Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football: Grading position groups from week two

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 08: Alec Ingold #45 of the Wisconsin Badgers jumps over Jalin Burrell #13 of the New Mexico Lobos during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 08: Alec Ingold #45 of the Wisconsin Badgers jumps over Jalin Burrell #13 of the New Mexico Lobos during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 08: A.J. Taylor #4 of the Wisconsin Badgers catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Marcus Hayes #23 of the New Mexico Lobos during the second half of a game at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

B+. . . Wisconsin Badgers. RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS

I originally wanted to give this group a better grade than this, but it was dominated too much by just one guy. I couldn’t give the whole position the same grade as the running backs because it wasn’t as much of a group effort. Despite the fumble from the running backs, that group deserves a higher grade than the one-man-show at receiver.

I’m making this grade sound far more harsh than it really is. The receivers did their job. After all, Alex Hornibrook only threw 11 passes. There’s only so much you can do with 11 targets as receivers.

A.J. Taylor took over the day. The rest of the group was MIA, but it’s probably because Taylor was doing such a great job as Hornibrook’s first option. He earned Hornibrook’s trust early with an amazing catch and kept it the rest of the day. I hope some other receivers will show the ability to earn that trust as the season continues.

Freshmen Aron Cruickshank and Taj Mustapha both got a touch today. Cruickshank got a carry on a sweep play that he took for 11 yards, and Mustapha had a three-yard touchdown catch. Both players making plays in their brief showings are good for self-confidence and in earning trust from the coaching staff. I’ll expect the young receivers to continue making the most of their chances as the season continues too.