UW values versatile fullbacks
MADISON – Fullbacks have been an essential part of Wisconsin’s offense for years.
The list includes players such as Derek Watt, Austin Ramesh, Bradie Ewing, Matt Bernstein and Chad Kuhns.
“We’ve been fortunate,” UW coach Paul Chryst said.
So how have UW’s coaches been able to identify fullbacks over the years?
“It’s not easy but it’s not hard,” Chryst said. “There aren’t many where you’re looking at their film and saying: ‘OK, that guy is doing it.'
“And yet, it is pretty easy to watch film and see good football players.”
UW has four fullbacks on this season's roster – senior Alec Ingold, who backed up Ramesh last season; redshirt freshman Coy Wanner, from Green Bay Preble; redshirt freshman Jake Collinsworth, from Merrill; and freshman John Chenal, from Grantsburg.
Collinsworth, 6 foot 1 and 240 pounds, and Chenal, 6-2 and 235, were linebacker/running backs in high school.
Ramesh had a similar build and résumé when he came to UW from Northland Pines High School.
Ingold and Wanner come from a different mold, however.
Ingold was a dual-threat quarterback at Bay Port High School. Wanner was a dual-threat quarterback at Green Bay Preble High School.
Ramesh, who was listed at 6-1 and 255 last season, ignited the UW sideline when he hurdled a Miami defensive back after catching a short pass in the Orange Bowl.
Ingold, who was held out of practice Monday because of a minor injury to his right leg, has similar athletic ability.
"If you check the tape from high school, I’ve got some air,” Ingold joked. “It is in the repertoire. It was in the repertoire 30 pounds ago, so we’ll see.”
Ingold’s value, according to Chryst, is his versatility.
He is an effective short-yard runner, catches the ball well out of the backfield and could serve as an Hback if needed.
“I’m excited for what Alec has done this off-season,” Chryst said. “It will be new for him. He had Ram with him.
“He is a smart player and he is a guy who can do so many things. We’ve got to do a good job of not loading him up too much.”