It's official: the Wisconsin Badgers have imported another talented ACC quarterback, picking up Maryland Terrapins transfer Danny O'Brien to replace Russell Wilson, topping Penn State, Ole Miss and initial favorite Vanderbilt for the former ACC Rookie of the Year. But don't Sharpie in O'Brien as the starter just yet, coach Bret Bielema in a statement:
Danny O’Brien Not Guaranteed Wisconsin Starting Job, Bret Bielema Says
“We’re excited that Danny has chosen to attend Wisconsin,” Bielema said. “The first thing we did when we were aware of Danny’s interest was to try and find out what type of person he was and if he would fit into our program. From our dealings with him and all the things I have heard from those who have been around him, he is a tremendous person and has great character. He had a fantastic visit and our current players who met him came away impressed. Having graduated from Maryland in just three years, you know right away that he is a smart kid.
“As is the case with any player who joins our program, we have not promised Danny anything other than the chance to come in during the fall and compete for the starting quarterback position. He understands that and is excited for that opportunity.”
It would be quite the shocker if O'Brien didn't nail down the Badgers' starting job. Bielema said the same thing about Wilson last year. The most experienced passer on Wisconsin's roster might actually be Montee Ball, a running back*. Joe Brennan lofted all of 15 attempts last year, and Jon Budmayr tossed up 10 in 2010. That's it.
* Speaking of Ball:
Danny o brien just messaged me this.. "let's do this"... it shall be done then my man. #wiscONsin
— Montee Ball (@M_Ball28) March 28, 2012
For more on Badgers football, visit Wisconsin blog Bucky’s 5th Quarter, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire.
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