Today we continue with my list of the 10 Wisconsin Badgers players/coaches who are most important for a successful 2023 season. We started at number 10 with Chez Mellusi. At number nine, I stay on the offensive side with tight end Clay Cundiff. Cundiff will be the starting tight end and is the leader of a position group that needs to produce this season.
Why Cundiff
The stats don’t necessarily catch your eye when you see Clay Cundiff’s production the last two seasons. Unfortunately, the redshirt junior has suffered season ending injuries in 2021 against Iowa and last season against Ohio State. You never want to see that happen whether it’s a player on your team or not.
However, when Cundiff is on the field, he can be really productive. I like his route running ability and was often the security blanket for Graham Mertz. Cundiff also had a break out game against Washington State last season when he caught two touchdowns. He also has a little swag to him too which is good to see a player confident in himself.
It’s a new offense and new weapons for starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai. The saying always is that a tight end can be a quarterbacks best friend and security blanket. I think Cundiff can not only be a third down weapon, but he’s shown he can be a threat in the open field. I think as long as he stays healthy, he can be a productive tight end this season.
What To Expect In 2023
I don’t think 400-500 yards is out of the question for Cundiff. With the amount of weapons in the run game and the wide receiver room, the Badgers don’t necessarily need Cundiff to be a huge receiver. That’s not saying he can’t do it, however. Like Chez Mellusi, Cundiff needs to stay healthy. There isn’t much depth and experience behind him so it’s important he stays on the field as much as possible. If he can do that, I really believe the Badgers have a solid tight end who can bring a lot of production to the offense this season.
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