With the release of the Badgers’ fall camp roster came the unexpected loss of tight ends Clay Cundiff and Jack Eschenbach. Both players “left the program voluntarily” and left Badger fans a bit stunned. Cundiff has all the talent in the world and has had a bad break with injuries and Eschenbach decided to come back for his 6th year and had by Wisconsin standards a solid spring.
So what gives? Why quit now? I think the answers are multiple yet simple. Clay and Jack were entering their 5th and 6th years in the program respectively. Between them they have 31 career catches. Not exactly lighting the world on fire. Despite losing them the Badgers still have right TEs on the roster for an offense that will likely only feature one. While Cundiff has some intriguing Athletic ability he has proven he can't stay healthy. Longo admitted that Eschenbach was have problems operating in his “new found space and freedom” which is a nice was of saying he just isn't a fit for the offense. Clay and Jack are two tight ends who are going pro…in something other than sports. Instead of kidding themselves and taking on more physical punishment for nothing they made the noble choice. I wish them luck in all their future endeavors.
The Badgers roster has had a rapid overhaul and that isn't going to stop anytime soon. With the transfer portal and changes to recruiting limitation it is possible to build a roster in a coach's image much faster, but in order to do that there needs to be enough flexibility to bring players in and not break the scholarship limit. By encouraging players who don't have a future in the program to move on it gives the players the fresh start they deserve, the push in the right direction. It also gives coaches the necessary room under the scholarship limit to bring in players they think can help them win.
But how will the Badgers survive with only eight TEs? Not the worry the cupboard isn't bare. Converted FB Riley Nowakowski is primed for a break out season because he is the perfect replica of a Longo style TE/Wing. His body type and versatility fit well for how Longo uses TEs. Lined up off the ball but detached from the line of scrimmage we’ll see him used as a lead blocker on power plays, crossing the formation on split inside zone, play action, and RPOs. Hayden Rucci and Jack Pugh are the bigger body more traditional Wisconsin TEs. Their size and strength will be valuable in the running game while finding seams up the middle. JT Seagreaves and Angel Toombs are more athletic and could be intriguing options at Y slots. And making a push for solid playing time is true freshman Tucker Ashcraft who's combination of size and athletic ability could mean a role as both an off and on the ball TE.
There are plenty of options…the cupboard isn't bare. We are just finally throwing out those spice jars that expired in 2019.