It was a b..e..a..utiful Saturday morning to hear the pads popping at theWisconsin Badgersfootball program’s fourth spring practice.
Not only was this the first practice held outside — it was the first padded practice of the 2024 football season.
Notes from the 4th @BadgerFootball practice. #OnWisconsin | @Badger_Notes | #Badgers pic.twitter.com/8TeMFouyCY
— ℝ𝕪𝕒𝕟 𝔼𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕣𝕤 (@ryanbeilers) April 7, 2024
Observations From Wisconsin Football Spring Practice No. 4
It’s a true QB competition for Wisconsin football. Braedyn Locke’s got the goods, dude. Any assumption thatTyler Van Dyke, the Miami Hurricanes transfer, would just be slotted into the starting role is false. This is not a ‘dog and pony show’ – it is an actual competition for the top signal caller.
Jaheim Thomas and Tackett Curtis are going to be barbaric in the middle of the field. Their combination of violence and athleticism are something we haven’t seen since “death row” featuring Leo Chenal, Jack Sanborn and themdawgs.
Angry Luke Fickell may be my favorite Luke Fickell of all time. I fancy myself “old school” and love coaches who will ‘MF’ you in the middle of practice if you’re not locked into the details.
SIGN. ME. UP!
The Wisconsin football team’s newly hired defensive line coach, E.J. Whitlow, has the voice of a drill sergeant and demands excellence from the group. He seems like a grinder. Alpha. A+ hire.
Oklahoma transfer Tawee Walker is going to be a dude. He’s a complete running back. Catching, blocking and a runner. Walker and Chez Mellusi are a very good 1A-1B.
2024 recruit Gideon Ituka could play early. He’s built like a fire hydrant and is into delivering full and unadulterated pain.
Wisconsin football four-star recruit Ernest Willor Jr also could play early. He’s got the body of an upperclassmen and work ethic to match – incredible acquisition to the defensive line room.
Redshirt Sophom*ore Charlie Jarvis had himself a day! He absolutely crushed a wide receiver, borderline murder actually, on an in-breaking route. Combined that with an interception on a ball behind the intended receiver. He was good in coverage and is very much more than just a ‘seek and destroy’ safety. Better buckle up the chin straps!
Spring has finally 𝙃𝙄𝙏 💥@_charliejarvis x @AckerJackson pic.twitter.com/Lo18xv7tFQ
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) April 6, 2024
When Wisconsin Badgers Trech Kekahuna and Will Pauling are both in the slot on the field side, that is a cheat code. Defensive backs will be put in a blender. Opposing teams will needcoax Dr. James Andrewsout of retirement because these speed merchants will be popping guys ACL’s left and right.
Tyrell Henry has very good ball skills. Did well in 1v1. He had very good speed, body control and route running. This was a very quality player and good add to the Wisconsin football wide receiver room.
Long snapper and Cincinnati transfer, Cayson Pfeiffer’s mullet is absolutely majestic. LSU transferJackson McGohan’safro is impeccable and has great volume. The gameday braids that these two could display would be electric.
RJ Delancy has ‘it.’ I’m not sure what ‘it’ is yet – but whatever ‘it’ is – he has it.
Absolute..DAWWWWWG!
Welcome to the law firm of Delancy and Hallman. The pairing could be a lethal duo on the outside.
For the first time in a long time – Wisconsin football has those ‘get off the bus first and let them know it’s going to be a long day’ guys. I echo something similarly to what Barry Alvarez once echoed.
“You better beat Wisconsin now because before too long, you won’t be able to.”
Negatives? There were a few.
• music wasn’t near loud enough
• I didn’t see any fights
• I had to watch from a parking garageOther than those? No, it’s the 1st padded practice, in April, and they’re focused on install.
I won’t be negative when guys are still learning 🤷🏽♂️
— ℝ𝕪𝕒𝕟 𝔼𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕣𝕤 (@ryanbeilers) April 7, 2024
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