Wisconsin Football 2024 Spring Practice Preview: Wide Receivers
Will the Badgers wide receivers break out like fans expected in 2023?
Wisconsin Badgers head football coach Luke Fickell and his staff are preparing for their second round of spring practices with the program.
The Badgers are set to begin spring ball on March 22 and run until May 2. Several of those practices are expected to be open to the media.
Here's a look at Wisconsin's wide receiver room, along with a player to watch, a newcomer that excites me, and the biggest question mark.
Wisconsin’s Projected WR Depth Chart
Starters: Will Pauling, Bryson Green, CJ Williams
Backups: Vinny Anthony, Trech Kekahuna, Quincy Burroughs
Others: Tyrell Henry, Chris Brooks Jr., Tommy McIntosh, and Kyan Berry-Johnson
Heading into the 2023 season, most felt people, myself included, thought Wisconsin football had one of its most loaded wide receiver rooms to date. Nevertheless, despite the surplus of talent, the Badgers' receivers and the entire passing game fell well short of expectations.
That said, a standout in the receiving corps emerged in Will Pauling, a transfer from Cincinnati, who enjoyed a breakout season with 74 receptions, 837 yards, and six touchdowns. As a slot receiver, Pauling showcased exceptional agility and became a reliable target for the Badgers. His route running and ability to create separation position him as Wisconsin's top playmaker in Phil Longo's offensive scheme.
Another notable contributor was Bryson Green, a senior transfer from Oklahoma State, who recorded 32 catches for 480 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his physicality, Green wasn't the contested catch machine many hoped for. However, there's optimism for a rebound performance this season after a breakout RealiaQuest Bowl game.
Following the departures of Chimere Dike and Skyler Bell to the transfer portal, opportunities have surfaced for other receivers to step up. Among the potential candidates to fill their void is Tyrell Henry, a transfer from Michigan State.