Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst met with reporters and media on Friday afternoon, with the Badgers getting back to the grind in preparation for their Dec. 30 matchup against the USC Trojans in the Holiday Bowl.
Per Chryst, junior wide receiver Robert Wheelwright did partake in practice on Friday, with the chance the promising receiving target could play against the Trojans later this month.
Here are the other highlights from the 12 minute conversation between the head ball coach for Wisconsin and the media:
- Friday's practice was the first time the team practiced all together. Last week was more for the younger players. "It's a good time of the year," Chryst said.
- For this bowl time and looking at some of the younger players like freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook or junior tackle Ryan Ramcyzk, Chryst says it's really important for the development of younger guys who may not have been getting reps or just getting scout team reps.
- On redshirt senior fullback Derek Watt, Chryst says the value he's brought to this team has been "huge." Mentions "tons of different things" Watt's done (i.e. tight end roles, special teams). "He's really important to this team. He's been fun to be around. He's a good football player."
- On how Joe Schobert's game translates to the NFL game, Chryst said that's not his job to figure that out, but said the former walk-on is a really good football player that could play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense and has continued to improve. "He's smart. He's tough. He's versatile," Chryst said. "He can play a number of different linebacker positions, so I think he'll have a heck of an opportunity."
- Chryst said Wheelwright practiced for the time the older players participated.
- Has not had a chance to really dive deep into USC yet, but knows they're a good team.
- When dealing with the coaching carousel and programs waiting to fill spots, Chryst said we're all pros and know it's that time of the year. Notes the key is to being open and honest and keeping people in the loop. Deal with it as it goes.
- On the development of redshirt senior quarterback Joel Stave, Chryst said he's enjoyed coaching him and has that mindset to continue to grow, and is a worker.
- Could coaching be in Stave's future? "He's a lot smarter than most coaches," Chryst joked. "I don't know."
- On Beau Benzschawel and Jacob Maxwell's handling the change in positions vs. Minnesota -- said Benzschawel played fast and cut it loose, and said both players performed well.
- Chryst said Benzschawel played right guard for Friday's practice, but appeared to not be completely committed to the redshirt freshman solidifying that position on the offensive line. "You never know," Chryst said. "Trust me."