen this fall.

Fast forward to 0:22 to catch a sneak preview.