The 3-2-1: Turning to the fall with spring camp now in the books
In this week's 3-2-1 column, we examine where Wisconsin stands after spring camp, which wrapped up Friday.
THREE THINGS WE LEARNED THIS SPRING
1 - Nick Nelson is going to be a difference maker at cornerback
Can Nick Nelson have the same impact Ryan Ramczyk had on the offensive side of the ball in 2016? That's likely too much to put on the Hawaii transfer's shoulders, but the redshirt sophomore wasted no time vaulting into a starter's role this spring. At 5-foot-11 and 207 pounds, Nelson is arguably the Badgers' top cover corner and should draw the No. 1 receiver assignments that Sojourn Shelton had last season.
During Ramczyk's scout-team season, we heard stories from Vince Biegel and Joe Schobert, who raved about his ability at left tackle. The same rumblings are coming to the surface in regards to Nelson, who gave Jazz Peavy and Rob Wheelwright fits last fall. It's still early, but expectations are - and should be - very high for Nelson this season.
“Honestly, he’s got one of the best off-coverages that I’ve ever seen from a DB,” fellow cornerback Derrick Tindal said of Nelson. “Playing with him, when we do press he comes and asks me questions. But then when I’m playing off, I watch him. I like to see how he moves and then I pick his brain about what’s going through his mind. I think that’s very interesting to look at him and be like ‘Damn, he makes that look easy.’ ”
2 - John Settle's group is stacked
Wisconsin graduated two running backs who will likely play on Sundays - Corey Clement and Dare Ogunbowale - come this fall. But John Settle may actually have a better one-punch in 2017.
Pittsburgh transfer Chris James and redshirt sophomore Bradrick Shaw looked very good this spring in their battle for the No. 1 job at tailback. We won't get a definite answer to the starter's question until the fall, but it likely won't matter as both will demand carries each week.
"Yeah, I think they (James and Shaw) do complement each other," head coach Paul Chryst said after the spring game Friday evening. "They're very different styles, but they both have the ability to run inside and be physical, and I think they're capable of big runs. I'm anxious to see how Taiwan (Deal) comes off of the off-season surgery. So we've got some depth there.
"They've just got to keep growing and keep working. But I think we've got guys that have played. Their role is going to be different than any role they've had to this point, but I like the group. I like the way they approach it."
3- Wisconsin's offensive line is back
After a few years of playing catch up - both with healthy bodies and productivity in the weight room - the offensive appears to be nearing the Wisconsin standard. Position coach Joe Rudolph should have at least nine game-ready linemen in 2017.
At tackle, David Edwards, Patrick Kasl and Jacob Maxwell - if healthy - should be ready in 2017. Inside, Michael Deiter, Jon Dietzen, Micah Kapoi and Beau Benzschawel all have starting experience. Redshirt freshman Tyler Biadasz put his name in that group after a strong spring camp, while Brett Connors, who could play anywhere on the line, also started games in 2016.
TWO QUESTIONS COMING OUT OF SPRING CAMP
