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Wilson Works Well at Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Badgers were a Big 10 favorite before Russell Wilson even decided to leave NC State. Many would have even said that they had an outside shot at a national title. Deciding to add Wilson to the roster was a risky proposition, and one that will decide the fate of the 2011 Wisconsin Badgers. A lot of one-year transfers at the quarterback position have gone horribly wrong. Despite the inherent risk with adding a one-year transfer at quarterback, to a team already picked to win the Big 10, head coach Brett Bielema and the Badgers are confident the move will work out. Wilson has already impressed defensive back Aaron Henry who said, "He started to earn guys' trust through workouts. They saw his work ethic. They heard him talking. You could tell he is a leader." For Henry, that was all he needed to see. "Once I started to see that, there wasn't any questions to ask." The acceptance of his new teammates will be of ultimate importance. "When he first came in he wasn't that talkative," Henry said. "It was like a buildup of events. Once he started to get more comfortable with the players and the people around him his personality started to open up."While the off the filed aspect is important to the success of the Badgers in 2011, it's more about what Wilson brings to the table on the field. Wilson is already eight in ACC history in total offense with 9,628 total yards. While quarterback wasn't exactly a hole for the badgers, redshirt sophomore Jon Budmayr is a capable player, Wilson will add an all conference threat under center. Not only can Wilson hurt opponents through the air, he can do it with his leg as well. Wilson threw for over 3,5000 yards last year, along with 28 touchdowns as compared to 14 interceptions. Add to that 435 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, and Wilson adds a whole new element to the Badgers offense.
Montee Ball and James White make up one of the best backfield tandems in the nation, and this should only aid Wilson in is transition to a new offense. Receiver Nick Toon has the potential to be one of the best wide outs in the Big 10, and if he can return to his 2009 form, will give Wilson an outstanding target. Wisconsin has three returning starters on the offensive line, and the unit should be a strength for the Badgers once again. All together, the Badgers have the potential to be one of the best offensive units in the country.Many experts are concerned about Wilson's ability to learn a new offense and mesh with new teammates so quickly. While these concerns are valid, Wilson provides a much needed threat under center for the Badgers. There is no way that an all conference player under center will do anything but help Wisconsin in 2011. The most interesting thing to watch will be how the Wisconsin offense adjusts to Wilson. Will the Badgers conservative style be a fit for Wilson? Regardless, watch for the Badgers to make plenty of noise in 2011, not only in the Big 10, but nationally.
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