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Wisconsin Football: Five positives to take away from the season

By Tanner Nestle

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers tries to outrun the tackle of Devin Bush #10 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 38-13. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers tries to outrun the tackle of Devin Bush #10 of the Michigan Wolverines during the second half on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 38-13. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football Scott Nelson
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 27: Scott Nelson #9 of the Wisconsin Badgers tackles Travis Homer #24 of the Miami Hurricanes in the first quarter of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Some first-year players had great seasons

The future is bright in Madison. The Wisconsin coaching staff has a great reputation for developing talent and is gaining steam on the recruiting trail, so any underclassman that makes an impact is immediately taken note of by Badger fans.

The big names this year were tight end Jake Ferguson, cornerback Rachad Wildgoose, and safety Scott Nelson.

Ferguson is somebody we at Badger of Honor were watching closely for all year. We weren’t alone either. Ferguson’s talents were well-documented and the need for said talent at his position was large. It was only a matter of time before he burst onto the scene. He ended up being a third-down safety net for Alex Hornibrook and Jack Coan and caught just about anything you threw his way. Next year will be an even bigger year for the rising redshirt sophomore.

The biggest question mark on the team was the defensive backfield, largely because it was full of young players like Wildgoose and Nelson. Both first-year starters played great throughout the season and are solidified pieces of the defense moving forward. The game experience they have is unparalleled and they will only get better with time.

Other young names to watch for taking the next step are receiver Aron Cruickshank, safety Reggie Pearson, and linebacker Jack Sanborn.