Spring ball

ESPN did a wrap up of Spring ball in The Big Ten (link shamelessly stolen from MZONE, who also do a good job of pulling out highlights from each team. I, however, don't care about those other teams, so I bring you Wisconsin's wrap up in it's entirety.)

Some interesting points here and it does leave me more optimistic than I was going on. I'm at work, so there will be a derth of analysis until I get home...

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Spring Answers: The kid they call "Big Shifty" made an unexpected move up the depth chart at tailback. He probably won't start, but walk-on Dywon Rowan did push Jamil Walker out of the No. 2 spot. Listed at 5-9 and 243 pounds, Rowan loves contact and obviously runs with power, but he is also surprisingly elusive and quick. Big Ten defenders might not recognize him, but they better get ready to wrap him up. … The UW offensive line doesn't miss many meals. Among the starters, Outland contender Joe Thomas is the lightest at 306 and Marcus Coleman is the shortest at 6-5. These guys are massive. But much like Rowan, they are more mobile than you'd think. Thomas and freshman All-American Kraig Urbik are proven, and if there are any doubts about Eric VandenHeuvel, consult the Auburn D-line and check back with us. Depth is a legitimate concern with the loss of three starters, but the coaches don't seem all that worried about the big uglies. … The staff certainly isn't concerned with the linebacking corps. It's another spot where starters were lost, but optimism is high. In fact, many UW insiders think the starting three of Jonathan Casillas, Mark Zalewski and DeAndre Levy might be the most athletic trio the program has ever produced. With their speed, these guys can make plays from sideline-to-sideline as well in the backfield. Then there's MLB Elijah Hodge, who was a beast this spring and would probably start at most Big Ten schools. Not here. Zalewski is that good.

Fall Questions: How effectively can former TB Brian Calhoun be replaced? Remember, he was not only a great runner, but also one of the team's best receivers. With Booker Stanley booted off the team, the Badgers are left with a redshirt freshman (P.J. Hill) with no game experience and a junior (Walker) and a walk-on (Rowan) with little game experience. Expected starter Hill, forced to miss last season after breaking his leg in preseason practice, at least has history behind him. Since 1990, Wisconsin's first-year starters at this position have averaged 1,700 yards and 16 TDs. … QB John Stocco is back, but his receiving corps is as barren as a keg on a late Saturday night in Madison. The Badgers lost their top seven pass catchers from 2005, which leaves Marcus Randle El as the top statistical returner. That's no joke. Randle El played in five games, caught one pass for 29 yards and is the leading receiver. So it wasn't exactly surprising to see all the dropped balls and QB-WR miscommunication that marred spring practice. UW better hope the three freshmen can contribute immediately. … The situation at tight end isn't any clearer. After losing both tight ends to the NFL, the Badgers turn to a former linebacker (Andy Crooks), a former defensive end (Travis Beckum) and a former quarterback (Sean Lewis). So what happened to the offense formerly known as 34-points-per-game? Even the backup QB position hasn't been claimed. Wisconsin needs some answers by September. … It sounds strange to say after last year, but the D might actually carry the offense at times this season. The Badgers could stand to get better against the run, but cornerback is really the only possible worry spot on what should be a much-improved defense. Jack Ikegwuonu and Allen Langford have some starting experience at corner, but the depth consists of a pair of walk-ons.