Wisconsin Badgers Football Fall Camp Position Battles to Watch

By Mike Jodar

 

1.       Mabrey Mettauer vs Cole LaCrue – #3 Quarterback spot

    Although Cole LaCrue has been battling injuries his whole time as a Badger, it is gut check time for Cole. If Mabrey Mettauer performs well in fall camp, LaCrue may get left behind not only Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Lock but Mettauer as well for the foreseeable future.

 

2.      #3 Running Back – Jackson Acker vs. Cade Yacamelli vs. 3 highly touted incoming 2024 RBs. (4-star Dilin Jones - ESPN’s No. 6 running back in the 2024 class, 4-star Darrion Dupree, 3-star Gideon Ituka)

             Clearly, the running back position was a big point of emphasis in Luke Fickell's 2024 recruiting class. However, both Chez Mellusi and Tawee Walker are seniors and are projected to be the 1-2 punch this fall.

        Who takes the reins at the running spot behind them and maybe makes their case to be the 2025 starter in the process? Both Jackson Acker (Senior) and Cade Yacamelli (Junior) are players we know what to expect from and have some experience. That said, this incoming running back class with Jones, Dupree and Ituka is about as hyped up as any class we’ve had coming into Wisconsin, which is saying something for RBU.

 

3.       Starting #3 Wide Receiver opposite Bryson Green

            Will Pauling & Bryson Green were the Badgers two most productive wide receivers last season, combining for 1,317 yards and eight touchdowns, their spots are secure, barring any injury. We can also pencil in Trech Kekahuna as the backup slot wide receiver to Pauling, (although I think we’re going to see both Kekahuna and Pauling on the field at the same time this season.) Here are the list of guys that have a legitimate shot at wide receiver three:

        Boston College Transfer Joseph Griffin Jr.: Griffin Jr. had 18 catches for 234 yds and five touchdowns in the 2022 season. Michigan State transfer Tyrell Henry: Henry had 24 catches for 195 yards and three touchdowns last season. Last year's USC transfer C.J. Williams: 15 catches for 148 yards last season. Vinny Anthony: 10 catches for 99 yards last season. Quincy Burroughs: 4 catches for 30 yards last season. Christopher Brooks: Had a promising fall camp in 2023, but unfortunately ended up missing the whole season.

 

4.       Nose Tackle

             The Badgers brought in not one, but two defensive tackles in the transfer portal, in addition to highly touted 4-star nose tackle Dillan Johnson. The five names battling for that position are: Curt Neal (currently projected to start),  Jamel Howard, Elijah Hills, Brandon Lane and Dillan Johnson.

 

5.        Filling out the two deep at middle linebacker

 The most intriguing out of these five position battles is middle linebacker. The Badgers went all out in the transfer portal at this position, grabbing three transfers with the intent on looking for downhill, physical linebackers that are athletic and can tackle in space. They return one starter being Jake Chaney who had 80 total tackles last year and is currently projected as one of the starters. They also return Christian Alliegro, who played in all 13 games last season (and is getting some buzz among his teammates as a player to watch). The three transfers previously mentioned are:

-          Jaheim Thomas (currently projected as the other started at MLB) - Started all 12 games, leading Arkansas and ranking sixth in the SEC with 90 total tackles.

-          Tackett Curtis - Played in 12 games, making 8 starts, as a freshman at USC, he recorded 40 total tackles.

-          Sebastian Cheeks – North Carolina transfer, 4 star recruit who was highly pursued by the Paul Chryst staff prior to committing to North Carolina.

        Be sure to keep an eye out for news and updates about these Badgers players through the month of August. Also be sure to tune in to the Wisco Fanatics show on August 21st and 28th for all of our 2024 season notes before the first game on August 30th.

        Also, subscribe to Wisco Fanatics on Patreon to join us for two watch parties per month for Wisconsin sports teams, one of the selections for August is the Badgers opener. That show will be live with a pre-game show, we will watch the whole game with our patrons and then stick around for a brief post-game show to discuss some of our immediate takeaways.

 Potential Bounce Back Candidates for the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers are heading into the new season with high hopes and aspirations. After a disappointing end to their previous campaign, the team is looking for certain players to bounce back and make a significant impact on the field. In this article that ties into our recent episode with Dusty Evely, we discussed some potential bounce back candidates for the Packers and analyze why they have the potential to turn things around.

1. Darnell Savage - Safety:

Darnell Savage has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Packers. However, he has also had his fair share of struggles. With two good years and two not-so-good years under his belt, Savage is entering a contract year, which could serve as a motivating factor. If he can bounce back and improve his completion percentage allowed, it would greatly benefit the Packers' defense.

Dusty made a great point that the Packers may be able to extract some good performance from Savage by making his role simpler and more defined.

2. Jon Runyan Jr. - Offensive Lineman:

Jon Runyan Jr. had a solid season last year, but he has the potential to be even better. With improved tackle play next to him, Runyan could elevate his game and become a key contributor on the offensive line. If he can avoid getting too comfortable in his position and maintain a high level of performance, the Packers' offensive line will greatly benefit. Runyan is much better in the pass game but has some room to grow in the run game.

3. Kenny Clark - Defensive Tackle:

Kenny Clark is a talented defensive tackle who has the potential to dominate games. However, injuries and inconsistent play have hindered his progress in recent seasons. With a revamped defensive line and improved health, Clark has the opportunity to bounce back and become a force to be reckoned with. If he can regain his Pro Bowl form, the Packers' defense will be significantly strengthened.

