Wisconsin football’s spring practice is in full swing after a break, revealing both promising developments and lingering questions for the Badgers. During the team’s fourth open session, the top quarterbacks showed marked improvement, but injuries at the wide receiver position have created significant depth concerns. The coaching staff is now testing new offensive schemes to adapt to the shifting personnel as they prepare for the 2024 season.
Injuries Test Wide Receiver Depth
The Badgers’ wide receiver group is facing a tough challenge early in spring practice. Coach Luke Fickell confirmed that Idaho transfer Mark Hamper is out indefinitely, with no clear timeline for his return. This news puts a strain on a unit already missing another key player.
Trech Kekahuna was also sidelined, though his move from crutches to a knee scooter suggests he is making progress in his recovery. With two primary targets unavailable, the offense had to rely on other players to step up.
Tyrell Henry answered the call, making several impressive plays that highlighted his potential. He connected with quarterback Billy Edwards for a deep touchdown, skillfully catching the ball between three defenders. Henry also made a spectacular acrobatic catch on the sideline, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable target for the Badgers’ offense.
Quarterbacks Shine while Backups Struggle
The performance of the top two quarterbacks was a major positive from the practice. Billy Edwards displayed significant growth, showing improved accuracy and decision-making, even when under pressure from the defense. His consistency was a clear step forward for the offense.
Freshman Danny O’Neil also had a solid day, but the performance level dropped off sharply with the reserve players. The backups faced several challenges that stalled offensive drives.
- Milos Spasojevic threw a costly interception on an overthrown deep pass and was involved in a fumbled handoff.
- Carter Smith struggled with botched snaps from the backup center and also threw an interception during team drills.
These miscues highlight a potential depth problem at the quarterback position. While the starters are performing well, the team needs more reliability from its reserves as spring practice continues.
Offense Adapts with Versatile Running Backs
With the wide receiver corps depleted, offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes adjusted his play-calling. The offense featured a heavy dose of misdirection plays, including jet sweeps, reverses, and screens, to keep the defense off-balance. This strategy also allowed the running backs to show off their versatility.
All four of the team’s tailbacks were active in the passing game, catching balls out of the backfield and participating in pass protection drills. Though these plays didn’t result in huge gains, they showcased the multi-faceted skills of the running back group. Dilin Jones notably recovered from early struggles in pass protection to finish his drills on a high note, while Darrion Dupree had a mixed day with a fumble but otherwise played well.
Offensive Line Stability and Concerns
The starting offensive line showed some encouraging continuity, with Kerry Kodanko solidifying his spot at the starting right guard position. The first-team unit appeared to be gelling, providing a stable pocket for the top quarterbacks.
However, the reserve offensive line had a difficult practice. Their struggles were a major factor in the backup quarterbacks’ inconsistent play.
| Issue Type | Players Involved | Impact on Play |
|---|---|---|
| Botched Snaps | Joey Okla, Carter Smith | Disrupted rhythm, led to broken plays |
| Fumbled Exchange | Milos Spasojevic, Gideon Ituka | Turnover, loss of possession |
| Protection Breakdowns | Reserve O-Line | Led to hurried throws and interceptions |
These execution errors from the second and third-string units underscore the need for better communication and fundamentals. The coaching staff will be looking for much more consistency from the backups in the upcoming practices to build reliable depth along the offensive front.
