Wisconsin Football Position Battles to Watch For in the Spring Game

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Tyler Marz (61) blocks as Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Gimel President (42) rushes during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive line

The Badgers part ways with three key offensive linemen this year: Rob Havenstein, Kyle Costigan and Dallas Lewallen.

Luckily, the Badgers seem to have a never-ending supply of body-pushers lying around, and should be able to fill the spots left behind by the departing seniors.

Tyler Marz and Dan Voltz, the two returning starters, will be back and shouldn’t have to worry about their starting gigs. Voltz broke his leg against Auburn in the Outback Bowl, and is still dealing with some injury issues this spring.

Wisconsin will finally see Michael Dieter take the field. The Badgers almost burned his redshirt season last year when the injury bug struck late in the season, but the redshirt freshman will step into a starting role this year. Where he plays is up for debate, but he will likely move around a bit during the spring game.

The Badgers can also expect Ray Ball, who filled in often last year, to be in the competition for a starting job, as well as redshirt sophomore Hayden Biegel and redshirt junior Walker Williams.

The list of potential candidates stretches long — Micah Kapoi, Ben Hemer, George Panos, Jacob Maxwell, Beau Benzschawel … and don’t forget freshmen Jon Dietzen, David Moorman and Kevin Estes.

It’s an embarrassment of riches at the position, but the Badgers need three players to step into starting roles and a couple more to become reliable backups. Expect players to be shuffled around to multiple positions in the spring game.

Next: Wide receivers/tight ends