Wisconsin Football: Depth chart release takeaways

Ahead of week one, Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin football team have released the first depth chart of the season. A depth chart that features very few surprises, but does offer validation on a few position battles. Let’s take a look at the official depth chart and dissect a few of the things we can take away from it.

Chez Mellusi listed as RB1

This comes as a bit of a surprise, especially given that there is no OR designation nest to his name. It would appear Chez Mellusi has earned the job as RB1.

For his career the Clemson transfer has 427 yards rushing on 6 yards per carrying in two seasons as a back-up to Travis Etienne. He’s a finesse runner with pass-catching chops that’ll provide a reliable option out of the backfield.

Mellusi’s former Clemson teammate chimed in on Twitter congratulating Mellusi for being named RB1.

This is still going to be a three-back committee headed by Mellusi/Berger but it’s notable that Mellusi broke camp as the lead back. Jalen Berger is going to get his touches, and based on the way Guerendo finished camp he’ll earn a few carries as well. Wisconsin has to feel much better about the depth at running back heading into this season.

Joe Tippman is the starting Center

Joe Tippmann is the biggest player in the program and was the biggest mover in fall camp. I don’t think many would have projected Joe Tippmann to unseat a healthy Kayden Lyles who has 29 games of experience at center, but here we are.

Joe Tippmann is a strong, gritty lineman that is a finisher. He’s someone who hasn’t played the position for very long, which should leave Wisconsin football fans excited to monitor his development moving forward.

Seltzner over Sampson at left guard

Heading into fall camp this was the one true camp battle on the offensive line that people were expecting.

There was certainly some back and forth but in the end, Josh Seltzner and his 32 games of experience are going to begin the year starting at left guard.

Cormac Sampson is someone I think the staff is really high on. He’s a starting-caliber lineman right now and has proved incredible versatility – evidenced by the myriad of positions he’s played during camp. He should be one of the first players subbing in should the team suffer an injury, and will likely find a starting role next season.

Collin Larsh is the Kicker

It would appear that Collin Larsh is going to be the team’s placekicker to begin the season. To this point Larsh has been a bit underwhelming, holding a career 68 FG% with a career-long of 44 yards. The Wisconsin football team is going to be facing a tough schedule this season and should a game come down to the wire, Collin Larsh is going to need to be someone they can count on.