clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2014 Wisconsin fall camp: 5 freshmen receive their 'W'; Bucket Hat Golf

More Joel Stave vs. Tanner McEvoy with the prized No. 1 starting quarterback spot on the line, plus a fun little team bonding at the conclusion of practice ended with a glorious golf shot. Wait, golf?

By Jake Kocorowski
Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

A day after 5,000 fans filled part of Camp Randall Stadium to watch the first scrimmage of fall camp, Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen and his Wisconsin Badgers practiced Monday afternoon.

I arrived just as true freshman wide receiver Krenwick Sanders was receiving his "W". Here's are the highlights from about 40 minutes' worth of practice.

Joel Stave looking sharp

The junior from Greenfield, Wisconsin, commanded the offense nicely in a form of two-minute or fast-paced offense, going 5-for-5 in his drive with the exception of spiking the ball at the end, per Fox Sports Wisconsin's Jesse Temple.

McEvoy didn't have as solid of a drive in his turn, going 2-for-4 with a near interception by sophomore linebacker Leon Jacobs in the flat, though to be fair per Temple, Stave could've possibly been picked by junior cornerback Devin Gaulden as well.

Five freshmen earn their Ws

I saw safety Lubern Figaro and Sanders receive their Ws in a team huddle in the middle of the Dave McClain Athletic Facility. Prior to my arrival, the two other rising freshmen receivers -- George Rushing and Natrell Jamerson -- got the nod, along with kicker Rafael Gaglianone (per John Veldhuis).

The Brazilian is a no-brainer after an impressive first week of camp, nailing field goals of 50 and 55 yards in yesterday's scrimmage just as an example.

The freshmen receivers have made noise with upperclassmen Kenzel Doe and Jordan Fredrick limited due to injuries. Jamerson caught a 38-yard strike from junior quarterback Bart Houston on Sunday, and Rushing caught a 21-yard touchdown from McEvoy during the scrimmage as well.

Bucket Hat Golf a hit with players

At the conclusion of practice, players stood in the end zone, with some taking up the challenge of chipping a golf ball onto the midfield Motion "W" inside the McClain Center. Winners would receive a Wisconsin bucket hat. Sophomore linebacker Vince Biegel was the only player to make the shot, and was nearly the only person on the field to make a shot, until Andersen himself came up:

Ecstatic players swarmed around Andersen after the chip shot. Pretty impressive shot, and scene, post-practice.

Notes

  • Per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jeff Potrykus, Figaro did get some reps with the No. 1 defense, along with another true freshman, Derrick Tindal. Safe to say, this team really has a blend of veteran leadership with Melvin Gordon, Rob Havenstein and Warren Herring, along with some talented young players trying to make an early impact.
  • Previously injured players made their return to practice:
  • Both Potrykus and BadgerNation.com's Ben Worgull tweeted that true freshman offensive linemen Jacob Maxwell was not at practice, and was supposed to meet with Andersen later this evening with his family. Just recently, Potrykus tweeted out the Greendale, Wisconsin, native will not be leaving the program:

More From Bucky's 5th Quarter