Coming into the 2022 College Football season, the Wisconsin Badgers have clearly defined Graham Mertz as their QB1. Mertz is clearly the most experienced and arguably the most talented Quarterback in the locker room, so the job is rightfully his. However, injuries often happen in sports, so a reliable back-up is always necessary.
In previous seasons, Chase Wolf had assumed the duties of QB2 behind Mertz. Unfortunately, Wolf tore his meniscus at practice earlier this week and will now miss the entire season. This leaves a question mark in regards to who will be backing up Graham Mertz this season. Luckily for the Badgers, they have two talented Quarterbacks who are prepared to step up and assume the role.
Meet the Back-Up QBs
Deacon Hill, Redshirt Freshman
Deacon Hill was a member of the Badgers 2021 recruiting class. He was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, and was ranked 39th in the nation at the Quarterback position in his class. Hill chose to redshirt last season to maintain an extra year of eligibility knowing that the QB room was full and he wouldn’t be receiving any playing time.
According to 247Sports, Hill has a very strong throwing arm. The ability to consistently make deep passes is something the Badgers aren’t really used to since the rushing attack is so strong. However, since Hill is so inexperienced at the Division I level, he often struggles with touch and accuracy on his passes due to pressure in the pocket.
Badgers coach didn’t appear to be too worried about Hill due to the fact that his reps have been limited while he was buried on the depth chart. Now that he’ll get more consistent opportunities, the expectation is that his accuracy will improve and he’ll become more confident in the pocket.
Myles Burkett, True Freshman
Myles Burkett is coming into the 2022 season as a true freshman. He was the top QB recruit in the state of Wisconsin, and the 43rd overall QB in the nation in his class. Burkett is no stranger to individual and team success as a Quarterback. He passed for 6,483 yards and 71 touchdowns and rushed for 1,054 yards and 14 touchdowns in 31 games at Franklin High School. He led the Sabers to the 2021 WIAA Division I State Championship. In addition, he was named Gatorade’s Wisconsin Player of the Year.
After winning the State Championship, Burkett chose to enroll early at Wisconsin. He said he wanted to join the Badgers early to begin improving his game as quickly as possible. In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Burkett explained his thought process behind early enrollment.
“My goal wasn’t really to come in here and be the (starter),” he said. “That’s just not realistic. My goal was to come in here and learn and make myself better every single day to help these guys in the (quarterback) room and in the locker room.”
– Badgers Freshman QB Myles Burkett
Although Burkett hasn’t received enough reps during media availability, Badgers coaches have raved about his willingness to ask questions and grow. His endless drive to be a student of the game is significant in the sense that as his skills improve, his football IQ will be extremely high.
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Who Will Be Mertz’s Back-Up?
The back-up job hasn’t been publicly assigned by Coach Paul Chryst. However, the expectation is that Deacon Hill will assume the role of QB2. Hill has an extra year of experience at the college level. Although he hasn’t taken a snap in a game, he has a year’s worth of practice with the scout team. His experience, albeit limited, is valuable and more easily molded behind QB1 Graham Mertz.
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