Confident Coan appears to be UW’s No. 1 option at quarterback
MADISON – Wisconsin is set to open its fifth season under head coach Paul Chryst in less than three weeks, with an intriguing road game against South Florida.
The Badgers are nearing the halfway point of preseason camp, set to close on Aug. 23.
Reporters have been able to watch four full practices, and based on those sessions, here is a big-picture look at the team’s personnel.
Offense
Based on how the workload has been divvied and the overall performances of the quarterbacks, junior
Jack Coan appears to be leading a threeman race to start the opener. Coan, whose play was uneven in four starts last season, appears more comfortable and confident in the offense and his game.
“I think the way Jack has gone about everything … you can see he is doing some really good things,” Chryst said Friday after the most recent practice open to reporters. “But he is not much different than a lot of guys –consistently being able to do that.”
Redshirt freshman Chase Wolf and freshman Graham Mertz appear to be battling for the No. 2 spot. Wolf didn't come to UW with the offer list of Mertz, who enrolled a semester early and took part in spring ball. However, the 6-foot-1, 196-pound Wolf has made as many good throws, if not more, than Mertz.
“When Chase is playing well, he can makes some plays,” Chryst said. “I think he has done a good job of continuing to grow his understanding, which always helps."
The return of Zander Neuville, who learned recently he had been granted a sixth year of eligibility after suffering season-ending knee injuries in 2017 and ‘18, should bolster the depth at tight end once he gets back into football shape.
Until then, however, Jake Ferguson remains the only proven play-maker at the position. UW can't afford to lose Ferguson, who finished with 36 catches for 456 yards and four touchdowns as a redshirt freshman last season.
Left tackle Cole Van Lanen and center Tyler Biadasz, both of whom underwent surgery after the '18 season, have been limited in practice for several days. The staff likely is just being cautious but the situation is worth monitoring.
Nevertheless, offensive line coach Joe Rudolph appears to have eight linemen ready to play if needed. Several of those can play multiple positions.
A.J. Taylor, Danny Davis and Kendric Pryor are proven play-makers at wide receiver, though that trio needs to be more consistent.
Aron Cruickshank has flashed throughout camp, making tough catches in traffic. He had just one catch as a freshman, however, and Chryst has acknowledged the staff would like more options. The leading candidates remain redshirt juniors Adam Krumholz and Jack Dunn unless a younger player can emerge.
"I love the way that group has been working and attacking each day," Chryst said. "I think Jack Dunn and Krum have had a good start to the camp. We've got to get one of these young guys to elevate."
Jonathan Taylor and Garrett Groshek appear set as the top two tailbacks. Next in line? Redshirt freshman Nakia Watson and fifth-year senior Bradrick Shaw are getting long looks
Fullbacks John Chenal and Mason Stokke should be solid options. Chenal, 6-2 and 252, could help out as a blocker considering the lack of depth at tight end.
Defense
Ends Garrett Rand and Isaiahh Loudermilk are critical components to the defense. If both can stay healthy, defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield will have at least three quality ends. Matt Henningsen, who started 10 games as a redshirt freshman last season, has looked better overall in camp. The staff would love to see redshirt freshman Isaiah Mullens or senior David Pfaff provide quality depth.
Sophomore Bryson Williams is eager to improve his play at nose tackle and be a more vocal leader this season. The backups are unproven. Walk-on Gunnar Roberge opened camp as the second option, but can freshman Keeanu Benton earn the No. 2 job?
Despite the departure of T.J. Edwards and Ryan Connelly after last season, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard appears to have enough bodies at inside linebacker. Senior Chris Orr appears ready to put together a big senior season and sophomore Jack Sanborn impressed last season. The young player to watch is freshman Leo Chenal, who is built like a fridge and runs over opponents like an 18-wheeler.
The coaches entered camp looking for a complement to senior Zack Baun at outside linebacker and appear to have found one in redshirt sophomore Izayah Green-May. He carries only 221 pounds on his 6-6 frame but he is long and athletic. Backups Tyler Johnson and Noah Burks are solid but neither will command more than one blocker.
UW has used three safeties in some formations. Scott Nelson and Reggie Pearson, who have worked together on the No. 1 defense, and Eric Burrell all have made plays in camp.
Redshirt sophomore Faion Hicks has been the most consistent corner and has generally been paired with Deron Williams on the No. 1 unit. Leonhard has several options beyond that duo, including Caesar Williams and Rachad Wildgoose.
A wildcard is Madison Cone, who was the team's third cornerback last season but has been moved to safety. His versatility could lead to playing time.
Special teams
Kickoff specialist Zach Hintze could add the field-goal duties to his workload if he continues to kick as consistently as he has. He is battling Collin Larsh as the coaches look to replace Rafael Gaglianone. Hintze has a much stronger leg, but accuracy has been his No. 1 issue in the past.
Dunn and Cruickshank could handle punt and kickoff returns, respectively, again this season. The blocking on both units has to improve, however, and that won't be determined until the season starts at South Florida.