The Wisconsin Badgers offense is going to look different going forward. Of course, Luck Fickell is the new head coach and there is a new offensive line coach in town. That coach, Jack Bicknell Jr., followed new offensive coordinator Phil Longo from UNC. In addition to these changes, quarterback Graham Mertz has transferred to the University of Kentucky. Exactly who will be the quarterback of the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023 is still a mystery. However, one intriguing four-star quarterback recruit has listed Wisconsin among his final eight schools. His name is Michael Van Buren, and he will be a big part of the 2024 class of whatever school is able to nab him.
2024 Rivals100 QB Michael Van Buren has a top eight. The St. Frances Academy star breaks down each of them and his commitment timeline here: https://t.co/nu4yaXxFwJ@mike3k_ @SFAfootball_MD pic.twitter.com/4LCpGgPKLf
— Adam Friedman (@RivalsFriedman) December 8, 2022
It is interesting to note that Wisconsin is among the final eight schools along with Cincinnati, the school Fickell just left. Fans also may be interesting to know that Alabama had also extended an offer to Van Buren, but are not on his list of schools he is considering.
What Scouts Are Saying about Michael Van Buren
Brian Dohn of 24/7 Sports wrote of Van Buren:
Strong leader. Throws accurate ball and puts it in spots only receiver can get it. Has arm strength to fit ball in tight windows and touch to get over defender on corner posts. Slides well in pocket and feels pressure. Often shows compact delivery with quick release but sometimes will drop elbow and drag ball through. Good with pre-snap reads and also can get through progressions. Can make off-platform throws with accuracy. Throws nice deep ball. Can throw on the run with accuracy. Can pick up yards with feet but not a key part of his game. Sometimes will stare down receivers, particularly when waiting for routes to develop over the middle.
Dohn currently projects Van Buren to be a multiple-year starter at a Top-20 program. He also believes he will be a mid-to-late round draft pick in the NFL.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the Badgers quarterback room under Coach Fickell. He is known to love dual-threat quarterbacks and runs a much more modern offense than Wisconsin has run for years. If Van Buren does not pick Wisconsin, fans can be sure Fickell has other ideas up his sleeve.
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