As I continue to look at the most important Wisconsin Badgers in 2023, I return to the offensive side of the ball. At number six, I went with senior wide receiver Chimere Dike. Dike will be the lone senior in a young but talented wide receiver room. Dike has made strides in his first three year which is what you want to see in a young pass catcher. In his senior year, I have a good feeling about Dike’s production. You can also read numbers 7-10 below as well.
Why Dike
When you look at Chimere Dike’s career stats, they don’t really catch your eye. In three years at Wisconsin, Dike only has 1,150 career yards and nine total touchdowns. It’s important to remember Dike was playing behind veteran receivers in his first two years. 2022 was the first year he got to prove he was the guy and the number one option for Graham Mertz. In 2022, Dike caught 47 passes for 689 yards and six touchdowns. This includes a 10 catch for 185 yards and three touchdown performance at Northwestern. Dike was open the entire game and showed his ability to run after the catch.
It’s also important to remember Skyler Bell and Keontez Lewis were no slouch receivers either. The Wisconsin receiving room has been balanced for the last handful of years. Dike doesn’t need to be a 1,000 yard receiver. He’s a very polished route runner and has proven to be a security blanket as well. You don’t see him drop passes and he knows where the stick is on third down. I think Chimere Dike is going to play an important role for Tanner Mordecai and should be the number one receiver again this year.
What To Expect In 2023
I do think Dike is good enough to be a 1,000 yard receiver. However, it’s tough to see that happen because the receiver room is so loaded for Wisconsin. I expect Dike to be the go to player on third and short and third and manageable downs. If you need five yards to get a first down and keep a drive alive, I’m looking for Dike. He won’t necessarily burn you down the sidelines, but I like his ability to create enough separation that beats his opponent to the spot.
We are also going to hear players like CJ Williams, Will Pauling, and Skyler Bell make fantastic plays throughout a game. Rightfully so as these are all good play-makers. But I think if you need that one play and one first down, you’ll see Chimere Dike take over a game. He has the talent and experience to do that. He’s a senior that will make senior plays. That alone will win Wisconsin games this year. I guarantee that.
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