Wisconsin’s quarterback room has already caught the eye of the Big Ten Network, and the name that stood out most at Camp Randall was true freshman Ryan Hopkins.
BTN was on hand during its camp tour, and while the analysts had plenty to say about the offense under Colton Joseph, the running back depth, and the offensive line, Hopkins was the surprise that stopped them in their tracks. That part won’t shock Wisconsin fans. Hopkins has been drawing attention since spring, and he carried that momentum right into fall camp.
What did stand out was how strongly Jake Butt and Dave Revsine reacted when they saw him for themselves.
They were taking a close look at Wisconsin’s quarterback group, an area that has been a constant issue in recent seasons under Luke Fickell because of injuries. So it made sense that the BTN crew focused on the No. 2 quarterback. What they found was more than they expected.
"I know we were all impressed with the freshman Ryan Hopkins," Revsine said. "He had a really good day." Jake Butt chimed in with, "He made some throws that I can't remember seeing in many years, and he made a few of them out at practice today."
Revsine later posted that he was "Incredibly impressed by true freshman Ryan Hopkins - threw some fabulous balls today and also showcased mobility. Has all the makings of an outstanding college QB pic.twitter.com/dKFalNabN9"
The bigger point, beyond the praise itself, is that this wasn’t Wisconsin insiders pumping the brakes off a hot camp story. Revsine went to Northwestern, and Butt played tight end at Michigan. The reaction came from a BTN crew with no built-in reason to hype up the Badgers.
And the praise matters because Hopkins is only part of a deeper quarterback picture. Wisconsin also has Colton Joseph, one of last season’s prized transfer additions, along with Deuce Adams, who is still waiting for his opportunity but has shown promise.
Carter Smith brings experience at Wisconsin and as a starter. Danny O'Neil is also in the mix while recovering from injury, and he was a starter at San Diego State and No. 2 on the depth chart last season.
For now, Hopkins is the freshman forcing his way into the conversation. And judging by the reaction at Camp Randall, he’s doing more than holding his own.
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