Wisconsin Badgers junior wide receiver Nick Toon has aspirations of playing in the NFL just like his father Al did with the New York Jets from 1985-1992. It appears the younger Toon will put his dream on hold and return to UW for his senior season.
By: David Kay
At the end of the regular season, Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema said he expected juniors Nick Toon, Doak Walker Award finalist John Clay, and Lott Impact Trophy Winner J.J. Watt to look into their NFL Draft status during the following weeks.
That process seems to have been a quick one for Toon who told the NBC affiliate in Madison that he is 99% sure that he will return for his senior season citing his love for the university and unfinished business as key reasons for his decision.
The likely choice to return to school should not come as a huge surprise as Toon figured to be a mid-late round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. At 6-3, 220 pounds, he has the size to be a solid NFL wideout but had a fairly underwhelming junior year catching just 33 balls for 413 yards and 3 touchdowns. Part of the reason for his pedestrian numbers was turf toe and thigh injuries that sidelined the Middleton, Wisconsin native for four games. A healthy, successful 2011 season could vault him to a second or third round prospect for the 2012 Draft.
Toon’s return would be a huge boost for the Badgers offense next season. UW will lose three senior wide receivers in David Gilreath, Isaac Anderson, and Kyle Jefferson as well as tight end Lance Kendricks who was recently named a second team AP All-American. Add in the loss of Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner Scott Tolzien at quarterback and Wisconsin’s passing game will have a new look next season. At least it appears Toon will be back to provide the team with a proven playmaker on the outside.
David Kay is a senior feature NBA Draft, NBA, and college basketball writer for the Sports Bank. He also heads up the NBA and college basketball material at Walter Football.com and former contributor for The Washington Times Communities. You can follow him on Twitter at DavidKay_TSB.