News & Notes From the First Day of Badgers Fall Camp

Here's what Luke Fickell said after the first practice of fall camp.

Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football team kicked off fall camp on at UW-Platteville to begin laying the foundation for the 2024 season. 

Here are a few takeaways from what Coach Fickell said when speaking to reporters after the first practice. 

Badgers searching for Justin Taylor's fit on defense

The Wisconsin Badgers safety room is one of the deepest on the roster right now, given the star power (Hunter Wohler) and established depth returning to the two-deep. However, a few young players have shown flashes and could be next in line once the top group moves on.

After practice, attention turned to defensive back Justin Taylor, who originally committed to the Badgers under former head coach Paul Chryst. Coach Fickell was asked about Taylor's role, noting he has experience at both nickel cornerback and safety, sparking questions about where he might best fit within the defense long-term.

"I don't know, I mean it'll be interesting, right. I mean he's at safety, he got a lot of reps in the spring, we had some injuries in the spring," Fickell said. Obviously, Preston [Zachman] was out, and Moi [Kamo'i Latu] was out. ... So, he [Taylor] got an incredible amount of reps in the spring, took advantage of that, and now he's trying to take it to the next level here.

"I think the the thing about that back end, especially the safety position, you've got to have some versatility," Fickell Continued. "You got to understand the whole system, you got to be able to play boundary, you got to be able to play field, you got to be able to play nickel, and the guys that can handle that sooner like Justin, he'll have greater opportunities to get on the field and and have a chance to make some plays."

Defensive line transfer Brandon Lane should play a role

The coaching staff spent a good portion of spring scouring the transfer portal for help on the defensive line. In the end, the Badgers landed Stephen F. Austin DL Brandon Lane, who committed to Michigan State and Louisville before ultimately flipping and signing with Wisconsin.

Last season, Lane appeared in 11 games and recorded 44 tackles, 11 pressures, 6.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He brings two years of eligibility and, at 6-foot-3, 312 pounds, should slot into a role for position coach E.J. Whitlow right away.

Here's what Fickell had to say about Lane after practice: