The Wisconsin football staff is now down a quarterback for two years in a row after losing Tyler Van Dyke to a knee injury.
Starting in place of the injured starter is once again Braedyn Locke, who previously started last season for Tanner Mordecai following surgery. Locke did not have the greatest showing last season, but also had an offense that struggled around him. In particular, Locke and his receivers struggled to make much of a connection as drops were a major issue.
Prayers up for my boy Tyler! Let’s get you back out there pic.twitter.com/Z9yrvsaajB
— Mabrey Mettauer (@MabreyMettauer) September 14, 2024
With Locke once again hopping into the starting role, and no chance for Van Dyke to return this season, the Wisconsin staff has begun to prepare freshman Mabrey Mettauer.
Mettauer, a Texas native, signed on with Wisconsin as a three-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class. Mettauer was the lone scholarship quarterback for Wisconsin, who also added Milos Spasojevic as a preferred walk-on. Redshirt freshman Cole Lacrue is a member of the 2023 recruiting class, but will serve as the third-string moving forward.
The Wisconsin football staff previously held an ‘open’ quarterback tryout for the starting spot. However, the staff quickly made it into a competition between Locke and Van Dyke for the starting role. Mettauer was relinquished to the third-string role, and has since seen very limited action in practice.
However, with the injury to Van Dyke occurring, coach Luke Fickell stated “He’s gonna have to be ready” in reference to Mettauer.
Wisconsin Football Getting QB Mabrey Mettauer ‘Ready’ Moving Forward
Injuries are terrible in sports and nobody wants to see an injury happen, but there is always light in the dark when injuries occur.
With Van Dyke down for the year and likely applying for a redshirt, Mettauer has a chance to serve as the backup quarterback. Not only does this role bring Mettauer closer to the playing field, but the quarterback will also have significantly more practice time moving forward.
This is crucial from a development perspective for Mettauer but also crucial from a chemistry stand point. Wisconsin football has had a severe struggle with drops and separation the past two seasons, which in turn has banged up the passing game.
While it might be a personnel issue that has led to this trend, it also could be the lack of stability in the quarterback room. Quarterbacks are an extension of the coach on the field, and just like having multiple coaching changes could affect a team, so can quarterback changes.
Mettauer is a true freshman, and barring any changes, will have four years to work with the Wisconsin football receiving room. Giving Mettauer a chance early on in his career like this to take extra time, extra reps, and work with the first-team should only do wonders for his development.
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