The Wisconsin Badgers were winners in the transfer portal, especially at the quarterback position. After losing Graham Mertz and Chase Wolf, the Badgers added three transfer quarterbacks. That was SMU transfer Tanner Mordecai, Oklahoma transfer Nick Evers, and Mississippi State transfer Brayden Locke. Add Myles Burkett from last year’s team, and there’s a lot of like about this room. As spring practices wind down next week, here is where the Wisconsin Football quarterback room stands.
Tanner Mordecai: Wisconsin Football Quarterback 1
Tanner Mordecai has taken all the first-team snaps in spring. As a sixth-year player, it was clear when he announced his commitment to the Badgers that he would be the starter. For first-year head coach Luke Fickell, having a veteran quarterback right away is an important piece.
Mordecai is also having a great spring. Media members that have attended practices have stated over the last few weeks that Mordecai has had great practices. He’s being smart with the ball and is finding receivers in stride. Undoubtedly, he has already won the Wisconsin Football quarterback “battle.”
Brayden Locke: Wisconsin Football Quarterback 2
Phil Longo’s top three quarterbacks on the depth chart as of today:
1. Tanner Mordecai
2. Braedyn Locke
3. Marshall Howe#Badgers— Rohan Chakravarthi (@RohanChakrav) April 12, 2023
While it became obvious Mordecai was the starter, the biggest debate was who would be the backup. A lot of people, including myself, thought it would be a battle between Brayden Locke and Nick Evers. Evers was first to commit to the Badgers in December. Locke committed shortly after.
Through most of spring ball, Locke has been the clear Wisconsin Football quarterback No. 2. It’s been noted from media members that Locke has also looked sharp in Phil Longo’s offense. It shouldn’t come as a surprise because Locke has experience in the late Mike Leach’s explosive offense at Mississippi State last season.
The Rest Is Up For Grabs
#Badgers OC/QB coach Phil Longo notes Marshall Howe, Myles Burkett and Nick Evers are battling for No. 3 spot. Wants to see someone separate from the pack to fill in behind No. 1 Mordecai and No. 2 Locke.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) April 12, 2023
After Locke, it seems to be a toss-up. It doesn’t matter much, but I don’t find this surprising. Nick Evers hardly played last season, and this is a brand-new offense for Myles Burkett. The tempo has to be an adjustment for him.
It’s not a lot to look into right now. By the time fall camp comes in August, we could see a player like Ever or Burkett be sharper and more comfortable with the offense. The team is taking their time with them, and I have no doubt they will be improved once the season starts.
The talent for Evers has always been there. I still think that come August, it will still be a battle between Evers and Locke for the Wisconsin Football quarterback No. 2 job.
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