Badgers have a few areas of concern
MADISON - Wisconsin’s practice Saturday was the 13th of preseason camp and the last open to reporters.
Based on the first two weeks of camp, following is a look at UW’s depth entering the 2017 season:
OFFENSE
Line: Redshirt junior Michael Deiter, who has started a combined 27 games at center and guard, is enduring growing pains in making the transition to left tackle. Offensive coordinator/line coach Joe Rudolph insists Deiter will be fine on the outside.
Redshirt freshman Tyler Biadasz has looked solid at center with the No. 1 unit.
The biggest question is at left guard. Jon Dietzen, who underwent surgery on his right ankle in the off-season, has been held out of team drills several times. Rudolph noted he is battling a minor injury. It appears Dietzen is slowed by an injury to his left ankle.
Quarterback: Redshirt sophomore Alex Hornibrook appears more confident and comfortable than he was last season, when he started all nine Big Ten regular-season games.
Not one of the reserve quarterbacks has played in a college game.
It appears freshman Jack Coan is playing better than redshirt freshman Kare’ Lyles.
Will the coaches opt to play Coan ahead of Lyles this season?
Running back: Chris James and Bradrick Shaw should provide a solid tandem.
Taiwan Deal appeared to have the inside track for the No. 3 job but has been sidelined with a right ankle injury. Deal had surgery on that ankle after the Cotton Bowl.
His absence has allowed graduate transfer Rachid Ibrahim and freshman Jonathan Taylor to get valuable work.
If Deal continues to miss practice time, he may find himself sliding down the depth chart because Ibrahim and Taylor can contribute.
Austin Ramesh and Alec Ingold should give UW two solid options at fullback.
Wide receiver: Senior Jazz Peavy has missed time with a minor leg injury but he should be ready for the opener. Peavy is the undisputed leader of the unit, but sophomore Quintez Cephus has had a strong camp.
Sophomore A.J. Taylor and redshirt freshman Kendric Pryor should contribute as well, although Pryor is sidelined because of minor injuries suffered in a moped accident.
Tight end: Troy Fumagalli and Kyle Penniston will cause trouble for UW foes as receivers and blockers. Zander Neuville (hamstring) can do the same once healthy.
Redshirt freshman Luke Benzschawel and freshman Jake Ferguson have gotten plenty of work with Neuville out and both look promising.
DEFENSE
Linebackers: The loss of inside linebacker Jack Cichy (knee) can’t be overstated. He is a stud and an emotional powderkeg on and off the field.
If T.J. Edwards, Chris Orr and Ryan Connelly stay healthy, UW can rotate three very good players at the inside spots.
Garret Dooley and Leon Jacobs form the top duo on the outside. Dooley in particularly appears primed for a big senior season.
Outside linebackers coach Tim Tibesar will use his four players, meaning Andrew Van Ginkel and Zack Baun must be ready.
Van Ginkel appears to be growing more comfortable with the defense. Baun’s biggest issue has been staying healthy.
Linemen: UW has a deep, experienced unit with senior ends Conor Sheehy, Alec James and Chikwe Obasih leading the way.
Redshirt freshman Isaiahh Loudermilk and junior Billy Hirschfeld will get reps off the bench. Loudermilk could surprise this season. He has talent.
Secondary: Derrick Tindal and Nick Nelson are confident they can be the No. 1 cornerback duo in the nation. They also believe UW’s secondary can be the best.
If safeties D’Cota Dixon and Natrell Jamerson can mesh as well as Dixon and Leo Musso did last season, the unit might live up to that bold prediction.
Dontye Carriere-Williams is in a position to beat out Lubern Figaro for the third cornerback spot.
SPECIALISTS
Punter Anthony Lotti is hitting the ball more consistently and with more distance and hang time than last season.
Kicker Rafael Gaglianone appears sound after undergoing back surgery that cost him all but three games last season.
P.J. Rosowski should again be a weapon on kickoffs because of his ability to drive the ball deep into the end zone.
Special teams coach Chris Haering seems confident the return units will be more explosive this season.