Wisconsin Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017
Quarterback
Starting quarterback: Alex Hornibrook
Backup: Kare’ Lyles
If you are looking for a quarterback controversy, this is not the place to look. A very young group of quarterbacks will all have to wait their turn for sophomore quarterback Alex Hornibrook to be done.
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Hornibrook took over in game three last year as a freshman following the struggles of Bart Houston. After starting the remainder of the regular season games, Hornibrook injured his head during the season finale versus Minnesota, making Houston the starter again for the Big Ten Championship and Bowl Game. Hornibrook barely saw the field the rest of the year, which was due to his injury and the fact Houston was playing well.
This season, it is Hornibrook’s team start to finish, and the quarterback battle will be between freshmen Kare’ Lyles and Jack Coan, both of which who are expected to be an excellent predecessor to Hornibrook.
Hornibrook had his struggles last year, but it was nothing that was not expected after being thrown into the system as a start early in his career. The accuracy is there, but big questions entering the 2017 season will be his arm strength and awareness. Often caught telegraphing his passes at times, a lot of Hornibrook’s mistakes last year came during high-pressure situations in which he had to make split-second decisions.
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The run game will be a huge indication to Hornibrook’s success last year and were times his scapegoat last season. With an inexperienced backfield this year, it might turn to him to help get the running game going instead of the other way around. Overall, the Badgers have plenty of talent in both the passing attack and run game that if one is off, the other should be able to pick up the slack.
Wisconsin’s quest to return to the Big Ten championship will begin Friday, September 1 when they host Utah State under the lights.