College Football: Top 50 players for 2017

Entering his senior season, Troy Fumagalli should see his role in the Wisconsin offense continue to increase. He’s nearly doubled his catches in each of the past two years. Now, a 94 catch season would absolutely put NFL scouts on notice, but let’s not get carried away. In 2017 Adam Breneman of the Massachusetts Minutemen led all tight ends in receptions with 70. Fumagalli will continue to be a favorite target, but he’ll probably stay closer to the 50 to 60 reception plateau.

The 47 catches that Fumagalli snagged last year led Wisconsin. Yes, you read that correctly, a tight end lead a Power-5 program in catches. Fumagalli had four more grabs than the Badgers’ next leading receiver, an actual receiver, Jazz Peavy.

Fumagalli’s touchdown numbers were down last season, even for a ground-and-pound rushing attack like Wisconsin. While Peavy averaged one touchdown every 8.6 receptions, Fumagalli scored on average once every 23.5 receptions.

The dual quarterback system didn’t seem to faze him. He caught touchdown passes from both Alex Hornibrook or Bart Houston. But there is something to be said for chemistry. With Hornibrook taking the reigns full-time in 2017 it will only help the senior tight end get into a rhythm.

As good as he is as a pass catcher, his value as a blocker might be even higher. Fumagalli is an integral piece of the Badger rushing attack. It might not be sexy, but those are the kind of things that have developed him into a more complete prospect. Tight ends that can’t block in the NFL don’t get on the field very often. He can do it all, and he’s ready to cement his legacy with one final victory lap at Camp Randall Stadium.