The question marks surrounding the receiver position are nothing new at Wisconsin, but George Rushing’s Spring Game performance showed fans, players and maybe even the coaching staff that the Cardinal receivers can be a productive and deep group in the 2016 season.
For head coach Paul Chryst, it was more than just Rushing’s Spring Game that showed he might be ready to step up and play a major role in the Badger offense.
“George has worked this spring,” Chryst said plainly. “This day he had a couple noticeable plays but I thought what he did I think the last three or four he probably had his best practices. So I think he finished the spring on a higher note and I think that’s got a chance to give him some confidence going into summer.”
One teammate also seemed sure of Rushing’s progress heading into the summer after the afternoon session.
“George could definitely be that guy,” said fellow receiver Jazz Peavy.
But before taking Peavy at his word, let’s look at the history.
In 2013, Jared Abbrederis led the Badgers with 78 receptions for 1,081 yards, an impressive statline, particular when you consider the No. 3 true receiver that same season caught only nine balls. What may be even more surprising, however, is who that third receiver happened to be: Alex Erickson.
After the departure of Abbrederis, Erickson headlined the Wisconsin receiving corps with 44 receptions, making him the most productive receiver for the Badgers that season after being virtually unknown in the previous year. That same season, the Badgers’ current clear-cut No. 1 target, Rob Wheelwright, had only a single reception.
Last season, Erickson and Wheelwright, along with Dare Ogunbowale, an excellent pass-catching back, gave the Badgers improved options in the passing game. The improved play from the No. 1 and No. 2 combined, with the ever-present threat of the Wisconsin backfield, allowed the Badgers to develop a solid third receiving option in Peavy, who is expected to be an excellent complement to Wheelwright in the coming campaign.
The Badgers are experienced in solving positional dilemmas, whether it be having a defender play running back or having a backup become a role player, and that’s just what Rushing plans on doing.
“They always say, ‘smart, tough, dependable.’ And in college especially, it’s always the next man up,” Rushing said.
“I feel like throughout spring I’ve been pretty consistent. Just improving each day, talking to the coaches and going up there watching film trying to learn each day from [wide receivers coach Ted] Gilmore,” Rushing said. “So I feel like it’s been a real productive spring and I feel like today is just the start of something great.”
Peavy has enjoyed the heightened level of competition at practice brought on by a tussle for the third spot on the depth chart this season, and has taken notice of the strides Rushing is making.
“George can give everyone someone else to compete with,” Peavy said. “George has been doing great these past couple weeks of spring ball. He’s stepped his game up a lot and I feel like if we see that as a threat or something like that, the receivers will respond and we’re just going to keep battling it out.”
Rushing’s speed was evident as one of his more valuable attributes in the Spring Game, as he was able to get behind the defensive backs for 46 and 43-yard touchdowns, in turn exposing Wisconsin’s need for a reliable option at safety with the exit of Tanner McEvoy and defensive captain Michael Caputo.
“That’s the biggest thing I actually worked on this spring, just trying to use my speed to my advantage and just try to operate within that and play within myself,” Rushing said.
However, with Wisconsin being traditionally a ground-and-pound program, there are more responsibilities than just running down field, ears pinned back, and Rushing is starting to understand the details it takes to be a complete receiver.
“I feel like I’ve improved most in my blocking game. Blocking, that’s about the hardest thing. Them boys in the Big Ten is huge, you know,” he laughed. “Just working on that was one of the biggest things, working on blocking and being consistent at receiver.”
Rushing’s development into a complete receiver seems to be coinciding with freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook’s improvement as a passer, and the two unmistakably share a dynamic connection on deep routes.
Rushing shared his views on this year’s quarterbacks, giving insight into his relationship with the newcomer, Hornibrook, and providing a glimpse into the competition for the keys to the kingdom.
“I think he did a great job. In the offseason, me and [Hornibrook], we throw a lot together and we talk a lot. Me and Alex are pretty close,” Rushing said. “When he’s on the field, I know what he’s thinking cause we watch film together, sometimes trying to see what he sees out there, so I felt pretty confident out there with him.”
“I think he has a pretty good deep ball but I mean I think when it comes to deep balls it’s not more so having like a stronger arm, it’s more so the connection and working on it consistently.”
It’s not just Rushing that has been impressed with Hornibrook, but vice versa as well.
“He’s probably one of the most athletic guys on the field so to get him running to get him knowing the offense and catching passes has been good,” Hornibrook said. “He’s been a guy that he hasn’t really had a big role for our team yet but obviously you saw today he can make some plays.”
The emergence of Rushing as another potential weapon in the Badgers’ arsenal could be a major factor in a number of ways. The on-field chemistry Rushing and Hornibrook share was noticeable Saturday afternoon, and it could play a role in the decision of the starting quarterback competition in the months to come. It also seemed to spark a fire under Rushing’s fellow receivers, as Peavy, yearning to eventually be the No. 1 option himself, may have an approaching contender in Rushing.
