Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Packers Invite UW Whitewater Wide Receiver to Rookie Camp

    May 1, 2022

    Corbin Burnes Makes Team History in Brewers 2-0 Loss to Cubs

    May 1, 2022

    Notebook: Lewis declares for NBA Draft; NAIA POY transfers to Marquette

    May 1, 2022
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Trending
    • Packers Invite UW Whitewater Wide Receiver to Rookie Camp
    • Corbin Burnes Makes Team History in Brewers 2-0 Loss to Cubs
    • Notebook: Lewis declares for NBA Draft; NAIA POY transfers to Marquette
    • Marquette recruiting: Shaka Smart lands talented 2023 recruit
    • Brewers Option Two Players to Triple-A Nashville
    • Brewers Reliever Jake Cousins Heads To Injured List
    • Everything You Need to Know about the Bucks 101-89 Win over Celtics
    • Wisconsin Badgers Taken in 2022 NFL Draft
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest VKontakte
    WI Sports Heroics
    • About Us
      • Privacy Policy
    • Sports
      • Packers
        • Green Bay Packers News
        • Green Bay Packers Rumors
      • Bucks
        • Milwaukee Bucks News
        • Milwaukee Bucks Rumors
      • Brewers
        • Milwaukee Brewers News
        • Milwaukee Brewers Rumors
      • Milkmen
        • Milkmen News
        • Milkmen Rumors
      • Badgers
        • Badgers Basketball
        • Badgers Football
      • Marquette
        • Marquette News
        • Marquette Rumors
      • Fantasy Sports
      • Outdoor Sports
    • Podcasts
      • Wickett On Wisconsin
      • Packers Podcast
      • Bucks Podcast
      • Brewers Podcast
      • Badgers Podcast
    • Business/Event Reviews
    • Sponsors
    • Mark Mayfield Booking Agent
    • Contact Us
    WI Sports Heroics
    Home»Sports»Badgers»Four Badgers Poised For A Breakout Season
    Badgers

    Four Badgers Poised For A Breakout Season

    Dylan BuboltzBy Dylan BuboltzJuly 22, 2021Updated:August 14, 20211 Comment4 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 14: Graham Mertz #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers throws a first half pass against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    As the Wisconsin Badgers inch closer to their season opener September 4, the team had a number of young players contribute last season. A few of these names we didn’t expect to have immediate impacts. With a year under everyone’s belts, there are four Badgers I believe that are poised for a breakout season in 2021. Let’s take a look!

    Graham Mertz

    Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz files for trademark on personal logo ahead of NIL laws going into effect - CBSSports.com

    No one had a better debut in college football last season than the signal caller for the Badgers. It’s really tough to have only one incompletion and throw 5 touchdowns in your debut. Mertz made it look simple and gave Badger fans hope for the next 4 years.

    Unfortunately, Mertz got diagnosed with COVID 19 and suffered a concussion late in the season. He also lost his two best receivers in Danny Davis III and Kendric Pryor to injuries early in the season. We did see freshman growing pains, which is expected throughout the season.

    However, it’s clear Mertz can make every throw Wisconsin needs him to. If his weapons can stay healthy, there is no reason to believe Mertz can’t breakout and be one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten. I believe he takes that step in 2021.

    Jalen Berger

    Wisconsin football: 2021 Breakout Badgers, Jalen Berger - Bucky's 5th Quarter
    Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

    I believed Jalen Berger would crack the rotation and see some playing time as a freshman last season. I also believe Nakia Watson and Garrett Groshek would take a majority of the reps. Although Berger played in only 4 games last season, he averaged 5 yards per carry on 60 carries. He was also added to the Doak Walker Ward Watch List this week.

    Although limited, we saw Berger has all the traits and skills to be the next great Badger running back. It’s a lot to say on a limited sample, but he has what it takes to be that back. Clemson running back Chez Mellusi should help the load quite a bit, but I believe 2021 is Berger’s year. There is no doubt he will be the man and could be the man for the next 3 seasons. There isn’t a player I’m more excited for this season than Jalen Berger.

    Leo Chenal

    Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal, career-high 13 tackles, 2 sacks – The Athletic

    As a first year starter in 2020, Leo Chenal was really good. He had 30 tackles, 3 sacks, and an interception against Michigan. We know what he can do in the weight room, but he also brings that strength on the field. As s result, he’s turned into a really good run stopper and a good pass rusher. Chenal was also added to Pro Football Network’s First Team All Defense in the Big Ten.

    Chenal also has the privilege to play next to Jack Sanborn, one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten and the country. Having that opportunity to play alongside a great linebacker has helped Chanel’s progress. As a result, I expect him to have a break out season in 2021 and a force to reckoned with for Big Ten offensive linemen.

    Nick Herbig

    Nick Herbig | Football | Wisconsin Badgers

    Nick Herbig made an immediate impact as a freshman. I knew the upside that he brought to the Badgers, but I didn’t know it would be immediate. Herbig’s stats from 2020 are not eye-popping, but every game you could see he was out there disrupting plays throughout the game.

    As Herbig adjusts to the speed of the college game, I have no doubt those plays will turn into sacks and loss of yards. The sky is the limit for Nick Herbig. He should have a really good 2021 season. The outside linebacker group is deep and talented at Wisconsin and Herbig is a leader of that group.

    [pickup_prop id=”6216″]

    Follow me on Twitter @DylanBuboltz! Check out our merch page as well. Use promo code WISCO at checkout for $1 off! To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!

    Graham Mertz Jalen Berger leo chanel nick herbig wisconsin badgers
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Dylan Buboltz

    Dylan is the President of Wisconsin Sports Heroics. He’s also held the roles of Vice President and staff writer. He holds a BA in Communication from UW-Green Bay. Dylan has been with WSH since May 2020.

    Related Posts

    Wisconsin Badgers Taken in 2022 NFL Draft

    May 1, 2022

    Badger Basketball: Klesmit Transfers To Wisconsin

    May 1, 2022

    Two Wisconsin Badgers Players Drafted Back-to-Back in Third Round

    April 30, 2022

    Wisconsin Football: Four Questions Following Spring Practices

    April 29, 2022
    View 1 Comment

    1 Comment

    1. George on July 22, 2021 6:16 pm

      Like your assessment Dylan. I think Mertz will be the best QB in the Big before the season is over. The Badger D will be a force to be reckoned with. I think they’re better than advertised! Look for Chimere Dike to step up big time!

      Reply

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Editors Picks

    Brewers: The Ideal Playoff Roster

    September 20, 2021

    MVP Spotlight: Christian Yelich

    April 10, 2020
    Top Reviews
    Advertisement
    Demo
    WI Sports Heroics
    Facebook Twitter
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy
    • Advertisement
    • Contact us
    © 2022 WISportsHeroics All Rights Reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.