Badger of Honor
Fansided

Top ten Wisconsin football players of the season so far

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 08: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 08: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football TE Jake Ferguson
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Tight end Jake Ferguson #84 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs up the field in the second half between defensive backs Matt Hankins #8 and Jake Gervase #30 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

9. TE Jake Ferguson

The redshirt freshman, grandson of the Godfather Barry Alvarez, Jake Ferguson has been everything Badger fans had hoped for this year. He’s currently second on the team in catches and receiving yards and has already recorded his first career touchdown.

Ferguson’s biggest question mark was his blocking ability, which he answered pretty quickly against Western Kentucky in week one. On both of Jonathan Taylor long runs Ferguson was out in front and leading the way. He knows his job is about more than just catching passes at Wisconsin. Being part of Alvarez’s bloodline ensures he knows the Wisconsin Way.

Ferguson had to answer more questions as the season began too. Expected starter Zander Neuville has been in and out of the lineup with nagging injuries. Kyle Penniston is a better blocker than Ferguson, but not nearly the receiver. Neuville can do both, but only if he’s on the field. The Badgers love working tight ends into the offensive game plan and that meant Ferguson was in line for some early targets.

Ferguson has made the most of those opportunities so far this year. He’s become one of Alex Hornibrook’s favorite targets and is proving to reliable in that role. There’s no reason he won’t continue to grow in this offense. Ferguson is a stud in making if he isn’t already one. His spot on this list is well-deserved. Keep an eye out for him down the road. He’s sure to be part of more big plays.