The Wisconsin Badgers seem to be returning to the days of old with an emphasis on running the ball. The clear sign of that is how deep the running back room is, with experience and talent all the way through the unit. The other clear sign is that Wisconsin has more depth at the offensive line. Yet, with some big question marks.
The talent is clearly there for the Badgers' offensive line with plenty of former top high school recruits, but it's hard to figure out exactly how this unit will gel together. Let's start with the easiest position to project and go from there.
Starting Center
The starting center you can write in pen. There's not really even a position battle there. Austin Kawecki was brought in for this exact reason: to be the starting center for the Badgers and be the guy who helps run the offense with starting quarterback Colton Joseph.
Starting Right Tackle
The other spot that feels safe to write down as the starter is at right tackle. Kevin Heywood seems to be in a great spot to be the starter there. Though you could see Barrett Nelson or even Lucas Simmons could push for a spot at one of the tackles, and would be ready to go with an injury. Simmons is a potential star, but he will need to prove he deserves the spot over Heywood.
Starting Left Tackle
PJ Wilkins hasn't played left tackle in his career at Ole Miss; he mostly played left guard. However, it does seem as if he's being set up to play tackle for the Badgers. He's built like a tackle, and under Eric Mateos, would excel on the left side. Could Heywood end up being on the left and Wilkins on the right? Sure, but it seems like both are the starting tackles.
Starting Guard Spots
This is where things get a little interesting. Seamus Rohrer for SI.com thinks that these positions will land with Emerson Mandell and Colin Cubberly, but the emergence of Blake Cherry and even the addition of Stylz Blackmon may make this a bit more of a competition. Mandell and Cubberly are the safest choices, but it's probably a bit tighter than you think.
Week 1 starting line prediction:
LT - PJ Wilkins
LG - Colin Cubberly
C - Austin Kawecki
RG - Emerson Mandell
RT - Kevin Heywood
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