Quarterback Danny O’Brien is once again a free agent as he leaves Wisconsin
The Russell Wilson-like success story Danny O’Brien envisioned when he transferred from Maryland to Wisconsin last season didn’t turn out the way he planned.
O’Brien started three games for the Badgers, threw for just 523 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, failed to impress the new coaching staff and slipped to No. 5 on the depth chart.
And now has decided to transfer, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
O’Brien was benched after the first half against Utah State and saw little playing time afterward. Curt Phillips and Joel Stave finished No. 1 and 2 on the depth chart after spring and O’Brien became an afterthought.
When O’Brien, who was benched for poor play at Maryland two years ago, decided to transfer to Wisconsin last offseason it seemed like he might be able to revitalize a career that had gone from ACC Rookie of the Year to one of the biggest busts in the game.
But apparently Maryland coach Randy Edsall, who took massive heat over his treatment of O’Brien, saw something change in his young QB before anyone else did.
Now, with one season of eligibility remaining, O’Brien will be forced to either end his collegiate career or play for an FCS or lower division program.
And perhaps that’s what O’Brien needs — a fresh start without the spotlight of major collegiate football — to find the quarterback he used to be.
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