The Wisconsin Badgers are just about done with spring practices. After today, they will have one more practice before their event, “The Launch,” on Saturday. We have seen a lot of reporters with access to practice give their Wisconsin Football roster standouts each practice. With a new offense that has the potential to be one of the best in the Big Ten, there should be players that will have a breakout year. Here are three players I think could have a breakout year on offense.
Wisconsin Football Roster Potential Breakout No. 1: Braelon Allen
You probably think Braelon Allen already broke out as a true freshman two years ago. You’re not wrong, as Allen rushed for 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns. He then added on his sophomore year with 1,242 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2022, Allen had 46 fewer yards and 44 more carries.
When I say that Allen could break out as a junior, I mean we could see fewer rush attempts and more yards. I don’t think it’s crazy to think Allen could push for 1,500 yards. Some might think that won’t be possible with the air raid offense. However, in Phil Longo’s air raid offense at North Carolina, the Tar Heels had two 1,000 yards rushers in Javonte Williams and Michael Carter.
Longo won’t abandon the run, and opposing defenses will have to respect Wisconsin’s passing game. This means Braelon Allen should see fewer eight and nine-man boxes. If he’s out up almost 2,500 yards in crowded boxes, imagine what he could do in this offense. That’s why I think he could be the biggest breakout star on the Wisconsin Football roster.
Wisconsin Football Roster Potential Breakout No. 2: Chimere Dike
Chimere Dike has quietly had a productive career as a Wisconsin Badger. In his first two seasons, he had a ton of veteran receivers ahead of him, so he was able to learn and adapt to the college game. Last year was his shot to be the No. 1 man. He ended up leading the Wisconsin Football roster in receptions (47), yards (689), and touchdowns (6). A lot of that was done on Oct. 8 at Northwestern when he had 10 catches for 185 yards and three touchdowns. It’s by far the best game he has had as a Badger.
I think Dike will be a safety blanket for Tanner Mordecai. While the receiving room is very talented, it’s also a young group. Dike has a ton of experience, and that should help him and Mordecai in fall camp and early in the season. Expect Dike to get a ton of targets as a result. I would not be shocked if Dike was an 800-yard receiver next season and potentially a 1,000-yard season.
Wisconsin Football Roster Potential Breakout No. 3: C.J. Williams
Over the last week or so of spring practices, C.J. Williams is establishing himself as one of the best receivers on the Wisconsin Football roster. The hype as the USC transfer committed to Wisconsin is starting to show. He already has comparisons to Keenan Allen and is described by 247 Sports as an advanced route runner and a natural pass catcher.
Notable change for the WRs today. CJ Williams moved up to the first team, joining Chimere Dike and Will Pauling. That bumped Keontez Lewis down to the 2nd group with Skyler Bell and Vinny Anthony.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) April 18, 2023
It’s hard to see what kind of year Williams will have this year, but I know he will get his share of looks and will make plays that will wow fans. Going into 2024, this is probably Wisconsin’s No. 1 receiver. He’s that good and can potentially be a high NFL Draft pick one day.
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