Wide Receiver
2003 Projected Starters: Lee Evans and Brandon Williams
Evans' story is well documented. His loss last season had a major impact on the offense last season despite the efforts of some of the other receivers. Evans at partial speed should still be an effective player, and the staff has said all the right things in the media, but until Evans produces on the field, there will be some questions as to exactly what type of player the Badgers will have.
Williams had some troubles early last season, though emerged as a playmaker who is one of the more elusive players on the team. There will be many attempts to get him the ball in the open field.
2003 Projected Depth: Darrin Charles, Jonathan Orr, Ernest Mason, Owen Daniels, Brandon White, Byron Brown, Travann Hayes, Brandon Tobias, Jonte Flowers, Zach Hampton, Jeff Holzbauer, Luke Swan
There is essentially an embarrassment of riches here, and some of the "reserves" are going to see starter-snaps.
Charles has had a great camp and has regained some of ability to separate that was lost when he injured his ankle last year. He won't compile the raw numbers due to sharing time with Williams, but he should be an impact player at times.
Orr was the best deep threat for the Badgers last year, though he must improve his consistency to make the next step up . He will still be counted on the stretch the field this year, though his overall numbers will likely drop.
Daniels has been the talk of camp and will play a hybrid WR/TE position. Expect to see him a lot on 3rd down with his ball skills.
Brandon White has the prototype WR body, similar to Orr, and has also played well in camp. He very well could be the best 3rd stringer in the country. He will be given major snaps next year and spot snaps this year.
Mason will handle some return duties and will be spotted at wideout while he learns the nuances of receiver.
Brown and Hayes are similar to Brandon Williams in terms of their receiving style, but are buried on the depth chart.
Tobias has a big-time frame and has lived up to his HS hype. He will redshirt this year but will compete for time next year.
Flowers, Hampton, Holzbauer, and Swan are all walk-ons who will have quite a task in front of them to earn playing time with the stable of receivers on this roster. Still, they are all young and could emerge in a few years.
PIE IN THE SKY: The Badgers receivers live up their hype, providing match-up problems all over the field and allowing Sorgi to spread the ball around.
DISASTER STRIKES IF: Sorry, can't think of a possible way this position won't produce this year. I suppose if Evans is a shell of his former self, Charles re-injures his ankle, and Orr and Williams continue to have drop-problems, that would be bad.
CONCERN: LOW-This is arguably the most talented position on the roster, ironic for a coach like Alvarez.