Tag: Clay Cundiff

Former Wisconsin TE retires from football due to medical reasons

Some news from the weekend:

When Wisconsin released its updated roster ahead of training camp it did not include two of the team’s top tight ends: Clay Cundiff and Jack Eschenbach. It was a bit of a surprise, as Cundiff was the team’s No. 1 at the position last year before a gruesome injury at Ohio State ended his season.

Yesterday there was some more clarity as to why that was the case. Cundiff posted a long note on Twitter announcing his retirement from football, citing medical reasons for his decision.

“In my 15 years on the field, I have endured multiple season-ending injuries, grueling surgeries, long hospital stays, many broken bones, concussions, slipped discs, you name it,” Cundiff writes. “I have fought back time and time again, always ready to get out on the field every September. But I cannot keep up with the physical demands of the game any more.”

Here is his full statement:

Cundiff retires after playing five seasons in Madison, though only seeing the field for two of them. His play in seven combined games in 2021 and 2022 showed real promise as a do-it-all tight end in Paul Chryst’s offense. Unfortunately, as he notes, injuries derailed both years and proved to be too much for him to return again in 2023.

The departure of Cundiff and Eschenbach leaves Wisconsin’s tight end room with redshirt sophomore Jack Pugh, redshirt senior Hayden Rucci and others. Meanwhile, the wide receiver room seems to have too many good contributors to find everybody snaps.

My guess is we see a tight end-like position in Phil Longo’s offense, though not always with a traditional tight end lined up there. Expect Wisconsin’s new offensive coordinator to try to find as many ways possible to get his deep and talented wide receiver room involved.

Two of Wisconsin’s top tight ends not listed on training camp roster

Some news entering training camp:

Wisconsin football began training camp today at UW-Platteville in advance of the 2023 season.

The fall roster almost never brings the headline news that we see in the spring with notable position and weight changes. But there is a big note today: neither tight end Clay Cundiff or Jack Eschenbach are listed on the roster.

Related: Wisconsin football 2023 depth chart projection: Offense, Defense

The two players figured to play a prominent role in Wisconsin’s offense this season, as tight end is likely the team’s most shallow group. It now leaves Jack Pugh and Hayden Rucci as two primary contributors at the position.

Offensive Coordinator Phil Longo discussed Cundiff’s situation at local media day this week, with the tight end still working his way back from a season-ending injury from last season:

This seems to be an ongoing situation, making it tough to predict. If Cundiff and Eschenbach are both no longer with the program, Wisconsin will badly need some help at the position. If this is just a minor roadblock due to injury, we’ll see if the two veteran players can make it back on the field when the season begins.

 

UPDATE: The Athletic’s Jesse Temple reported both Cundiff and Eschenbach ‘left the program voluntarily.’

Badger Countdown: Number 85 looking to put together healthy campaign

The start of the Badger football season is now 85 days away as Wisconsin gears up to face Buffalo on Sept. 2 at Camp Randall.

The start of the Badger football season is now 85 days away as Wisconsin gears up to face Buffalo on Sept. 2 at Camp Randall. Heading into the first season with Phil Longo and his “Air Raid” offensive scheme, fourth-year tight end Clay Cundiff will look to make a splash.

Cundiff has struggled to stay on the field the last couple seasons, twice suffering season-ending lower-body injuries, but he has been productive in limited action. Over seven games, the tight end has reeled in 12 catches for 228 yards and 12 scores, while he turned nine receptions into 142 yards and two touchdowns over four games in 2022.

He will split touches at tight end with Jack Eschenbach and Hayden Rucci in 2023, though Cundiff may possess the best set of skills as a receiver of the three. With new head coach Luke Fickell in town and transfer quarterback Tanner Mordecai (SMU) under center this season, the Badgers are expected to open the field through the air, so the 6-foot-3 athlete could be in for a big year if healthy.

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REPORT: Wisconsin TE Clay Cundiff suffers significant leg injury

Wisconsin’s starting tight end reportedly suffered a significant leg injury in the week 4 loss to No. 3 Ohio State:

According to a report from Jesse Temple of The Athletic, Wisconsin Badgers tight end Clay Cundiff suffered a left leg fracture during UW’s week 4 matchup with Ohio State.

This injury is, for myriad reasons, an incredibly tough blow for Wisconsin. First, Cundiff suffered a gnarly season-ending leg injury last season and worked tirelessly to get back onto the field for UW.

Through four games, the Kansas native has caught nine passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns – establishing himself as the TE1 in Wisconsin’s offense.

Second, quarterback Graham Mertz will be without one of his top targets in the passing game. Now, Wisconsin will need players like Hayden Rucci and Jack Eschenbach to step up and help fill the gaping hole left behind by the Badgers’ most well-rounded tight end.

Due to Wisconsin’s usage of multiple tight ends, the Badgers will likely need another young player to emerge and log snaps as well.

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Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive players from week 3 win over New Mexico State

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s 66-7 victory over New Mexico State, according to Pro Football Focus:

Head coach Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) took care of business at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday afternoon, beating the visiting New Mexico State Aggies 66-7 in a game that was never even close.

Bobby Engram’s offense ruled the day, producing 595 total yards of offense (335 passing, 260 rushing) and scoring the most points in a single game during the Chryst era.

