Badger Bits: Larger role for Ewing?

Just five days until Wisconsin's spring football game! Make sure to follow @B5Q for coverage of the game. You can follow me too if you like. I'll be tweeting and (hopefully) soaking in some sun!

It looks like Wisconsin fullback Bradie Ewing will have a larger role in the Badgers' offense next season, according to Tom Mulhern of Madison.com. Mulhern says offensive coordinator Paul Chryst's fondness for two-tight end sets or using three wide receivers cut into Ewing's playing time, and it's easy to see in the statistics. Ewing played in all of the Badgers' 13 games last year, but only accumulated 101 yards of offense, including three touchdowns.

That might change this year, however. The Badgers only have two experienced options at both tight end and wide receiver heading into the 2011 season, which means there will be a lot more room for Ewing to show off his versatility. Ewing can run well, block, and catch, so his presence on the field could make him an x-factor opposing defenses will have to account for.

More Badger Bits after the jump!

Wisconsin linebacker Nick Hill has had his fair share of adversity during his college career, including numerous injuries and being dismissed from the team in 2010. However, according to Jeff Potrykus of the Journal-Sentinel, Hill finally looks ready to contribute.

Mulhern also writes that Wisconsin wide receiver Jared Abbrederis has a few similarities with Luke Swan, the former Badger wideout who is now a graduate assistant for the team.

Tight end Brian Wozniak had a good final scrimmage, according to Mulhern.

Potrykus also writes that according to defensive coordinator Chris Ash, the Wisconsin defense is looking for consistency this spring.

Check out the photo gallery from Wisconsin's last scrimmage before the spring game! (Did I mention that it's this Saturday?)

The NFL draft is still two weeks away, and former Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi is answering a few questions from Dave Heller of the Journal-Sentinel. Interesting note: Carimi visited with the New York Jets and the Atlanta Falcons recently.

Check out this awesome piece from Andy Baggot about former Wisconsin goalie Kirk Daubenspeck and his road back from a near-fatal car crash.