A look back to get everyone ready for tomorrow's NCAA tournament game between the Badgers and Wofford:
Recently in Brian Lucas Category
As promised, here is the full sequence of photos from one of Nick Toon's routinely spectacular catches during Tuesday's practice (and equally spectacular photography):
If you scroll really fast, it looks like one of those flip books that you could draw in your notebook while you were bored in social studies class. If you don't know what "flip book" or "social studies" is, google it.
With spring practice in full swing, here are some things being written and said about the Badger football team:
* Madison.com - Badgers' Henry carries healthy attitude to new position
* Madison.com - Blog: UW football spring report, practice No. 3
* ESPN.com - Video: Badgers' Valai on next season
* ESPN.com - Video: Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien
* National Football Post - Big Ten spring practice preview: Wisconsin
Adam Rittenberg from ESPN.com was in Madison yesterday and talked to numerous players and coaches. Check back to his Big Ten blog frequently to look for new content on the Badgers.
* Madison.com - Badgers' Henry carries healthy attitude to new position
* Madison.com - Blog: UW football spring report, practice No. 3
* ESPN.com - Video: Badgers' Valai on next season
* ESPN.com - Video: Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien
* National Football Post - Big Ten spring practice preview: Wisconsin
Adam Rittenberg from ESPN.com was in Madison yesterday and talked to numerous players and coaches. Check back to his Big Ten blog frequently to look for new content on the Badgers.
Wide receiver Nick Toon had a great season last year and looks to build off that for 2010. He has looked good through three practices in the spring, often making the tough catches, look routine. Here's an example (notice WRs coach DelVaughn Alexander and the players in the background react like it's nothing special).
Check back later for the full sequence of photos from this play, tracking the ball from Scott Tolzien's hands to Toon's.
Check back later for the full sequence of photos from this play, tracking the ball from Scott Tolzien's hands to Toon's.
Today the Wisconsin football team held its first practice outside in Camp Randall on a beautiful Wisconsin day. The sun was out and it was just over 60 degrees for UW's first practice with full pads. The Badgers went 24 periods (two hours).
Video highlights and interviews with WR Jared Abbrederis, WR Nick Toon and TE Lance Kendricks
All about the defense
Today it was the defense that shined. During the skelly (7-on-7) drill, freshman Conor O'Neill made back-to-back plays to garner a defensive play of the day. On a short pass to Jared Abbrederis, O'Neill was there to break it up before Abbrederis could gain control. On the next play, O'Neill picked off a Jon Budmayr pass on what would have been a 20-yard completion.
O'Neill wasn't the only one to get an interception. During 11-on-11, Antonio Fenelus picked off quarterback Scott Tolzien as he threw it up trying to avoid the rush from linebacker Culmer St. Jean. Honorable mention goes to J.J. Watt for his pressure on consecutive plays following the interception and Aaron Henry for a pass breakup on a 30-yard pass from Tolzien intended for Lance Kendricks.
Practice No. 3 Photo Gallery
Offensive Play of the Day
In the final series, during 11-on-11, the deepest pass of the day came from a familiar pair as Budmayr and Abbrederis combined for about a 45-yard completion. That makes three straight practices Budmayr and Abbrederis have hooked up for a deep pass to make the offensive play of the day.
Hit of the day
On the first day in full pads, there has to be a hit of the day. During positional drills, Travis Frederick got the hit of the day for knocking Ethan Armstrong off his feet. Not to worry, on the very next snap, Armstrong came back with a pop on Jake Current.
Honorable mention goes to Henry who broke from his safety position to puit a hit on Nick Toon following a sideline completion, knocking Toon to the ground (he held onto the ball).
Seen and heard
New assistant coach Chris Ash has made himself comfortable with the DB's making sure they were all on the same page. Probably one of the more vocal coaches today, and it paid off with the defense stepping up today at practice. I overheard him during positional drills say, "We intercept it, and we want to go score."
