Wisconsin football head coach Bret Bielema spoke with the media Sunday and to no one’s surprise the main topics covered included the team’s quarterback competition and recent off the field issues.
Much like last season, the Badgers head into the fall without a returning starter at quarterback. Redshirt junior Danny O’Brien, redshirt senior Curt Phillips, and redshirt freshman Joel Stave are all fighting to take over the team’s number one spot, but Bielema says he is in no rush to make a decision.
“All those guys have worked with the ones this past week, kind of equal numbers,” Bielema said. “I've kind of set that goal of ten days out from our opener, the week before game week, Wednesday, I'd like to be able to name a starter for sure.”
One player who is noticeably missing from the competition is redshirt sophomore Joe Brennan. Brennan was the team’s number one quarterback heading into the Badger’s spring game, but after being outshined by Stave and falling behind in the competition, he has begun looking into a transfer.
“He’s looking into some options outside of the University of Wisconsin to possibly transfer to,” Bielema said. “I allowed him to take some time away from the program here, explore his options, and get a feel for where he's at, and would welcome him back if that's kind of the direction that he wants to go.”
The biggest story for the Badger’s this offseason has undoubtedly been senior running back Montee Ball, who suffered a concussion after he was attacked by five men earlier this month.
The assault led to questions not only about whether Ball or any of his teammates had been involved in a previous incident that could have provoked the confrontation, but also concerns about Ball’s health going into the season.
“We're very cautious, err on the side of caution.” Bielema said. “It's very important. There's really no urge to get [Ball] back out there anytime soon, I think we'll just kind of progress and see if he feels comfortable.”
Bielema said he doesn’t believe that the incident has been a distraction for the team, but it has opened the door for some of the other running backs, such as junior James White and redshirt freshman Melvin Gordon.
“They all felt for Montee and his situation, but come that first practice, they didn't mind having an opportunity to showcase what they could do. I think that's the part that might get Montee back there a little quicker than usual too, because he realizes there's good players there.
Ball took an opportunity to speak to his teammates and apologized for any unwanted attention or distractions that his situation may have caused, and pledged to lead the team through his actions on the field.
The Badgers will pick up fall practice tomorrow as they inch closer to their September 1st season opener vs. Northern Iowa.
Other News & Notes:
- Redshirt freshman Derek Watt has been moved from linebacker to fullback.
- Redshirt freshman Darius Hillary has been moved to safety.
- Junior Manasseh Garner and redshirt freshman Jordan Fredrick are the leading candidates for the number two wide receiver position.
- Redshirt senior Rob Burge, redshirt sophomore Kyle Costigan, and redshirt junior Zac Matthias are all fighting for the starting right guard spot.
