Wisconsin Football: 5 biggest questions heading into 2018 spring game

4. What role does Bradrick Shaw play?

Entering 2017, running back Bradrick Shaw was expected to be the starter and take on the role of the next great  back to come through Wisconsin after the departure of Corey Clement. Unfortunately and fortunately, Shaw was blindsided by the emergence of freshman phenom Jonathan Taylor, pushing Shaw into a backup role for the second straight season.

In fact, Shaw produced better as a freshman in which he was the third-string back behind Clement and Dare Ogunbowale. Shaw had significantly less yards and yards per carry in 2017 and one less touchdown behind Taylor.

Entering 2018, it is clear that it is Taylor’s offense, meaning Shaw will have to play backup again. Being too talented of a player to get limited snaps, it will be interesting to see if Shaw is more present in passing situations, as he again was overlooked by Chris James and Rachid Ibrahim in 2017 in that regards. If Shaw can work on his pass catching and accept a role as a third-and-long type back, his talent and skill in the open field can set up the possibility of big plays in the Wisconsin offense.

This will be Shaw’s fourth year with the team as he redshirted during the 2015 season. The talent is there and the Badgers will look to do anything they can to not let it go to waste.