For as much as Wisconsin is nationally known as a developmental program, its recent history shows players stepping up and competing for player time early on.
Last season, UW’s five mid-year enrollees found time on the field. Two—nose tackle Bryson Williams and wide receiver/returner Aron Cruickshank—played in all 13 games and had significant roles on the team. The other three—defensive backs Donte Burton and Reggie Pearson, along with wide receiver Taj Mustapha—saw action in four games each but still kept their redshirt. For that matter, Burton and Pearson also started one game each, and Mustapha caught his first career reception for a touchdown in mop up time against New Mexico.