Spend five minutes, five hours, or five days around Wisconsin football head coach Gary Andersen and you're likely to come away with the same impression – this guy is a cool customer and nothing seems to get him off his game. Now that the first game of his tenure at the helm of the Badgers is fast approaching, don't expect that to change at all. In fact, expect more of the even-keeled approach than before.
"Really there's nothing for me as I hone in, I woke up this morning and going into game week, I feel like I'm surrounded by good kids and the university where I'm excited to wake up represent the university and that stuff matters to me," Andersen stated when asked to reflect upon the year that has passed for him. "It's a big part of who I am, and that's what drives me. And it's not different. It's just not different. There's a few more cameras. But other than that,it's really the same ideas. I haven't changed a bit."
However, don't confuse that even-keeled approach for a lack of enthusiasm or excitement. Andersen made that abundantly clear during his first weekly press conference of his tenure at UW on Monday as well.
"Yes, please Saturday come here as fast as possible," said Andersen. "We'll never turn down a practice opportunity, but it's just time. It's time for these young men to get their legs back and that's a big focus. I am absolutely excited about the opportunity to take the field with this crew and watch them go to work and I know they're excited about it."
On the field there were a few surprises when the Badgers released their depth chart earlier in the day, but Andersen attempted to clear the air on a few things. Especially the fact that Sojourn Shelton was named a starter at corner, with Darius Hillary at just the nickel spot ahead of the UMass game.
"Well, the thing with the depth chart is it's ever-changing," said Andersen. "And Darius is starting corner. But if we get to our nickel back I think it's always fair for the 12th defender on the package, because we're going to play in this conference quite frankly so much of the nickel package that Darius and P.J. and Sojourn are the starting corners, that's where we're at."
"So to say that we jog out there on our base, that can flip-flop back and forth depending on scheme and where we're at. So Darius is by no means been beaten out. He's still the staring corner. But we see it in our depth chart minds to be starting corner."
The other big change for some is seeing Tyler Marz as the named starter at left tackle and the move of Ryan Groy to guard once again. It's a move that was hinted at by offensive line coach T.J. Woods in the last edition of "The Camp" that was released by the Badgers, but was only confirmed to be the case with the release of this last depth chart.
So, why the move? Well, with expected starting center Dan Voltz still nursing a hamstring injury the offensive line needed some shuffling and according to the coaching staff it was Marz who took advantage of the increased snaps the most.
"Tyler did take advantage of the opportunity he had in camp playing tackle, moving into playing some guard, playing the other tackle, (he had a) three-day run of practices where he was playing almost the whole practice," Andersen stated. "[He] Did a tremendous job."
Additionally, Andersen feels confident that through all of these injuries to the offensive line they have had a great opportunity to see and build some quality depth. According to Andersen he expects to have nine quality offensive lineman at his disposal this season.
It also means the Badgers can once again focus on the loaded backfield those offensive lineman will be blocking for.
This preseason those in the media have really projected Melvin Gordon to be the star running back, as he earned the higher preseason honors than his fellow backfield running mate. But, senior James White is listed as the starter heading into Saturday. In some programs that could be a problem. However, not at Wisconsin.
"I would say it's one and one," said Andersen. "You can put ors on a lot of spots on the depth chart. James has done so much. I would bet you if you sat down James and Melvin side by side and Melvin wouldn't want that or next to that name, next to his name, because he knows what James has done and how hard he's worked to get this opportunity."
"They're both going to get a ton of reps. We have running back A and B or running back one and one, however you want to put it. They'll be effective in the offense and be a big part of the offense and both have big play capability."
Of course the biggest question of all is who will line up and play quarterback for Wisconsin on the first snap from scrimmage this Saturday against UMass. The depth chart provided little clue as it was Joel Stave or Curt Phillips listed as No. 1 on the chart. Andersen didn't provide any clues either, preferring to let the guys involved know and leave it at that.
"We don't do it at the guard or the free safety position," Andersen said, referencing the decision to name those starters publicly first. "So (the) quarterbacks know who the quarterback is, and away we go with it."
"So I just really don't believe that the quarterback position needs to be treated any different. We had a flip-flop at linebacker a week ago. We didn't sit down and send out smoke signals and have a big meeting about it, we just said it is what it is. And we believe in the direction we're headed with the young men involved. And it's in-house, the way we do everything. But the quarterbacks know who is going to play."
Saturday can't get here soon enough for Gary Andersen, his players, or for those who just can't take not knowing who the starting QB will be. Tune in at 11am Central on BTN and we can all find out together.
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