Junior Jake Ferguson returning to the Badgers instead of taking a shot at the NFL not only gave the team its leading receiver back, but also a guide for a talented but inexperienced group of tight ends behind him.

Redshirt freshman Hayden Rucci established himself as the top blocking option in the second tight end spot and likely will be used in a similar role next season, but associate head coach Joe Rudolph said last fall he felt Rucci was developing as a receiver, too. Sophomore Jack Eschenbach was the only tight end besides Ferguson to tally a catch last season.

Cam Large, a 2020 recruit, and Jack Pugh, an early enrollee in the 2021 class, also are waiting in the wings as receiving threats. Ferguson said in December that spring practices are pivotal for this group to develop.

“I couldn’t imagine myself after that first year if I didn’t have a spring ball,” Ferguson said. “That’s literally where I gained all my knowledge, how I got really good at my technique — blocking or route running, whatever, and they didn’t get that (in 2020). And I think that’s really tough on them. Not just physically, but mentally as well. Just not being able to learn, day in day out, getting all the coaching.”