The Wisconsin Badgers completed their spring ball program earlier this month, setting the stage for the summer as they look to improve off a 7-6 season in 2023 that saw its fair share of ups and downs.
Several players stood out during the 15 practices, but there were also other risers, as well as players who saw their stocks drop during the period.
Here’s whose stock is trending up and trending down after spring ball for the Badgers.
Stock Up
RB Cade Yacamelli
As I shared in my post-spring ball depth chart for the offense article, I thought Cade Yacamelli had a good spring, similarly to how he did an offseason ago, but amid a deeper room this time around.
His fit in Phil Longo’s offense as a change-of-pace back stood out, as Yacamelli’s speed, mixed with good vision and ability to hit the edge all contribute to playing the space game for the Badgers.
Following spring ball, he seems to be the No. 3 running back behind Chez Mellusi and Tawee Walker, as he answered the challenge in a deep room well.
Now, the question becomes whether a shakeup will occur when the Badgers involve their other true freshmen this fall after they come to campus in the summer.
But for now, Yacamelli is in a good spot after capitalizing on his opportunities during the spring.
WR Vinny Anthony
The Badgers had a clear opening at receiver this offseason with several players departing, leading to a position battle in the spring on the outside.
At the end of the spring, wideouts coach Kenny Guiton anointed Vinny Anthony as the player he’d likely turn to as the No. 3 receiver due to his consistency.
Anthony doesn’t drop passes and he’s a good deep threat that showcased his ability to also work after the catch during the spring.
The question will be whether that consistency can carry over to the regular season against more physical competition, but Anthony capitalized the most on his chances of any receiver this spring, leading him to be in a good spot come the fall.
LB Jaheim Thomas
One of two transfers on this list, Jaheim Thomas came in and immediately showcased his skillset as a talented, versatile linebacker.
Quickly emerging as a starter alongside Jake Chaney, Thomas should be one of the more impactful transfers in 2024, working both as an inside linebacker and a pass rusher for the Badgers.
Thomas already has experience in Wisconsin’s defensive system, thanks to three seasons at Cincinnati under head coach Luke Fickell, and now returns to his comfort zone as he looks to finish his collegiate career with a bang.
Thomas is expected to start at linebacker alongside senior Jake Chaney in what should be a much-improved linebacker room in 2024.
LB Darryl Peterson
Much of the talk at outside linebacker has been around transfers John Pius and Leon Lowery, which is fair, given Wisconsin’s struggles at the position last season and the immediate impact of the duo.
But, Darryl Peterson quietly compiled a strong spring, working better as the month went along, flashing both as a run-stopper and a pass rusher.
Peterson’s motor was one of his calling cards, but the outside linebacker also showed some versatility, kicking inside on packages with extra linebackers.
Of course, the translation to in-game action will be important, but it feels like Peterson is primed for a bigger season after recording 4.5 sacks in 2023.
CB Nyzier Fourqurean
Entering the offseason, I was higher on Toledo transfer R.J. Delancy and tempered about Nyzier Fourqurean after some ups and downs during his first year at Wisconsin.
However, Fourqurean dealt with health issues last offseason, causing his playing weight to dwindle, and he returned to full health with his strength this offseason.
There’s been a difference, as Fourqurean has played more physically and consistently at the boundary position, exclusively working with the top defense.
Fourqurean could rotate with R.J. Delancy on the outside, but the boundary position is looking better in 2024, which will be important as a complement to Ricardo Hallman this season.
S Braedyn Moore
Braedyn Moore was one of Wisconsin’s bigger recruits in the 2023 class, seen as a four-star due to good athleticism and ball skills at the safety position.
That’s why it was good to see Moore play more physically this offseason, churning into more of a well-rounded safety in Year 2.
Moore got more opportunities in the spring, due to injuries to Preston Zachman and Kamo’i Latu, and flashed enough when on the field.
The Badgers do have a crowded room, leaving questions as to how much Moore can truly see the field in 2024, but he does play the backend role, while many of the team’s top options are more comfortable near the line of scrimmage, potentially creating some opportunities.
Stock Down
WR C.J. Williams
Now, this isn't to say that C.J. Williams had a bad spring by any means because that isn't true.
But, the Badgers were probably hoping that the junior could emerge as a top wideout this offseason with a starting spot open, and Williams wasn't as consistent as Vinny Anthony, although he showed more of that big-play ability.
Williams appears on the outside looking in entering the fall, although he should still be a constant part of the receiver rotation as one of the top backup options going into the summer.
Can Williams break out into a bigger role as the season goes on?
Tight Ends
Coming into spring ball, I was hoping that at least one tight end would separate themselves from the others as Wisconsin looked for more production at the position.
Ultimately, over one month later, I don’t feel fully confident in this group to anoint a top option just yet, although there are some intriguing options.
Tucker Ashcraft leads the way as a true sophom*ore, while Jackson McGohan had his moments during the spring.
But, with the way the wideout room has operated this spring, as well as the overall tight ends group, it seems that the Badgers will prioritize the former over the latter once again with production and snap counts.
LB Tackett Curtis
Tackett Curtis’s arrival in Madison came with a ton of hype, as the Badgers were close to landing him a season ago before he committed to USC.
One year later, the Badgers have the rising sophom*ore, but it’s unclear what kind of role he’ll play in 2024.
Curtis spent a majority of the offseason recovering from surgery, paving the way for Christian Alliegro to get more opportunities and flash in his role.
Curtis is a talented player and should definitely see reps this season, but his role might be more defined in 2025, rather than this upcoming year.
Defensive Line
The Badgers faced a ton of turnover along the defensive line this offseason, losing a few pieces of one of the weaker groups on the roster.
Right now, the defensive line is a question for the Badgers, who have yet to land a player at the position in the spring transfer portal, despite being interested in several names.
Wisconsin’s defense overall has improved, but it feels the defensive line group may be the X-Factor for how well the unit can play in 2024.