I thought third-year starting quarterback Graham Mertz looked excellent on Saturday, completing 12-of-15 passes for 251 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. The Kansas native has taken a clear step forward and given the Badgers a respectable passing attack.

The Badgers, currently unranked, finished conference play on a high note and will now prepare for a grueling Big Ten slate that begins with a road test against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s 66-7 victory over the New Mexico State Aggies, according to Pro Football Focus.

Twitter reacts to Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz’s best throw of the season

Some of the best Twitter reactions to Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz’s gorgeous 17-yard touchdown pass to TE Clay Cundiff:

After falling behind 7-0 in the second quarter to the Washington State Cougars, Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz led the Badgers down the field on a 65-yard drive that was capped off by a beautiful touchdown pass to tight end Clay Cundiff.

The Badgers’ offense struggled to get going in the first quarter because of the speedy Cougars’ defense that shut down the Wisconsin running game. However, Mertz was able to jumpstart the team with his phenomenal throw over a breaking defender to lead Cundiff into the endzone.

The Overland Park, Kan., native is thriving in this new Wisconsin offense with several big plays against the Cougars, including a 40-yard deep pass to wide receiver Keontez Lewis before halftime. This play led to another Mertz’ passing touchdown to put the Badgers up 14-7 at the half.

Below are some of the best Twitter reactions to QB Graham Mertz’s gorgeous 17-yard touchdown pass to TE Clay Cundiff:

Predicting Wisconsin football’s superlatives for the 2022 season

BadgersWire forecasts our expected superlatives for Wisconsin during the 2022 college football season:

Madison, Wis. – An underwhelming 9-4 season where Wisconsin football failed to win the Big Ten West for the second straight year led to wholesale changes along the coaching staff this offseason. 

With fall camp in full swing and Wisconsin’s season opener against the Illinois State Redbirds just around the corner, the Badgers, who are the Big Ten West favorites in 2022, will have a much different look this fall. 

UW hired new offensive coordinator Bobby Engram, who joins the program after eight seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll attempt to reinvigorate a sputtering Wisconsin offense and is working to make opponents defend the entire field in 2022. 

On defense, Jim Leonhard lost eight preferred starters from last season’s top-ranked defense. However, the cupboards in Madison are far from bare, and a new batch of players is hungry to uphold the program’s standard of excellence. 

With the season opener just around the corner, I decided to follow in the footsteps of former BadgersWire great Ben Kenney and explore my expected superlatives for Wisconsin during the 2022 college football season.

Wisconsin football’s leaders in receiving touchdowns from 2021

The Wisconsin Badgers’ receiving touchdown leaders from 2021:

The Wisconsin Badgers’ passing offense struggled to find its rhythm last season because of inconsistency in the playcalling and quarterback play throughout the year. This forced the Badgers to run the ball against stacked defenses, which heavily limited their offensive efficiency.

Related: WATCH: Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig ‘rave’ about Braelon Allen at Big Ten Media Days

Wisconsin had no receiver or tight end finish with more than three touchdown catches last season. The Badgers as a whole only had six players catch a touchdown reception, whose total amounted to 11 receiving touchdowns. Senior tight end Jake Ferguson provided the most consistent threat for the offense, but he has graduated and gone onto the NFL.

Hopefully, after some significant changes to the offensive coaching staff and receiving group, the Badgers will be able to make their opponents respective the whole field in 2022.

Below are the Wisconsin Badgers’ receiving touchdown leaders from 2021:

Three players returning from injury that can help the Badgers’ offense

BadgersWire examines three players returning from injury that can help the Badgers’ offense in 2022:

When the Badgers return to the field for fall camp, the offense will look a lot different than it did at the end of last season. Gone are Coach Rudolph, the team’s top three pass-catchers, and two starting offensive linemen.

Beyond that, UW has a first-year offensive coordinator in Bobby Engram, who comes to Wisconsin from the Baltimore Ravens. He’ll attempt to bring fresh concepts and bolster a struggling Badgers offense that’s failed to average more than 26 points per game in back-to-back years for the first time since 1991.

The Badgers return third-year starter Graham Mertz, a strong rushing attack led by Braelon Allen, and a talented offensive line expected to take a step forward under Bob Bostad.

Question marks still surround UW’s passing game that will feature a group of young and inexperienced pass-catchers led by Chimere Dike.

Nevertheless, with the help of a few familiar faces returning from injury, the Badgers’ offense could return to form in 2022.

Today BadgersWire examines three offensive players that missed time last season who could play critical roles in 2022:

An update on Wisconsin TE Clay Cundiff’s injury

The Badger TE suffered a right leg injury during the win over Iowa

The third quarter of Wisconsin’s 27-7 win over Iowa ended with what looked like a scary injury to Badger tight end Clay Cundiff.

While for good reason there was never a replay shown of the injury, Cundiff went down with damage to his right leg and stayed down before leaving in an aircast on a stretcher. He did give Badger fans a thumbs up on his way out, and more positive news followed after he was taken to the hospital.

While there is no timeline on a return to the field for the Kansas native, Cundiff was released from the hospital on Saturday night according to Wisconsin athletics.