MADISON – Wisconsin will open fall camp without a No. 1 receiver and that’s OK.
The issue probably won’t be resolved before the season opener against Notre Dame Sept. 6. And even then, it’s a goal that only one player at a time can reach.
But thinking like a No. 1 receiver? That is something everyone can strive for.
“It’s about developing the mindset and the skill set,” Wisconsin receivers coach Ari Confesor said. “The mindset of being a No.1 receiver is being that guy that wants to be in the big moments, wants that ball coming his way (and) not shy away from it.
“We talk about obviously developing the skills, but I want our guys to understand the mentality that comes with it.”
While UW lacks a No. 1 target, it doesn’t want for receivers with something to prove. Five players at the position are transfers. Three are scholarship freshmen. And just three were contributors for the Badgers last season.
“You’ve got a lot of guys that maybe didn’t have the opportunity elsewhere, but that’s what you love because they’re hungry now,” Confesor said. “They come with a chip on their shoulder. They’re hungry. They’re embracing the challenge.”
Wisconsin Badgers receivers depth chart
First team
Eugene Hilton Jr., soph., 6-2, 204: Played 158 snaps on offense and appeared in every game last season. Caught eight catches for 91 yards.
Chris Brooks Jr, R-sr., 6-3, 224: Ranked second on the team at position in snaps last season and posted career highs for catches (11) and receiving yards (124).
Tyrell Henry, R-sr, 6-0, 184: The Badgers’ top punt returner is also poised to make an impact in the slot.
Second team
Jaylon Domingeaux, sr., 6-3, 213: Transfer from Southeastern Louisiana has big-play potential.
Shamar Rigby, jr., 6-4, 198: Oklahoma State transfer fully recovered from leg injury that prevented him from finishing spring practice.
Zion Kearney, jr., 6-3, 210: Oklahoma transfer has experience as slot and outside receiver.
Here is what to watch from the Badger receivers during fall camp, which begins Aug. 6.
Can Jaylon Domingeaux build on success he had in spring?
Domingeaux is learning the ropes at the FBS level, but he does have experience as a No. 1 receiver at the college level. He was the go-to player at his position last season at Southeastern Louisiana where he caught 52 passes for 857 yards and 11 touchdowns.
During the spring he developed a knack for big plays and was one of the stars of the team scrimmage near the end of spring.
When talking about potential No. 1 receivers, don’t overlook him.
“Coach Fick always talks about being a pro and he handles his day-to-day operation like he were a pro,” Confesor said. “And it’s from the way he practices to the way he takes notes in meetings to the way he competes.”
Will the Badgers develop a deep threat?
Offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes didn’t express concern about developing a No. 1 receiver when he met with reporters Aug. 5 for media day. He did, however, talk about stretching the field.
The long ball wasn’t a major part of the Badgers’ offense last season. Who could fill the role of deep threat? Grimes thinks it could come from any of his top performers on the outside, which include Brooks, Hilton, Domingeaux, Rigby and redshirt junior Malachi Coleman.
“I think there are two or three guys that might be that, but we’ve got to see throughout the course of fall camp (5:40) who really proves to be that primary vertical threat,” Grimes said.
Better days for Brooks, Henry and Hilton?
When Confesor talks about hungry players, he could put Brooks, Henry and Hilton at the top of the list. Last season’s issues at quarterback and on the offensive line didn’t lead to a situation conducive for receiver success.
Those three players combined for just 30 targets last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Each of those players elevated his play during the spring.
Combine their growth with what appears to be a better situations at quarterback and on the offensive line and the conditions could be right for the Badgers’ most experienced receivers to have the biggest impact during camp.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Deeper WR corps leave Wisconsin’s Colton Joseph with plenty of options
Reporting by Mark Stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mark Stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
