The Wisconsin Badgers are now a week-and-a-half into their 2017 fall camp.
On Wednesday, the team went back out to Camp Randall Stadium for what felt like a lighter practice after Tuesday evening’s session, only practicing in what looked like “half-pack” (shoulder pads, helmets, shorts).
Running back Chris James looked sharp with the offense during the afternoon. Utilized both in the run and pass game, the Pitt transfer showed his versatility. It’s only 11 practices in, mind you, but from what’s been seen early on in camp, the Wisconsin backfield’s potency is evident.
Other observations:
- Lots of depth at tight end for the foreseeable future, but liked what true freshman tight end Jake Ferguson did during practice. He hauled in two passes, one diving and the other against safety D’Cota Dixon.
- Dixon did intercept an Alex Hornibrook pass, though the redshirt sophomore quarterback appeared to have a mostly solid day under center.
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Wisconsin cancels Milwaukee practice
On Wednesday afternoon, UW canceled the team’s Thursday open practice at Custer Stadium in Milwaukee. With the weather forecasts calling for a significant chance of thunderstorms in the area, the decision was made to modify the Badgers’ plans.
“It’s disappointing that we’re unable to go to Milwaukee,” Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst said in a release from UW. “I know there was a lot of planning that took place and I’d like to thank Bill Molbeck of Milwaukee Public Schools for all his help. Our hope is to be able to visit at some point in the future.”
Injury reports claims two more Badgers
Both redshirt junior tailback Taiwan Deal (right leg) and redshirt freshman cornerback Dontye Carriere-Williams (back) did not practice on Wednesday.
They joined the following who also did not practice:
- Outside linebacker Christian Bell (left leg)
- Inside linebacker Ryan Connelly (left leg)
- Wide receivers Jazz Peavy, Emmet Perry and Cade Green (all listed as left leg)
- Fullback Aaron Maternowski (head)
- Safety Scott Nelson (left leg)
- Tight end Zander Neuville (right leg)
Inside linebacker Griffin Grady (illness) was again limited.
There should be a disclaimer we’re still over three weeks away from the Sept. 1 season opener against Utah State (#soon).