We're just 24 hours or so away from the 2013 spring game and the first big chance to see the Gary Andersen's squad in action and all this week we've been breaking down the biggest storylines and the most important players to watch come Saturday. Today we wrap up "Spring Game Week" with perhaps the most intriguing position group not named QB for the Cardinal and White.
Before we get there, let's remind you of the other stories that we've covered here on "Spring Game Week:"
– Who will step up at wide receiver?
– How aggressive will the new defense be?
– Will someone emerge as clear frontrunner at QB?
Today, in our final feature of our week long look at the Badgers spring game there has been a clear frontrunner for story of the spring – the defensive backfield – and for reasons we should all know, but if not let's lay that out for you in simple terms. Three-quarters of the defensive backs that will take the field on Aug. 31st against UMass will be brand new – as in never have started a game at the collegiate level.
Background:
Wisconsin entered spring with just one member of the four person defensive backfield having made any start at all at the collegiate level and that was Dez Southward. His partner at safety was a complete unknown and may not be truly known until the fall when Donnell Vercher makes it on campus as a JUCO transfer.
At corner there were two players who had minimal experience in Darius Hilary and Peniel Jean, but behind them it was nothing – no playing experience of any substance and a lot of youth behind them. Names like true freshman Keelon Brookins and Sojourn Shelton dot the depth chart after walking on to campus for the 1st time back in January.
What Happened This Spring?
To say this group is in flux a bit isn't a stretch at all. Depth at safety was a major concern for the coaching staff and that resulted in Isaiah Williams and Kyle Zuleger making the move to safety early on in practice.
On the positive side of things it appears that Peniel Jean and Darius Hilary have made some feel really good about what's on the front line of the cornerback spots. Other than that it's all been about the freshman as names like Reggie Mitchell (who's run with the No. 1's on D at Safety opposite of Southward) and Sojourn Shelton have emerged as interesting prospects that have flashed more than a few times.
What to Watch for on Saturday:
Clearly the theme for this group on Saturday will be seeing youth gain experience. However, we will be looking to see who jumps out and makes big plays. The youth will get a lot of playing time as Dez Southward is being held out for precautionary reasons – which means both of the safeties that take the field on Saturday have a big time chance to make an impression on the coaching staff and stake their claim in the race for the starting spot opposite Southward come the fall.
There will be a lot to watch from this group, especially since they'll be battling a wide receiver and tight end group all looking to make an impression and gain playing time. So, we'll be keeping a close eye on the cornerback vs. wide receiver battles all day long – in fact it could be the biggest thing we watch on Saturday.
Names we'll be watching? We'll be watching Reggie Mitchell, Peniel Jean, Darius Hillary, Kyle Zuleger, Sojourn Shelton, and Keelon Brookins the most. If any of these names above stand out positively or negatively it could have big time implications on the depth charts heading into the season opener.
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