With that, the defense had at least two interceptions and two pass break ups in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
A step ahead
There is one member of the 2010 recruiting class who will be a step ahead of his peers come fall camp. Warren Herring (pictured above) graduated from Belleville East High School early to enroll a semester early at UW and participate in spring ball. So far, so good for the freshman as he is getting acclimated with the Wisconsin system a semester early.
"His effort is good. He's got a long, long way to go fundamentally," said defensive line coach Charlie Partridge. "But fortunately with him being here and getting 15 practices ahead of where he would normally be if he graduated in June is going to give him a chance to get ahead of the game."
This and that
On the final play of practice, after the offense took the ball down field in a series that started with the 45-yard pickup by Abbrederis from Budmayr, the offense had one last play to run from inside the 20-yard line. The defense started a "DE-FENSE" cheer which turned into a celebration as Zach Brown couldn't hold onto the ball on the goal line (Coach Bielema signaled an incompletion but the offense argued the call).
Some more notable names were at practice today. Former players included Jim Leonhard, Mickey Turner and Joe Panos. Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez also made an appearance at today's practice.
Even though some players are not participating in spring ball, doesn't mean they weren't in full gear today. John Clay, John Moffitt, Mike Taylor, Gabe Carmi and others all took turns with the trainer whether it was jogging the stadium stairs or doing some agility work, and all in full pads.
Video highlights and interviews with WR Jared Abbrederis, WR Nick Toon and TE Lance Kendricks
All about the defense
Today it was the defense that shined. During the skelly (7-on-7) drill, freshman Conor O'Neill made back-to-back plays to garner a defensive play of the day. On a short pass to Jared Abbrederis, O'Neill was there to break it up before Abbrederis could gain control. On the next play, O'Neill picked off a Jon Budmayr pass on what would have been a 20-yard completion.
O'Neill wasn't the only one to get an interception. During 11-on-11, Antonio Fenelus picked off quarterback Scott Tolzien as he threw it up trying to avoid the rush from linebacker Culmer St. Jean. Honorable mention goes to J.J. Watt for his pressure on consecutive plays following the interception and Aaron Henry for a pass breakup on a 30-yard pass from Tolzien intended for Lance Kendricks.
Practice No. 3 Photo GalleryOffensive Play of the Day
In the final series, during 11-on-11, the deepest pass of the day came from a familiar pair as Budmayr and Abbrederis combined for about a 45-yard completion. That makes three straight practices Budmayr and Abbrederis have hooked up for a deep pass to make the offensive play of the day.
Hit of the day
On the first day in full pads, there has to be a hit of the day. During positional drills, Travis Frederick got the hit of the day for knocking Ethan Armstrong off his feet. Not to worry, on the very next snap, Armstrong came back with a pop on Jake Current.
Honorable mention goes to Henry who broke from his safety position to puit a hit on Nick Toon following a sideline completion, knocking Toon to the ground (he held onto the ball).
Seen and heard
New assistant coach Chris Ash has made himself comfortable with the DB's making sure they were all on the same page. Probably one of the more vocal coaches today, and it paid off with the defense stepping up today at practice. I overheard him during positional drills say, "We intercept it, and we want to go score."
With that, the defense had at least two interceptions and two pass break ups in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
A step aheadThere is one member of the 2010 recruiting class who will be a step ahead of his peers come fall camp. Warren Herring (pictured above) graduated from Belleville East High School early to enroll a semester early at UW and participate in spring ball. So far, so good for the freshman as he is getting acclimated with the Wisconsin system a semester early.
"His effort is good. He's got a long, long way to go fundamentally," said defensive line coach Charlie Partridge. "But fortunately with him being here and getting 15 practices ahead of where he would normally be if he graduated in June is going to give him a chance to get ahead of the game."
This and that
On the final play of practice, after the offense took the ball down field in a series that started with the 45-yard pickup by Abbrederis from Budmayr, the offense had one last play to run from inside the 20-yard line. The defense started a "DE-FENSE" cheer which turned into a celebration as Zach Brown couldn't hold onto the ball on the goal line (Coach Bielema signaled an incompletion but the offense argued the call).
