After looking at players who could break out for Wisconsin football yesterday, today I look at just the young players on the roster. In particular, I will take a look at the freshman and sophomores (redshirts included). I really like the younger players on this Wisconsin football roster. While this season will include mainly upper-classmen, I think there are four young players who could immediately make an impact this season.
Wisconsin Football Young Contributors: Tackett Curtis- Inside Linebacker
If you followed the recruiting for Tackett Curtis, you know he was one of the most sought out linebackers in the 2023 class. 247 Sports ranked Curtis as the 12th ranked linebacker and 146th overall ranked player in the 2023 class. Curtis ended up at USC last season, but ended up transferring to Wisconsin in the off-season, As a freshman, Curtis recorded 40 tackles and two sacks. That is pretty good for a true freshman.
In the portal, Curtis was ranked as the 3rd best linebacker. This was a big win for Wisconsin football. The linebacker group is deep and talented, but I think Curtis will get reps this year and be a starter beginning in 2025.
Joe Brunner- Offensive Line
If you have read my work over the last week or so, you know I am a big fan of Joe Brunner. I am a little surprised his reps on the offensive line has been limited his first two years at UW. That should not be the case this season.
Brunner has been the right guard throughout spring practices. Brunner was a very good guard out of Whitefish Bay, WI and a prized recruit for this Wisconsin football program. I think Brunner has NFL written all over him. Wisconsin football fans should be excited to finally see him on a consistent basis beginning this year.
Trech Kekahuna- Wide Receiver
Kekahuna has the ability to be a very good slot receiver. An injury took away just about the entire year for him last season, but was able to play in the bowl game. In the ReliaQuest Bowl, Kekahuna recorded four catches for 64 yards against LSU.
I am not sure what we will see stats wise from Trech this year, but I do expect consistent reps from him. The talent is there and the coaching staff raves about him. Will Pauling will dominate the slot this year, but Kekahuna could be in line to replace him as early as next year if Pauling heads to the NFL.
Kevin Heywood- Offensive Line
True freshmen are usually not ready on the offensive line in college football. Heywood will not start this year with Jack Nelson coming back, but I don’t see Heywood redshirting. I think he is already one of the best linemen on this Wisconsin football roster.
This is a player that will likely play only three seasons at Wisconsin, but I would be shocked if we did not see Heywood in certain packages this year and in mop up time. This will be the starting left tackle at Wisconsin in at least the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
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