MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Badgers offense broke multiple records last year. The tight ends are hoping to build on that success by having a more featured role in the passing game this season.
With tight end Hayden Rucci graduating and starting his pro career, that creates an opportunity for two current Badgers players.
Riley Nowakowski and Tucker Ashcraft are looking to claim the open top spot on the team.
Senior Nowakowski only totaled 57 yards on seven catches last season. He said he hopes to build on his first touchdown last season.
“I think it’s really exciting coming from an old offense where it’s just pretty much run block,” said Nowakowski. “[We] kind of have an opportunity to affect the game a little bit more, be more of a game changer.”
Sophomore Ashcraft faired a bit better last season — he totaled 86 yards and one touchdown. He said his confidence is growing as he goes into year two.
“It’s awesome and being able to run 12 personnel and run routes and have Coach Longo trust you like that is super exciting,” said Ashcraft. “Obviously, you’re going to be tired, but it’s not about being tired, it’s about if you want it or not.”
Phil Longo is in his second year as Badgers’ offensive coordinator. Longo said the tight ends’ greater involvement is getting noticed at practice.
“They are involved more in two tight end sets,” said Longo. “We’re moving them around a little bit more, and we also have, I think, more depth at the top three spots where we can kind of use the three of them and we have at times.”
This is Nowakowski’s final year as a Badger, while Ashcraft is just getting started. The two said they hope to play their best while helping the team in whatever way possible.
“I don’t want to come off a single game and have more left in the tank,” said Nowakowski. “If I come out of every single game and I left it all on the field, that’s a win.”
“Just go dominant everybody, you know, in the run game, in the pass game, attack every ball and just have a winning mentality,” said Ashcraft.
The days of a ground and pound offense that the Badgers have been known for are a thing of the past. The tight ends are eager to have a bigger role and potentially make it in the end zone more times this season.