Wisconsin football is back on the practice field after Spring Break, and the Badgers are shaking off the offseason rust. With key players sidelined, the team is making adjustments, testing new strategies, and keeping an eye on emerging talent. The fourth open practice offered plenty of storylines, from quarterback performances to wide receiver depth concerns.
Mark Hamper Sidelined, Wide Receiver Depth Tested
Luke Fickell addressed the media post-practice with an update on wide receiver Mark Hamper. The Idaho transfer is out indefinitely, though Fickell did not disclose the reason for his absence. His return remains uncertain, which could be a blow to an already thin receiver group.
Trech Kekahuna, another key receiver, was also sidelined. He remained in a walking boot but swapped crutches for a knee scooter, signaling potential progress in his recovery. With Kekahuna and Hamper unavailable, the offense leaned on Tyrell Henry and Vinny Anthony to fill the gap.
Henry seized the opportunity, connecting with Billy Edwards on a pair of highlight-worthy plays. Edwards fit a deep ball between three defenders, allowing Henry to reel it in for a clean touchdown. Later, Henry made an acrobatic sideline grab, maintaining control while crashing into the padded wall. His performance provided a glimpse of what he could bring to the Badgers’ offense in 2024.
Quarterbacks Making Strides, But Depth a Concern
Billy Edwards showcased improvement, delivering accurate passes under pressure and making sound decisions. He was noticeably more consistent than in previous practices, which is an encouraging sign for the offense.
Danny O’Neil also performed well, though the quarterback play dipped beyond the top two. Milos Spasojevic struggled, throwing an interception on a poorly placed deep ball. He also botched a handoff with running back Gideon Ituka, leading to a fumble.
The issues extended to the reserve offensive line. Backup center Joey Okla and quarterback Carter Smith had two botched snaps, with Smith later throwing an interception in team drills. While Wisconsin’s top two quarterbacks are settling in, depth at the position remains a question mark heading into the next phase of spring practice.
Running Backs Show Versatility Amid Offensive Adjustments
With the wide receiver group in flux, offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes leaned into misdirection plays during 11-on-11 segments. Jet sweeps, reverses, bootlegs, and screens dominated the play calls, keeping defenders on their toes.
The strategy allowed the running backs to showcase their versatility. All four tailbacks caught passes and participated in pass-blocking drills. While not yielding explosive plays, the approach highlighted their ability to contribute in multiple ways.
One of the biggest takeaways was Dilin Jones’ resilience. He struggled early in pass protection, getting overpowered on three consecutive reps. But he bounced back, finishing the drill strong. Darrion Dupree had an up-and-down day, losing a fumble but otherwise performing well alongside Cade Yacamelli.
Offensive Line Stability, But Questions Remain
The offensive line saw some continuity, with Kerry Kodanko holding onto the starting right guard position. However, the reserve unit had its share of issues, particularly with snaps and protection.
Beyond the top unit, the execution was inconsistent. Botched snaps, fumbled exchanges, and errant throws disrupted the flow of team drills. These miscues underscored the importance of refining communication and execution, particularly among the backup linemen and quarterbacks.
While the starters appear set, the coaching staff will be looking for more consistency from the reserves as spring practices continue.
