Wisconsin Football Spring Game 2017: 5 things to watch for

3. Has Alex Hornibrook showed any progress?

Following a promising, if inconsistent debut as a redshirt freshman, Hornibrook will need to improve in 2017 as Wisconsin’s full-time starter if the Badgers are to win the Big Ten.

Hornibrook split first-team reps with senior Bart Houston in 2016, finishing with 106 completions on 181 attempts for 1,262 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. There were some bright spots, including a strong effort in Wisconsin’s first three games of the season, but Hornibrook was benched down the stretch in favor of Houston.

With Houston gone, Hornibrook figures to be the primary starter all season barring any unforeseen developments. While Wisconsin’s offense is always going to focus on the running game and won’t require a lot of explosive plays from Hornibrook, he at least needs to do a better job of avoiding turnovers in 2017.

Reports from Chryst and company so far this spring are positive, as Hornibrook appears to have benefited from the early experience and has loosened up with no competitor for his starting job. Helping matters is the return of wide receiver Jazz Peavy, who will provide an explosive element to the passing offense.

Hornibrook has the talent to be much better as a sophomore, but the Badgers could be vulnerable to other contenders like Nebraska and Iowa in the Big Ten West if he is unable to show any development.