Leonhard sees Franklin’s potential
MADISON – Outside linebacker Izayah Green-May redshirted in his first season at Wisconsin, played sparingly in a handful of games in his second season, came on last spring and now the redshirt sophomore appears set to start the opener.
UW defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard believes redshirt freshman Jaylan Franklin has the same potential.
“I think he is very similar to where Izayah was a year ago,” Leonhard said after practice on Monday. “Physically, the body is still coming for him. Mentally, at times struggling.
“But then you watch him come off the edge and he does some things that are special and get you excited.”
Franklin, 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, was initially expected to start out as a tight end at UW but instead began working at outside linebacker.
He redshirted last season and began to flash play-making ability in the spring. He hasn't been among the top four outside linebackers in camp but made several impressive plays in the backfield on Monday.
“It is just continuing to push him,” Leonhard said. “Every rep is a great rep for him, a learning experience. Just learning how to win in all these situations.
“He has a tremendous burst off the ball, great energy and he is willing to work. We've got to get him there.”
Freshmen on the clock
Fifth-year senior Gunnar Roberge, a walk-on from Seymour High School, entered camp as the No. 2 nose tackle behind sophomore Bryson Williams.
Defensive line coach Inoke Breckterfield likely will have to find a new backup because Roberge is out after suffering a right-arm injury over the weekend.
Breckterfield had already given work to two freshmen – Keeanu Benton of Janesville Craig High School, and Gio Paez of William A. Hough High School in North Carolina.
Benton, 6-4 and 315, has been getting extensive work the No. 2 line.
“Physically, Keeanu is impressive,” Leonhard said. “He is a little bit of a puppy dog trying to figure out where his body is at times. But he is a strong, powerful and athletic kid doing some really nice things for us.
“He's got to expand his knowledge (but) it's still early in camp. He is 11 practices into college football so he is having some ups and downs but physically he is impressive.”
From the infirmary
Redshirt sophomore cornerback Faion Hicks, who has drawn raves from the coaches, was held out Monday because of leg injury.
Redshirt junior defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk (left arm) remains out.
Center Tyler Biadasz and left tackle Cole Van Lanen were again given light workloads.
Jason Erdmann filled in for Biadasz and Tyler Beach for Van Lanen on the No. 1 offensive line.
Josh Bernhagen, the team's No. 2 long-snapper behind Adam Bay, is expected to miss significant time. He was at practice Monday on crutches, with a large wrap on his left leg.
Senior wide receiver A.J. Taylor, who was held out of practice on Friday after suffering a leg injury, remains out.
Redshirt junior Christian Bell, who needs all the work he can get to secure playing time at outside linebacker, was out with a right-leg injury.
Redshirt freshman offensive lineman Michael Furtney returned to practice wearing a protective wrap on his injured left hand.