SPOTLIGHT UNDER CENTER
Budmayr takes Wilson addition in stride Junior focused on making Badgers better as he competes for starting job
BY MIKE LUCAS
Jon Budmayr has heard from people who wonder about his status in the UW quarterback rotation with the arrival of Russell Wilson. That was not unexpected.
Although Budmayr took over as the starting QB in the spring, he’s an unproven redshirt sophomore; whereas Wilson is a fifth-year senior and proven three-year starter at NC State.
While conceding Wilson’s transfer has resulted in some questions and a “little more difficult conversations with people on the outside” he appreciates the interest and support.
If nothing else, Budmayr has learned that “people do care and want the best” for him.
“But you have to be perfectly honest with them, too, when you talk to them,” he said. “And I tell them, `This is good not only for my growth but for our team, and the team comes first.’”
Truth is, Budmayr feels good about everything; espe- cially his readiness for the 2011 season. “There’s nothing really to get frustrated about,” he said. “This is just another opportunity to compete and get better. Like my dad has always told me, `Take one snap at time.’ This is no different.”
Were there any awkward moments for Budmayr when Wilson joined the team?
“Not so much,” he said. “We’re both pretty mature guys and understand the situation. There’s really noth- ing to be awkward about. Another guy is joining our team; a good guy, a good hard-worker.” Citing the value of competition, Budmayr said Wil- son’s presence on the depth chart is “going to make us a better team and it’s going to make each one of the quarterbacks better, too.”
Jon Budmayr was the Badgers’ starting quar- terback coming out of spring practice, but the addition of Russell Wilson has thrust the pair into a compeition for the starting job.
Budmayr understands that one of the roles that he will be playing during training camp is to supply Wilson with any information that might help ease Wilson’s transition to the UW offense.
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