Some more notable names were at practice today. Former players included Jim Leonhard, Mickey Turner and Joe Panos. Director of Athletics Barry Alvarez also made an appearance at today's practice.
Even though some players are not participating in spring ball, doesn't mean they weren't in full gear today. John Clay, John Moffitt, Mike Taylor, Gabe Carmi and others all took turns with the trainer whether it was jogging the stadium stairs or doing some agility work, and all in full pads.
As Coach Bielema announced on his Twitter page, we will hold practice outside today in full pads. Final preparations are being done as we speak to get the field ready:
Much of the talk out of the first two practices has centered around how good UW's quarterbacks have looked. Here's some great photography work by yours truly to illustrated that point a little better:
Sophomore Curt Phillips in front, senior Scott Tolzien in back
Running back John Clay and offensive lineman John Moffitt are both being held out of spring practice as they recover from offseason procedures. As such, they are relegated to working with the trainers during practice. One of their drills yesterday was some light jogging across the field. Clay was able to to nip Moffitt at the finish line, resulting in this celebration (you can see a clearly dejected Moffitt in the background):
(editor's note: this was not a real race, merely a good photo op during practice. I'm sure John Clay could easily outrun John Moffitt in a real race ... sorry Moff)
(editor's note: this was not a real race, merely a good photo op during practice. I'm sure John Clay could easily outrun John Moffitt in a real race ... sorry Moff)
The Wisconsin football team was back inside McClain Center on Monday afternoon for its second practice of spring football. Practicing in helmets only, the team went for 24 periods. Tomorrow is the first day in full pads.
"I think the guys are ready to go to work and have an opportunity to put on the pads and see exactly where everybody is at," head coach Bret Bielema said.
Head coach Bret Bielema's post-practice media session
Skelly
A couple of notable plays occurred during the team's skelly (7-on-7) drill. On the first play, quarterback Scott Tolzien hooked up with tight end Lance Kendricks on a deep ball. Kendricks got behind the safeties as Aaron Henry fell down, eliciting some oohs and aaahs from players on the sidelines.
Nick Toon showed off his speed as he caught a slant pass at about the 35-yard line, made one quick move, then was able to outrace the defense to the corner for a score.
Linebacker Kevin Rouse also had a nice pass breakup during the drill.
"[Kevin Rouse] has made big improvements," Bielema said after practice. "He made some good breaks on the ball."
Injured still helping out
In his pre-spring press conference, Bielema mentioned several players who would not participate in spring practices. While they are not taking part in the reps, many of them are still contributing where they can.
Center Peter Konz took snaps during the 7-on-7 drills to sharpen his footwork. Konz was later seen lining up as a defensive back during scout drills. The other side of the field was covered too as tackle Gabe Carimi covered David Gilreath, making for what might be the biggest size gap between a DB and WR in history.
Offensive lineman John Moffitt and running back John Clay each were seen doing jogging across the field to stay in shape, while linebacker Chris Borland was lining up at running back during linebacker drills.
Same faces, new places
A few players are have found homes at new positions this spring. For example, Kevin Claxton is making the switch from defensive back to linebacker, while Conor O'Neill is making the switch the other way. Both players were on the second units on defense with Claxton at outside linebacker and O'Neill at safety.
After practice, Bielema made note of Claxton, saying that he got his hands on some passes during practice. O'Neill also made his presence known as well, intercepting a pass during skelly after it had bounced off a few players' hands.
Freshman Connection
Fresh off a Play of the Day performance from the first practice, redshirt freshmen Jon Budmayr and Jared Abbrederis hooked up again for another deep pass for a score in 7-on-7, while just missing on another as Abbrederis was unable to hold on after making a tumbling effort for the pass.
"[Abbrederis] has caught my eye since last fall," Bielema said. "He's got athleticism, good hands and has done good work."
