Wisconsin Football: 5 breakout players to watch in 2018

5. Kendric Pryor, WR (So.)

Freshman wide receiver Kendrick Pryor was not expected to perform the way he did last season. Missing the first couple of games due to an offseason moped accident, Pryor found himself way down on the Badgers’ depth chart- especially due to the emergence of Quintez Cephus. Also factor in that senior receiver Jazz Peavy was still with the team, meaning Pyror was technically fifth or sixth option.

Fortunately for him, opportunity arose thanks to the departure of Peavy and Cephus’ season-ending injury. While sophomore A.J. Jordan and freshman Danny Davis became the No. 1 and 2 guys, Pryor slid into the rotation as a speedy, playmaking threat.

His stats were not overwhelming in 2017. He racked up 13 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown. For those who followed the Badgers last year, it was evident Pryor holds that big playmaking ability and has a knack for timely catches. Not to mention he also was involved in the Badgers’ run game as he finished the year with two rushing touchdowns.

With a healthy receiving corps returning, Pryor’s stats should not be overwhelming in 2018. Yet, now that the Badgers have seen what he can do in nearly a full season, there is no doubt there will be designed plays just for him in order to allow him to use his speed and agility.

While the rest of the Big Ten is focusing in on Cephus and Taylor as the big threats, those like Davis and Pryor will have a lot chances to go against teams’ third and fourth secondary options. With the experience Pryor gained last year, he will be ready for anything thrown at him.