The tight end position is such a crucial part of the Badgers offense. No matter who is under center, pass plays are often targeting the tight end. While Danny Davis had more receiving yards, Jake Ferguson led the team in targets (61), receptions (46) and touchdowns (three). Now that Ferguson is gone, the Badgers need to figure out who will be their new tight end. However, the tight ends room has been dealing with lots of injuries and keeping those players healthy will be the key.
Whomever is the starting tight end for Wisconsin this season has big shoes to fill. Jake Ferguson was a four-year starter for the Badgers. It could be argued that he essentially was the passing attack for most of last season with occasional flashes from others. Ferguson leaves the program sixth all-time in receptions with 145. He even broke a record for most consecutive games with at least one catch with 47. Graham Mertz will be losing his favorite target of the past two seasons.
Last season, the tight ends room was a wing of a hospital. Jack Eschenbach missed games due to shoulder and leg injuries. Hayden Rucci also missed time for an injury. Cam Large, Clay Cundiff and Cole Dakovich all missed significant parts of the season due to leg injuries. This limited the Badgers ability to put more “heavies” in the huddle. It’s also why we didn’t see their famed jumbo formation for most of last season. The Badgers were forced to get creative by using out of position walk-on players to fill the depth. While Jake Ferguson was able to carry most of the load, Wisconsin no longer has a proven tight end to do that.
In spring practice, the injury bug hasn’t left the tight ends room yet either. Jack Eschenbach, Clay Cundiff, and Cam Large were all held out of spring practice due to injuries. Jack Pugh had been making some nice progress before sustaining an injury. However, Jaylan Franklin and Cole Dakovich all took advantage of the extra opportunities and showed lots of promise. Those two players could factor in when the Badgers decide their tight end rotation for this season.
Due to the absences of Eschenbach, Cundiff and Large, it’s hard to know what Wisconsin really has at the position. All three of them are potential playmakers and figure to have roles in the offense this season. Eschenbach and Cundiff are especially important since they are versatile enough to play both tight end positions. They also both have the most experience of anyone in the room.
The Badgers love to utilize their tight ends in their offense. Wisconsin is the most creative on offense when they can put more then one tight end on the field. It has certainly made it easier for them to run the ball when they can use multiple tight ends. Without a proven tight on the roster, it might be a “tight end by committee” approach until they find their guy. However, if the Badgers can’t get a healthier room, then they need to put more receivers on the field. The tight end position is a big part of the offense. It’s going to very difficult to move the ball and score if the tight ends can’t all stay healthy.
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