Practice No. 2 Photo Gallery
This and That
Without a full roster due to injuries, the loss of seniors and the freshman having yet to arrive, it made for some interesting sights during scout work: the aforementioned work of Konz and Carimi at cornerback, Scott Tolzien lined up at safety and a new offensive line that partially consisted of kickers Alec Lerner and Phillip Welch and long snapper Kyle Wojta ... former UW quarterback Brooks Bollinger took in Monday's practice, watching from the sidelines and then addressing the team after practice about enjoying their time while they can and how proud the football alumni is of the current team
"I think the guys are ready to go to work and have an opportunity to put on the pads and see exactly where everybody is at," head coach Bret Bielema said.
Head coach Bret Bielema's post-practice media session
Skelly
A couple of notable plays occurred during the team's skelly (7-on-7) drill. On the first play, quarterback Scott Tolzien hooked up with tight end Lance Kendricks on a deep ball. Kendricks got behind the safeties as Aaron Henry fell down, eliciting some oohs and aaahs from players on the sidelines.
Nick Toon showed off his speed as he caught a slant pass at about the 35-yard line, made one quick move, then was able to outrace the defense to the corner for a score.
Linebacker Kevin Rouse also had a nice pass breakup during the drill.
"[Kevin Rouse] has made big improvements," Bielema said after practice. "He made some good breaks on the ball."
Injured still helping out
In his pre-spring press conference, Bielema mentioned several players who would not participate in spring practices. While they are not taking part in the reps, many of them are still contributing where they can.
Center Peter Konz took snaps during the 7-on-7 drills to sharpen his footwork. Konz was later seen lining up as a defensive back during scout drills. The other side of the field was covered too as tackle Gabe Carimi covered David Gilreath, making for what might be the biggest size gap between a DB and WR in history.
Offensive lineman John Moffitt and running back John Clay each were seen doing jogging across the field to stay in shape, while linebacker Chris Borland was lining up at running back during linebacker drills.
Same faces, new places
A few players are have found homes at new positions this spring. For example, Kevin Claxton is making the switch from defensive back to linebacker, while Conor O'Neill is making the switch the other way. Both players were on the second units on defense with Claxton at outside linebacker and O'Neill at safety.
After practice, Bielema made note of Claxton, saying that he got his hands on some passes during practice. O'Neill also made his presence known as well, intercepting a pass during skelly after it had bounced off a few players' hands.
Freshman Connection
Fresh off a Play of the Day performance from the first practice, redshirt freshmen Jon Budmayr and Jared Abbrederis hooked up again for another deep pass for a score in 7-on-7, while just missing on another as Abbrederis was unable to hold on after making a tumbling effort for the pass.
"[Abbrederis] has caught my eye since last fall," Bielema said. "He's got athleticism, good hands and has done good work."
Practice No. 2 Photo GalleryThis and That
Without a full roster due to injuries, the loss of seniors and the freshman having yet to arrive, it made for some interesting sights during scout work: the aforementioned work of Konz and Carimi at cornerback, Scott Tolzien lined up at safety and a new offensive line that partially consisted of kickers Alec Lerner and Phillip Welch and long snapper Kyle Wojta ... former UW quarterback Brooks Bollinger took in Monday's practice, watching from the sidelines and then addressing the team after practice about enjoying their time while they can and how proud the football alumni is of the current team
Looks like we will practice inside again today. Though the forecast is for a high of 57 degrees (seven degrees warmer than our bowl game in Orlando) and my favorite, "plentiful sunshine," the snow has just completely melted off the stadium field (finally!).
In addition to being pretty soggy, the field still needs to be completely cleaned following all of the construction from the Culver's Camp Randall Hockey Classic. Couldn't clear the field of all the small debris while the snow was still covering it.
There is hope for tomorrow (mostly sunny, high near 57) or Thursday (sunny, high near 64). Saturday's weather looks more typical for March (chance of rain, high near 43) so it's a safe bet we'll be inside then.
In addition to being pretty soggy, the field still needs to be completely cleaned following all of the construction from the Culver's Camp Randall Hockey Classic. Couldn't clear the field of all the small debris while the snow was still covering it.
There is hope for tomorrow (mostly sunny, high near 57) or Thursday (sunny, high near 64). Saturday's weather looks more typical for March (chance of rain, high near 43) so it's a safe bet we'll be inside then.
