Dairyland Express
Fansided

Wisconsin Badgers Spring practices: 5 things to watch for

By Brian Sampson

LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 07: Head coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers runs on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 07: Head coach Paul Chryst of the Wisconsin Badgers runs on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: The offensive line for the Wisconsin Badgers against the Northern Iowa Panthers on September 1, 2012 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Lynn/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 01: The offensive line for the Wisconsin Badgers against the Northern Iowa Panthers on September 1, 2012 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Tom Lynn/Getty Images) /

5. Offensive line shuffle

Like always, the Badgers have a lot of returning talent to put up front on their offensive line. And, I mean, a lot.

Michael Dieter and Jon Dietzen, the starting left tackle and left guard from last season are returning. So is freshman All-American Tyler Biadasz who played center. Oh, and so are right guard Beau Bezschawel and right tackle David Edwards. So what’s the issue?

Well, the Badgers may have too many talented players and are projected to do some shuffling along their offensive line heading into next season.

Dieter returned this year so he could move inside to left guard and show NFL scouts what he can do from the position most people project he’ll play in the NFL. Unfortunately, this complicates the situation, as it leaves Dietzen without a natural position.

Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph could move Dietzen out to left tackle, but Cole Van Lanen has had a great spring at left tackle filling in for the injured Dieter. Van Lanen has worked with the first-team offense all spring and hasn’t missed a beat.

At the end of the day, it’s a good problem to have. The Badgers have more starting-caliber offensive lineman than they can play at one time. Keep an eye on Van Lanen during the rest of the practices to see if he can further cement his spot at left tackle.

Home/Wisconsin Football