The MTB Brain Trust: Surprises on the Depth Chart?

Watt is Looking to Step into new role as starting FB?

Hopefully you’re reading this site on a daily basis and chances are if you have done that in any amount of time you’ve probably wondered what the hell is going through our heads from time to time, right? Well today we’re introducing our newest weekly feature called The Brain Trust were we’ll give you a small look inside the debate that happens with our writers on some of the biggest topics inside Wisconsin sports. We’ll be talking Basketball, Football, Hockey and more so all of our writers will be free to dive into any of the topics at their discretion.

So for our first glimpse inside our Brain Trust we asked this question: What was the biggest surprise when Wisconsin football released their week one depth chart?

Here is the discussion that ensued, we hope you enjoy!

Andy: I’m most surprised by Jeff Duckworth not making the starting roster as a wide receiver. With his experience from last season I thought he’d easily take care of any competition. Boy was I wrong… But it says a lot about the talent at the position if Duckworth is sitting in 6th on the depth chart entering the season.

Nate: When Bret Bielema announced at media day that Derek Watt would be moving to fullback, it caught my attention. To see him listed alongside Sherard Cadogan as a potential first string candidate for week one was a little unexpected. Don’t get me wrong, Watt is a one heck of an athlete, but to see him have that type of quick success playing fullback at the collegiate level is impressive.

Arman: I think both of you make great points – I’d support either one. If I had to choose, I’d go with Watt/Cadogan, simply because Watt is so new to the role, yet seems to be learning/adapting quickly. What does that say about Watt and his future there? Perhaps more importantly, what does it say about Cadogan, that he couldn’t lock up the position?

Andy: As for the Watt situation I think you could kind of see it coming because BB (Bret Bielema) made the switch even after saying they needed to be more athletic at middle linebacker after making the switch. Clearly they saw something athletically that they wanted to give him the first shot.

You have to wonder about Cadogan for sure, we’ve heard of his promise for how long? Now he gets beat out by a freshman that has had a week at the spot… Yikes.

Cole: Jumping in here late fellas. I have to agree that Watt being named the co-starter was the most interesting discovery of the depth chart. Considering that he made the switch such a short time ago, that is very impressive. I can’t say I’m too surprised though. Derek, like his brother JJ, is a instinctive football player and a natural athlete. I’m sure he made a seamless transition. Also, Bielema must have not been too impressed with Cadogan, as he was the obvious favorite to win the job. It must have been a very embarrassing week for him.

I think we all assumed that the #2 receiver spot was Duckworth’s to win, considering he was the only familiar face we got to see on the field last year. I disagree with you on the point you made on the depth/talent at WR. Besides Abby, I’m not confident at all in this year’s WR core. A lot of young guys usually means a lot of room for error. Hopefully I’m wrong, we’re just not used to seeing such a young group of guys in the wideout spot. 

Was any one else surprised that Curt Phillips and Joel Stave have no separation for the #2 QB spot? I figured Phillips would have that won for sure, but Stave must be exceeding expectations like he always seems to do.