Wisconsin Badgers quarterbacks Billy Edwards Jr. and Carter Smith spark optimism during spring practice, showcasing potential to lead offense.
As spring practice unfolds for the Wisconsin Badgers, all eyes are on the quarterback position. The Badgers, who have long been recognized for their strong running game and rugged defense, are now looking to find a quarterback capable of driving their offense forward. With a new offensive system in place under offensive coordinator Phil Longo, the quarterback battle between Billy Edwards Jr. and Carter Smith has emerged as one of the most intriguing storylines in Wisconsin football. Both quarterbacks are showcasing potential to lead the offense, generating optimism for what lies ahead.
The quarterback position at Wisconsin has been a point of inconsistency in recent seasons. With the Badgers’ emphasis on a powerful running game, the quarterback has often taken a backseat in terms of responsibility and production. However, under Longo’s new offensive scheme, which features a more pass-heavy approach, the quarterback will play a more prominent role in the offense’s success. For both Edwards Jr. and Smith, this spring represents an opportunity to establish themselves as the future of Wisconsin football.
Billy Edwards Jr.: The Dual-Threat Playmaker
Billy Edwards Jr., a rising sophomore, brings a unique skill set to the quarterback position. Having spent his freshman season as a backup, Edwards is now looking to take on a more significant role with the Badgers. Known for his dual-threat abilities, Edwards possesses both the arm strength and the athleticism to make plays with his legs, which makes him a versatile weapon in the new offensive system.
Edwards’ ability to extend plays with his legs is a key aspect of his game. While Wisconsin has traditionally relied on a more traditional, pro-style quarterback, Longo’s offense will allow for a more dynamic approach. In today’s college football landscape, mobile quarterbacks are increasingly valuable. They add an element of unpredictability to the offense, which forces defenses to account for both the pass and the run. Edwards has shown that he can take advantage of these opportunities, whether it’s scrambling for a first down or using his legs to create a big play downfield.
While Edwards’ mobility is a standout quality, he has also demonstrated promise as a passer. He showed flashes of accuracy and arm strength during his freshman season, and spring practice has been an important time for him to continue refining those skills. Edwards has worked on improving his mechanics, which will be key to his development as a complete quarterback. The coaching staff has been impressed with his progress, particularly in terms of his ability to throw on the move and make quick decisions under pressure.
However, Edwards’ challenge will be proving that he can consistently make throws from the pocket and manage the offense effectively. In Longo’s system, which emphasizes quick passes and spreading the field, Edwards’ passing game will need to be just as effective as his ability to make plays with his legs. Fortunately for Edwards, he is receiving plenty of guidance and support from the coaching staff as he works to improve his passing skills.
Carter Smith: The Traditional Pro-Style Quarterback
While Billy Edwards Jr. brings mobility and dual-threat potential to the table, Carter Smith is a more traditional, pro-style quarterback. Smith, a highly touted recruit, has the tools to thrive in Longo’s offense. With a strong arm, excellent footwork, and the ability to read defenses, Smith has impressed during spring practice and is making a strong case to be the starting quarterback for the Badgers.
Smith’s arm strength is one of his most noticeable attributes. He has the ability to make all the throws required in Longo’s offense, including deep shots down the field and quick, accurate passes in the short-to-intermediate range. Smith’s ability to read defenses and make quick decisions is another area where he has shown growth. His calm demeanor in the pocket and ability to go through progressions are traits that bode well for his future as the Badgers’ starting quarterback.
As a pro-style quarterback, Smith’s skill set lends itself well to Longo’s up-tempo, pass-heavy system. While Longo will likely incorporate some read-option and spread concepts into the offense, having a quarterback like Smith, who is capable of operating in a traditional pocket-passing role, could give the Badgers the ability to attack defenses in multiple ways. Smith’s understanding of the game and his ability to make throws in tight windows will allow him to thrive in the Badgers’ evolving offensive system.
One area where Smith must continue to grow is in his ability to adjust to the speed of college football. Spring practice has been crucial for Smith as he works to build chemistry with the receiving corps and become more comfortable with Longo’s offense. His performance in the spring game and upcoming practices will go a long way in determining if he can overtake Edwards as the starting quarterback.
Phil Longo’s System: A New Era for Wisconsin Football
Phil Longo’s arrival as offensive coordinator marks a new era for Wisconsin football. Longo is known for his pass-heavy offensive schemes, having implemented successful systems at previous stops like North Carolina. His system emphasizes quick throws, high tempo, and spreading the field, all of which will require a quarterback who can make quick decisions and execute with precision.
For both Edwards Jr. and Smith, the arrival of Longo offers an opportunity to develop their games in a system that highlights the quarterback’s role in the offense. Under Longo’s guidance, both quarterbacks will have the opportunity to improve as passers, with a particular focus on accuracy, timing, and decision-making. Longo’s experience coaching quarterbacks in high-pressure situations and his ability to develop talent will be invaluable for both Edwards and Smith as they compete for the starting job.
Longo’s system is also designed to allow quarterbacks to utilize their strengths. For Edwards, that means being able to use his legs and mobility to make plays, while for Smith, it allows him to showcase his strong arm and ability to execute from the pocket. This flexibility in the offense is part of what makes the competition between Edwards and Smith so intriguing. Both players bring unique skills to the table, and it will be interesting to see which one can adapt more effectively to Longo’s system.
The Quarterback Battle: What It Means for the Badgers
The quarterback battle between Billy Edwards Jr. and Carter Smith is crucial for the future of Wisconsin football. After years of relying on a strong running game and an occasionally efficient but unremarkable passing attack, the Badgers are now looking to build a more balanced and dynamic offense. The quarterback position will be a key piece of that puzzle.
Both Edwards and Smith have the tools to succeed in Longo’s system, but they each bring different strengths to the table. Edwards’ dual-threat ability gives the Badgers the potential to run a more dynamic offense that can take advantage of the mobility of the quarterback. Smith, on the other hand, offers a more traditional, pro-style approach that could provide stability and consistency in the passing game.
As the competition heats up, it will be interesting to see which quarterback emerges as the leader of the offense. Edwards and Smith both have the potential to thrive, but each will need to continue refining their game and demonstrating their ability to execute the offense. The spring practices and upcoming summer workouts will be critical for both players as they try to prove themselves to the coaching staff.
Optimism for Wisconsin’s Offensive Future
There is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the Wisconsin Badgers as they enter the 2023 season. With the quarterback position up for grabs, the potential for both Edwards and Smith to emerge as leaders is encouraging. Whether it’s Edwards’ playmaking ability or Smith’s pro-style precision, the Badgers have a strong foundation at quarterback that could allow them to compete at a higher level in the Big Ten.
Moreover, with Phil Longo in charge of the offense, the Badgers are poised to take the next step in their offensive evolution. Longo’s expertise and system will give both Edwards and Smith the chance to develop into more complete quarterbacks. This spring practice season will be crucial in shaping the future of Wisconsin football, as the Badgers aim to build a more explosive, balanced offense to complement their traditionally strong defense.
As the quarterback competition continues, both Edwards and Smith will need to prove themselves capable of leading the team in 2023 and beyond. The optimism surrounding the position is well-founded, and the competition between the two quarterbacks will only make the Badgers stronger in the long run. Fans are eagerly watching to see who will emerge as Wisconsin’s next great quarterback, and whichever player secures the starting job will have the opportunity to lead the team into a new era of offensive success.
