Spring practices have concluded for the Wisconsin Badgers. Including “The Launch” event, Wisconsin had 15 practices. Members of the media were able to attend them. We received great updates throughout and found out who stood out and what the team looked like as a whole. Based on the last month, here are three players that stood out on the offensive side of the ball.
Tanner Mordecai
Uw Football Spring Practice 9 March 25 2023
Once Tanner Mordecai committed to Wisconsin, it became obvious the sixth year senior would be their starter. He had a great career at SMU, especially the last two seasons throwing for 72 touchdowns. There was no debate at the quarterback position.
Throughout the spring, it was mentioned Mordecai appeared to pick up the offense fast and was smart with the ball. Anytime you can take care of the ball at the college level, you will be successful. With a run-pass option and the air raid offense Wisconsin wants to run, it can be hard to take care of the ball consistently.
Mordecai did struggle in the open practice to fans with three early interceptions, but rebounded fast and had a good end to the spring. He should have a good year in 2023.
Brayden Locke
It’s not often you’ll mention a backup redshirt freshman quarterback as a player that stood out in spring, but Brayden Locke did just that. He did have experience in an air raid style offense at Mississippi State last season. Like Mordecai, Locke seemed to pick up the offense faster than the other young quarterbacks. As a result, Locke was given more reps and it became clear he was QB2 for Wisconsin.
Unless something changes in fall camp, I wouldn’t be surprised if Locke starts the season as QB2. While he has very little game experience, it’s good to have a backup who is able to pick up the offense fast. There’s a chance we could see Locke in some mop up duty this season. Between a loaded young quarterback room, Locke is clearly ahead of the others.
C.J. Williams
CJ Williams repping with the first-team offense is such an encouraging development.
The former five-star wideout has arguably the highest ceiling among UW’s pass catchers and could develop into a true WR1 for Wisconsin down the road. #Badgers
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) April 19, 2023
Williams has been everything advertised and then some. He did have a slow start to spring but he became a popular person as practices winded down. It became obvious he’s a talented receiver and all just makes plays.
Williams also has the highest upside between all the receivers and I don’t think it’s close. He has comparisons to Keenan Allen for his route running ability. That’s rare for a young receiver and it takes time to develop. I am not sure what his stat line will be this year, but I think he will get his fair share of targets. Williams should be a crowd favorite at Camp Randall Stadium.
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