4. Joe Barry - Defensive Coordinator:

While not a player, Joe Barry deserves a mention as a bounce back candidate. After a disappointing stint as the defensive coordinator for the Washington Football Team, Barry has a chance to redeem himself with the Packers. Moving from the sideline to the booth, Barry will have a better view of the entire field, which could lead to improved defensive strategies. If he can bring out the best in the Packers' defense and eliminate the sagging coverage on third downs, it would be a significant bounce back for him.

5. De'Vondre Campbell - Linebacker:

De'Vondre Campbell is definitely a player to keep an eye on as a bounce back candidate for the Green Bay Packers. Despite some struggles last season, there is reason to believe that Campbell can regain his form and make a significant impact on the field.

One of the key factors in Campbell's potential bounce back is his experience and versatility. He has proven himself as a reliable linebacker in the past, and his ability to play both inside and outside linebacker positions adds value to the Packers' defense. With his athleticism and football IQ, Campbell has the potential to make a significant impact in both pass coverage and run defense.

Furthermore, Campbell's motivation to prove himself after a challenging season should not be underestimated. Players often use setbacks as fuel to push themselves to new heights, and Campbell has the drive to bounce back stronger than ever. His determination and work ethic will be crucial in his quest for redemption.

It's important to remember that every player goes through ups and downs in their career, and Campbell is no exception. While last season may not have been his best, it doesn't define his abilities as a linebacker. 

De'Vondre Campbell has the tools and the opportunity to bounce back and make a significant impact for the Green Bay Packers. With his experience, versatility, and motivation, he could become a key contributor in the Packers' defense. Keep an eye on Campbell this season, as he aims to prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.

As the Green Bay Packers gear up for the upcoming season, they have several players and a coordinator who have the potential to bounce back and make a significant impact. Whether it's Darnell Savage improving his coverage skills, John Runyan elevating his game on the offensive line, Kenny Clark dominating the trenches, or Joe Barry revitalizing the defense, these bounce back candidates could play a crucial role in the team's success. With their talent and determination, the Packers have reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season.

 5 Ways to Embrace Challenges and Cultivate Mental Strength with Vinny Rottino

In this special episode of  Wisco Fanatics, former athlete Vinny Rottino shares valuable insights on embracing challenges and developing mental strength. Drawing inspiration from his experiences in baseball and life, we've compiled a list of five practical ways to overcome obstacles and foster resilience. Let's dive in!

1. Shift Your Perspective: From Problems to Opportunities

We have said this on our show many times, shifting your focus from having problems in your life and shifting your mindset to seeing them as opportunities for growth is a game changer, and Vinny echoes that sentiment.

Vinny emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset by reframing challenges as opportunities. Explore how you can change your perspective and view obstacles as chances for personal and professional growth. Learn to embrace adversity and use it as a catalyst for positive change.

2. Stay Present and Focus on the Next Step

One key practice that helped Vinny stay mentally strong during his career was the ability to stay present and focus on the task at hand. Discover techniques to cultivate mindfulness and develop a laser-like focus on the present moment. By concentrating on the next step rather than dwelling on past failures, you can maintain a resilient mindset.

This is something that helps us at Wisco Fanatics, we are always excited about what the future holds for us but remaining present allows us to focus on what we need to do today to help us create that future that we're excited for.

3. Work on Yourself Continuously

Vinny highlights the importance of never stopping the journey of self-improvement. Explore strategies to consistently work on yourself, both physically and mentally. Whether it's honing your skills, developing new habits, or seeking personal growth opportunities, committing to continuous self-improvement will help you navigate challenges with confidence.

We love Vinny for this answer, and we take it to heart. At Wisco Fanatics we strive to be optimistic and realistic at the same time. We also want to be accurate with our presentation of statistics and we strive to continually improve our knowledge so our analysis of the teams we talk about stays at a high level so people can learn from us and feel they get value by watching or listening to our show.

4. Find Support and Seek Growth Opportunities

Just like Vinny, everyone faces struggles in life. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network can make a significant difference. Discover ways to build a strong support system and seek growth opportunities through mentorship, networking, or joining communities that align with your goals. Together, you can overcome challenges and thrive.

For Jake and Tyler, being accountable to each other and lifting each other up on the days where the fire isn't burning as strong, has kept our show growing. Jake and Tyler are constantly pushing each other to continue getting better with their sports knowledge and presentation on the show to continue improving Wisco Fanatics for our followers.

5. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone to Success

Failure is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn't define you. Learn how to embrace failure as a valuable learning experience and a stepping stone to success. Explore strategies to bounce back from setbacks, develop resilience, and use failure as fuel for future achievements.

This is a massive point. If you don't think so, look at Giannis Antetokounmpo's comments after the Milwaukee Bucks got eliminated by the Miami Heat in the 2023 playoffs and watch the responses to his post game interview. Giannis echoes this sentiment. 

Fail forward.

Embracing challenges and cultivating mental strength are essential for personal and professional growth. By shifting your perspective, staying present, continuously working on yourself, seeking support, and embracing failure, you can navigate obstacles with resilience and emerge stronger than ever. Remember, challenges are opportunities in disguise. So, let's face them head-on and unlock our full potential.

Watch our full interview with Vinny Rottino on our YouTube channel.

Keep listening to Wisco Fanatics for more inspiring conversations and insights from remarkable individuals like Vinny Rottino, as well as weekly recaps from your favorite Wisconsin Sports teams.