UW’s top six defensive linemen from last season return.

MADISON – Quarterback Jack Coan doesn’t carry himself like a typical freshman.

Wisconsin’s first camp practice Saturday was generally uneventful as the players went through drills in shorts, jersey tops and helmets.

Yet the 6-foot-3, 202-pound Coan showcased an accurate and lively arm and appeared at ease as the battle for the No. 2 job behind Alex Hornibrook began.

Coan clearly has benefited from enrolling at UW in January and participating in 15 spring practices.

“It has been helpful for him certainly,” head coach Paul Chryst said after practice, “and it kind of stood out for him today when you’re in meetings. You almost feel bad for the (other) freshman.”

Coan, redshirt freshman Kare’ Lyles and freshman Danny Vanden Boom are expected to jockey for backup spots behind Hornibrook, who started nine games last season as a redshirt freshman.

The race for the No. 2 spot likely will come down to Coan vs. Lyles, and Coan’s decision to enroll early has given him a chance to win that job.

Role for Ibrahim? Tailback Rachid Ibrahim, a graduate transfer from Pittsburgh, was given no guarantee regarding playing time when he decided to rejoin Chryst, offensive coordinator Joe Rudolph and running backs coach John Settle.

Chris James, who sat out last season after transferring from Pittsburgh, and Bradrick Shaw likely will battle for the No. 1 tailback spot. Taiwan Deal, coming off ankle surgery, will be in the mix for playing time.

Ibrahim, whose last official carry came in 2014, is already comfortable with the offense.

“He’s got a great football IQ,” Chryst said, noting Ibrahim started out as a defensive back at Pittsburgh.

Ibrahim, 6-foot and 195 pounds, combined for 60 carries for 390 yards (6.7-yard average) and 20 receptions for 161 yards in two seasons at Pittsburgh.

He missed the ’15 season after suffering a torn Achilles’ tendon and did not play last season. Ibrahim caught the ball effortlessly during drills on Saturday.

“I think he may be able to fill a void we may have,” Chryst said, “particularly as a third-down back.”

Extra points: As expected, the No. 1 offensive line on Day 1 featured Michael Deiter at left tackle rather than center. Jon Dietzen was at left guard, Tyler Biadasz at center, Beau Benzschawel at right guard and David Edwards at right tackle . ...

Inside linebacker Nick Thomas, who suffered what appeared to be a significant left-knee injury during spring ball, practiced with a brace on the knee.