University of Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell entered the spring with the idea of playing his known starters less and getting more action for young players.
That hasn’t played out over eight practices as he now believes the Badgers’ top players need the reps in the new systems on both sides of the ball so the team can get closer to what it wants to be earlier in the calendar. That way, he said Tuesday morning at the McClain Center, training camp in August can be more about polish than bringing along new players and ideas.
One veteran who’s taking full advantage of the extra work is senior cornerback Ricardo Hallman. Hallman has started as the field corner throughout Fickell’s tenure as coach and produced an NCAA-leading seven interceptions en route to All-American honors in 2023 and he was one of the least-targeted starting cornerbacks in the FBS last season. But Fickell said this is the best version of Hallman he’s seen yet.
I’ll be honest, this is a different Rico than I’ve seen,” Fickell said. “And I just mean that in a lot of different ways. Rico is bigger, Rico is stronger, Rico is faster. I know last year was tough because he had to miss all the offseason with the shoulder surgery. But I think even more than anything, I think Rico has got a little bit different mindset and attitude and it has been noticeable, to be honest with you, throughout the first seven, eight practices, and really through the winter. And I’m really excited about what Rico’s done.”
Hallman had one of the highlights of Tuesday’s practice, picking off quarterback Billy Edwards during 11-on-11 work. Edwards threw well behind receiver Vinny Anthony, who looked to have a step on Hallman on a post, but Hallman adjusted to the ball and made the play. Edwards bounced back later with back-to-back touchdown passes in fourth-down situations, one on a screen to running back Darrion Dupree and the other on a lobbed throw off play action to tight end Tucker Ashcraft.
Joe Brunner looks back in business
Wisconsin didn’t get the best of offensive guard Joe Brunner in the latter portion of the 2024 season. No injury was disclosed and Brunner made every start, but he clearly wasn’t himself and his play diminished in November.
The Whitefish Bay product had one of his better practices and looks like whatever ailed him in is the past. One of the defining parts of Brunner’s game is the edge and physicality he brings to his role and he’s showing those traits, within reason, at practice. He can turn defenders’ shoulders and get them on their heels with his heavy hands better than most players on Wisconsin’s line.
He has a tendency to lean a bit too far forward when pass setting, which leaves him susceptible to quick moves. When his weight distribution is closer to even, he rarely has issues pass blocking, but that’s a nuance of playing guard. Guards often need to use heavier initial force in a pass block in order to keep the pocket from falling into the quarterback’s lap. A healthy, improving Brunner is a good sign for Wisconsin.
