For everyone but the head coach and his assistants, it’s been a foregone conclusion since the end of June that, barring injury and/or natural catastrophe, Russell Wilson will be Wisconsin’s starting quarterback in 2011.
While that remains very much likely to be the case, one of Wilson’s “challengers” has hit an injury bump in the road as he attempts to render those assumptions moot.
Jon Budmayr, one of three QBs ostensibly vying to replace Scott Tolzien under center for the Badgers, began feeling pain in his right (throwing) elbow earlier this week and did not throw during practice Wednesday. It’s unclear what the specific nature of the injury is, although Budmayr says it’s similar to the pain he felt two years ago that ultimately resulted in surgery and two months on the sidelines.
“We figured it is best just to shut it down and hopefully be back sooner rather than later,” the redshirt sophomore said.
As for Budmayr’s main competition for the starting job, the transfer from North Carolina State continues to get more and more comfortable in the UW offense, remaining on track to be the starter come early September.
“Russell does some really good things,” head coach Bret Bielema said of Wilson. “Some things he is still trying to work his way through. I think the more reps and team situations we put those guys in, the better for both of them.
“I think he is comfortable from the time he walks on the field to the time he walks off.”