The Wisconsin Badgers football team will be led by a new quarterback this upcoming season as Tanner Mordecai takes over the offense. Recently, Mordecai made his way onto the preseason watch-list for the Davey O’Brien Award, which is awarded to the best quarterback in college football.
Mordecai, a former Oklahoma quarterback who made a name for himself elsewhere, will enter his first season as the Badgers quarterback during the 2023 campaign. Mordecai had long been considered a potential threat in the NFL once he chose to enter. Depending on the results of this upcoming season, Mordecai could make those dreams come true after a successful season with Wisconsin.
Starting Wisconsin Badgers Football Quarterback Named to Davey O’Brien Preseason Watch-List
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There is no doubt the Wisconsin Badgers struggled at the quarterback position a season ago. Former starter and current Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz had his fair share of difficulties last season that left the offense stagnant. A season ago, the Badgers averaged 183.85 passing yards per game, but allowed nearly 27 more passing yards than they gained. Wisconsin has long been a rushing powerhouse, but a healthy balance will be needed to truly contend.
Now, Mertz is set to start for the Gators and the Badgers will send out SMU veteran Tanner Mordecai to lead the offense. Mordecai compiled a record of 15-10 as the starter for the Mustangs while recording 7152 yards and 72 touchdowns during that span. The quarterback will have to transition from a pass-first offense into the new Phil Longo scheme the Badgers will follow. However, Longo and Mordecai may continue to air the ball out during the 2023 season like the quarterback has done in the past.
Currently the preseason Davey O’Brien watch-list contains the perceived top-35 quarterbacks in college football. Mordecai has found himself on the list as the Wisconsin Badgers football team aims to ramp-up their offense during the 2023 season. Along with Mordecai, conference rivals JJ McCarthy, Taulia Tagovailoa, and Garrett Shrader have also been named to the list. McCarthy is coming off a productive season where he recorded 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions for the Wolverines.
Can Tanner Mordecai Establish Himself Among the Elite College Quarterbacks in 2023?
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While the Wisconsin offense and Mordecai did not look good in the initial glimpse that has been given, there is plenty of time left before the season. Mordecai has spent the last two seasons playing in the American Conference and now faces a major skill jump when facing Big Ten defenses. However, Mordecai seems primed for this opportunity since he has the ability to sharpen his skills against talented defenders in practice.
Under the guidance of Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo, Mordecai will likely take another step forward in the progression of his game. Longo has long been considered a quarterback specialist, finding success in players who had struggles elsewhere. The combination of Longo and Mordecai could certainly become a fantastic one this season if all things go according to plan.
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