On Friday night, the Wisconsin Badgers were again under the lights of Camp Randall Stadium.
With some well-known guests watching, no less.
Wisconsin scrimmaged before heading into the fourth week of fall camp with the Big Ten Network taking in the sights and sounds of the evening practice during its annual tour of conference programs.
True freshman tailback Jonathan Taylor looked to be the the star, showcasing off a couple of touchdowns.
Practice itself was only open to BTN’s crew, but Taylor reportedly took a handoff and ran 70 yards for a touchdown against the first-team defense. Later on, Taylor took a screen pass for a long score.
The intriguing aspects of the reception are the following:
- He caught the ball a hint behind him and with one hand.
- He was playing with what appeared to be the first-team offense (though this was the second-team or reserves on defense—you see redshirt freshmen Isaiahh Loudermilk and Mike Maskalunas).
- The stiff arm he used against Maskalunas.
- He had two wide receivers in sophomores Quintez Cephus and A.J. Taylor blocking for him.
@23J_Taylor #OnWisconsinhttps://t.co/LSYF4HMmgO
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) August 19, 2017
Head coach Paul Chryst was asked, based on the camp the 5’11, 214-pound true freshman has had, if he’s ready to contribute at this point.
“At the end, is he ready? I think he’s done enough stuff where he’s earned those reps, and you guys have been at those practices, there are so many that aren’t clean but those are good moments if you can learn from them,” Chryst said. “So I think that we got to keep putting him in those situations because he’s done some really good things, and yet there’s a lot. And I think you also don’t want to start too quick simplifying because you want to keep helping him grow.”
I know Wisconsin is in good shape at RB, but Taylor is certainly making a good case not to redshirt. Explosive
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 19, 2017
Back-up quarterback spot still undecided
A couple of tweets from the BTN crew caught the attention of those following on social media.
Alex Hornibrook could be poised for big things for @BadgerFootball. The backup? True frosh Jack Coan. pic.twitter.com/6almu8YwwA
— Tom Dienhart (@BTNTomDienhart) August 19, 2017
Jack Coan the 2nd team QB for Badgers. True freshman early enrollee.
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 19, 2017
After practice, however, Chryst clarified the competition for the No. 2 quarterback spot between redshirt freshman Karé Lyles and true freshman Jack Coan has yet to be decided.
“Haven’t made the decision yet, and really, we got still six practices left,” Chryst said. “Both Jack and Karé, to the point where they truly got to be, they just got to keep growing and learning. I think they’re doing the best they can, which I appreciate from them, but I don’t think either one is at that point where you can just say, ‘This is where where it’s at.’”
Injury updates
Redshirt junior Ryan Connelly (left leg) has been back at practice for about three practices, Chryst said. As seen in the Taylor touchdown video above, redshirt junior tight end Zander Neuville appears to be back as well.
In bleaker news, senior wide receiver George Rushing remains out. He also sent a tweet early Friday morning.
Everything happens for a reason. This injury just a set back, God has a plan. #GodSpeed
— George Rushing (@trerush87) August 18, 2017
“You know, I don’t know for sure,” Chryst said when asked how long he expects to be without Rushing. “It’s one of those, but I think it’ll be another week, maybe two, to kinda see then when he can start doing more. You don’t know on the cuts and all that.”
More thoughts from the BTN crew
Former head coach Gerry DiNardo had high praise for the Badgers after the BTN crew traveled recently to Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota.
BTN Bus Tour #Badgers First scrimmage we've seen on the tour. Really good looking team - may have separated from the rest of West.
— Gerry DiNardo (@gerrydinardo) August 19, 2017
Lots of talent for @BadgerFootball. Keep an eye on these true freshmen: RB Jonathan Taylor, WR Danny Davis, TE Jake Ferguson.
— Tom Dienhart (@BTNTomDienhart) August 19, 2017
Even with Jack Cichy out, the @BadgerFootball LBs still will be formidable. Leon Jacobs needs to have a big year. pic.twitter.com/3npwijnNef
— Tom Dienhart (@BTNTomDienhart) August 19, 2017
Big things are expected from CB Nick Nelson, a transfer from Hawaii for @BadgerFootball. pic.twitter.com/94XJ3YiRSP
— Tom Dienhart (@BTNTomDienhart) August 19, 2017
BTN Bus Tour #Badgers Depth issues on D r in the back end but front 7 talent & depth. Shouldn't underestimate learning curve 4 Jim Leonhard
— Gerry DiNardo (@gerrydinardo) August 19, 2017
BTN Bus Tour #Badgers Depth, skill youth at WR/RB ahead of schedule. QB depth needs to develop for sure a bit fragile there.
— Gerry DiNardo (@gerrydinardo) August 19, 2017
Jack Coan and Danny Davis just hooked up for a TD in a Red Zone drill. 2 young guys who have stood out.
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 19, 2017
Sounds like Danny Davis is having a great camp - interested to see him tonight. Badgers could use the WR depth. pic.twitter.com/xzH8Zv81p1
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 19, 2017