UW backup QB Wolf shows he’s capable in the red zone
MADISON - Although Graham Mertz clearly remains Wisconsin's No. 1 quarterback, backup Chase Wolf put together an impressive sequence Tuesday during the team's red-zone drill.
Wolf threw four touchdown passes on six attempts during his turn.
One of the scores, to tailback Braelon Allen, appeared to be the result of a blown coverage, but the other three scores were the result of excellent execution.
Wolf found tight end Jaylan Franklin for a 20-yard score on his first throw, on third and 10. He hit tight end Jake Ferguson for a 17-yard score on the next throw, on first and 10. He found wide receiver Kendric Pryor for an 8-yard score on third and goal.
Mertz had one touchdown on his six attempts. He fired a 11-yard strike to wide receiver Danny Davis, who was covered tightly by safety Scott Nelson.
“I've liked the way that Chase is approaching camp,” head coach Paul Chryst said after practice. “A lot of the questions have been about Graham, but Chase has been every bit as hungry and putting in the time.”
Wolf played in three games as a redshirt freshman in 2019 and in three games last season. He got more snaps last season, however, and played a crucial role in UW's 20-17 overtime victory over Minnesota.
Wolf replaced an injured Mertz late in the third quarter and found Jack Dunn for a 4-yard touchdown on third and goal with UW trailing, 10-7.
“He certainly came in and did some really good things,” Chryst said, adding Wolf also learned valuable lessons about ball security after throwing interceptions against the Gophers and Wake Forest in the bowl game.
From the infirmary
With senior Tyler Beach (left leg) still out, redshirt sophomore Logan Brown again filled in at left tackle on the No. 1 offensive line.
Senior Izayah Green-May, who has been hampered by injuries the past two seasons, worked with the No. 2 defense at outside linebacker Tuesday. GreenMay got more work with C.J. Goetz (right leg) still sidelined.
Safety Travian Blaylock (left) leg and Allen (left leg) were limited Tuesday.
Tight end Jack Eschenbach and outside linebacker Nick Herbig both practiced despite wearing a protective a wrap on their left hands.
Cornerback Deron Harrell (right leg) and tailback Loyal Crawford (head) did not practice.
Freshman cornerback Al Ashford left practice after suffering a left-arm injury.
UW hosting doubleheader
Eager to welcome back fans to their facilities, UW officials have scheduled a football/volleyball doubleheader for Aug. 21.
The event begins with football practice inside Camp Randall Stadium, with gates open for fans at 9 a.m. The practice is scheduled to end at approximately 11 a.m.
UW opens at No. 15
The Badgers are No. 15 in the USA Today American Football Coaches Association preseason poll.