Thoughts on the 9th spring practice

Will Poehling, a standout receiver last season who led the Badgers with 74 catches, 837 yards and six touchdowns, reiterated that he is a go-to target during Thursday's practice at McClain Center. insisted. His best catch came in the back of the end zone during a 7-on-7 practice in the red zone. Poehling snatched a pass out of the air and slipped it out of the hands of defensive back Austin Brown for a touchdown.

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Other players who are expected to make important contributions offensively, such as running back Che Merusi, are also doing well, albeit with some limitations, as the staff is doing everything they can to be ready for the fall. seems to be increasing.

Here are four observations from Thursday's practice, the Badgers' ninth of 15 sessions this spring.

Wisconsin started this season with four players on the offensive line with several years of starting experience: left tackle Jack Nelson, center Jake Renfro, right guard Joe Huber and right tackle Riley Mahlman. There is a high possibility that The fifth potential starter is Joe Brunner, a former four-star recruit who was likely in the rotation last year.

This group has steadily improved this spring, with an especially strong showing of Daylan blocking on Thursday. There are four runs behind the first team line, the running back is able to reach at least 10 yards downfield before making contact with the defender, and the defense knows the ball is being passed. There was almost no penetration outside of the inside run period. off. In particular, there has been an increase in vertical movement in zone blocks, where the interior trio serves as the base of attack.

Being a strong run-blocking team allows the Badgers to accomplish many goals. It's in line with the identity coach Luke Fickell wants for his team and would certainly help whichever quarterback ends up winning the battle between Bradyn Lock and Tyler Van Dyke. That ability also allows one of the deepest running back groups on the team to impact the game.

This appeared to be a direct challenge for Jake Chaney, as the Badgers' coaches restructured their inside linebacker group in the offseason, prioritizing height, length and athleticism. Chaney, a senior on the spring roster, isn't the tallest or fastest player at 5-foot-11, but he was someone the team relied on last season.

Chaney has quick processing skills and is still one of the hardest hitters among the linebacker group. He continues to be the No. 1 defenseman in the “Mike” linebacker position (inside linebacker facing the side of the field) and rarely leaves his position during plays. He also assists other defenders with questions about their duties between plays and series.

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In pass coverage, there are moments when Chaney's lack of ideal size becomes an issue, such as during Thursday's red zone drill. He didn't back up enough in zone coverage to take a passing lane to the post in the end zone, where the ball ended up going for a touchdown. If he had the same height as some of his new inside linebacker teammates, he might have gotten it, even if he wasn't in the right position. Chaney's performance and leadership this spring have helped him maintain his spot among the top defensemen, but he could be a formidable challenger when Tuckett Curtis is healthy enough to practice fully.

Wisconsin's tight end group was once again a bit thin due to injuries, but perhaps the most important tight end on the team was able to run a little more Thursday. Tucker Ashcraft was one of three tight ends who played consistently last season, but he took more snaps with the team than before as he recovers from a hamstring strain.

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Ashcraft rolled out and caught a short pass from Van Dyke in the flat, quickly cutting up the field and running through contact about 15 yards later. It was an encouraging sign that he was on the mend, as he said Wednesday that he felt like his injury was coming to an end, but that he was following his trainer's advice to be cautious. He wasn't targeted again Thursday and didn't play in the long 11-on-11 period late in practice.

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The Badgers need someone among their tight ends to create a downfield threat between the hashes. With his combination of speed, catching ability, and system knowledge, Ashcraft is the best bet once he returns to full speed.

Developing depth and playmakers on the defensive line was high on the Badgers' to-do list this offseason. It remains to be seen whether former offensive lineman Ben Barten can become a down-to-down playmaker, but he has solidified himself as one of the line's top options with his strength and tenacity.

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Barten didn't have any notable highlight plays on Thursday, but he got some good practice against Brunner and Huber. Barten's upper body strength and ability to extend his arms sets him apart from the younger players in the defensive line group. Barten's next step is to get that enhancement faster so it can use it to remove blocks more frequently.

Barten's role may be more situational, as Wisconsin is more likely to be on a 2-down front than a 3-down front, but so far he's been able to keep the gap and play defense up front. has proven reliable in providing the kind of effort required.