By Sasha Goldstein
Gameday
After being the starting quarterback for three seasons with the Badgers, senior John Stocco will graduate and hopefully move on to a career in the NFL. Beside that, anything else regarding the Wisconsin quarterback position is far from certain.
In the Big Ten, the focal point for offense has always been establishing the running game. But in the last few years, the Badgers have combined great running with a solid passing game, creating a dynamic and tough to defend offense. That's why both junior Tyler Donovan and sophomore Allan Evridge would love to be next season's signal-caller after Stocco's departure.
Donovan has been the back-up quarterback behind Stocco for his three seasons as an eligible player. In his first two seasons, Donovan has had only nine pass attempts and completed four of them to complement 16 rushing attempts for 147 yards. These numbers are not too shabby, considering Stocco has 33 straight starts to his credit going into Saturday's game, one of the highest consecutive start streaks for active quarterbacks in the NCAA.Still, Donovan is ready to get his turn as a starter after waiting three seasons.
""It's been a process,"" Donovan said. ""But, it's Big Ten football—you have to wait your turn. You can't come in and expect to start, especially with a guy like Stocco in front of you. I'm ready for my turn, and through the process, I've learned a lot, and have had a good experience.""
If called on to start next season, Donovan seems more than ready. And despite the fact that Stocco has been one of the best Badger quarterbacks ever, Donovan is ready to prove himself.
""I don't feel any pressure,"" Donovan said. ""The only shoes I have to fill our my own. I can make a name for myself instead of thinking I'll be overshadowed by Stocco. It's in my own hands.""
Evridge has had a little bit of a different route through the Wisconsin system. This fall, Evridge transferred from Kansas State, after an extremely successful freshman season in the Big 12 conference. He threw for 1,365 yards, a freshman Kansas State record, and proved he can run as well, rushing for 138 yards in a single game.
NCAA transfer rules require a player to sit out the first season with his new team, forcing Evridge to take this season off. But, he can still practice with the team, and will be eligible next season. Evridge has spent his season off practicing hard and getting used to the Wisconsin offense.
""A system is a system,"" Evridge said. ""There is no real difference between the two, except there were more running plays at Kansas State. I like the Wisconsin systeam and have gotten used to it quickly.""
By coming to the team and adapting quickly, Evridge has thrust himself into a position to possibly be the starter next season. Still, he doesn't want to get too far ahead of himself.
""No matter where I am on the depth chart, I just want to help the team in any role possible,"" Evridge said. ""I know I can help the team, and that's why I'm here. Of course I'd like to start. If I was complacent about it, I shouldn't be playing Big Ten football, much less any Division I football. Any person that plays wants to make a difference.""
This competitive attitude is similar between Evridge and Donovan. Both would love to start, but understand each of their respective situations. Donovan's eligible status this season, and experience in the Wisconsin system could give him an edge at starting next season.
""This year, I'm just sitting and learning,"" Evridge said. ""I can't play this year, so Donovan should be getting more reps in practice because he is the number two, and can make a difference and do something this season.""
There still is a competitive edge between the two and each player knows their talent and skill set will prove who should start next season.
""There is a sense of competition to play between everybody: This is Big Ten football—you need to be competitive to play,"" Donovan said. ""But instead of worrying about other people, I use my own fuel to motivate myself. Any player shouldn't need another player to bring out the best in them; instead, they should find it in themselves.""
At least this much is certain: Whoever does step into the starter's role next season will be ready, and a worthy replacement for No. 7.
