The lack of production from the wide receiver position in 2012 may have had many reasons. It could've been the inconsistency of having three different quarterbacks, it could've been the inconsistency of the offensive line early on that led to a lack of time to allow players to get open. However, the most likely case is that there just was a simple lack of ability to get open on a consistent basis from anyone not named Jared Abbrederis.
In 2013 that has to change and change quickly if the Badgers are to be successful as an offensive unit. Sure, the running game is going to be solid, but in the offense that will be installed it's just not enough to win you football games.
Having said that, the coaching staff and the players are well aware of just how important their role will be this season.
"Absolutely. Yeah, that's a big, big point of spring practice," said coach Gary Andersen following the teams first spring practice. "It's a point of emphasis for us as a staff. It's a point of emphasis for those kids. They want to succeed, they have a lot of want-to in them and they are excited about that opportunity."
"We made a couple of plays today. Jared made an unbelievable play, but we do need to be more productive at the wide receiver position. It's our job as coaches to put them in those spots and it's the job of the young men to wrap their arms around the scheme and make those plays when the opportunity presents itself and it'll happen."
Not only will wide receivers be a bigger emphasis, but so is change. One of the biggest changes coming for those of us in the media and for the players is the fact that music is going to be played throughout practice. It's something we saw Andersen do in his time at Utah State and it's been brought to Wisconsin as well.
In fact, here's a look at just what went on during the first practice of spring:
No doubt about it, a new era is underway and I don't know about you, but I kinda like the black uniforms the QB's are wearing… MUCH better than the old crappy green things they were wearing for as long as I can remember. Maybe we could get Barry to agree to Wisconsin wearing a black uniform at some point in the future? O.k., that's wishful thinking to say the least – but hey a guy or a fanbase can dream, right?
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