Wisconsin Football Coach Voices Concerns Over Offensive Line Depth

On Tuesday afternoon, Luke Fickell and the Wisconsin Badgers football team offered fans a quick glimpse into the squad’s first-team offense and defense during spring ball practice in Madison.

On the offensive end, the Badgers have a talented group of players to build around, such as Tyler Van Dyke, Chez Mellusi, Will Pauling, and Bryson Green in the fall.

However, during his media availability on Tuesday, Coach Fickell shared some lingering concerns regarding the Badgers’ offensive line.

Offensive Line Depth Concerns for Wisconsin Football

In an 11 v. 11 full-field scrimmage on Tuesday, the Wisconsin football offensive line starting unit reportedly showcased Jack Nelson at left tackle, Joe Brunner at left guard, Jake Renfro at center, Joe Huber at right guard, and finally Riley Mahlman at the right tackle position.

Aside from Brunner, the group of linemen had already made a start for the Badgers in their 35-31 bowl loss to LSU in January. Covering for draft-bound Tanner Bortolini, Renfro seriously stood out against the Tigers due to his quick snaps and impressive blocking. The senior center missed the entire 2023 regular season due to an injury in his first year at Wisconsin.

However, the concern lies in the depth and inexperience of the secondary group. On Tuesday, the second-string offensive line comprised Kevin Heywood at left tackle, James Durand at left guard, Kerry Kodanko at center, JP Benzschawel at right guard, and Peyton Lange at right tackle. Durand, one of the more notable names in the group, had previously served as a reserve center. Kevin Heywood, one of the more talented Wisconsin football recruits in recent history, likely won’t see the field as a starter in his true freshman season.

When coaching the squad ahead of a grueling 2024 schedule, Fickell can only think ahead to dangerous matchups against Oregon, Alabama, and Penn State—three teams that will bring heavy-hitting defensive lines. The third-string group sported Manny Mullens at left tackle, Sterling Thompson at left guard, Colin Cubberly at center, John Clifford at right guard, and Evan Brown at right tackle. Thompson and Brown, both walk-ons at Wisconsin, were recently added due to a lack of available bodies.

“For us to get better, and I mean that as a whole program, we have to be able to rep three groups in spring,” Fickell told reporters. “And without having some of those guys, it makes it really difficult. … It’s very critical to try to get some of those guys in early, and then baptism by fire.”

Despite the ongoing depth concerns, Fickell and Co. will get some reinforcements when three scholarship offensive linemen from the Wisconsin football team’s 2024 recruiting class report this summer: Emerson Mandell, Derek Jensen, and Ryan Cory.

While Fickell’s concerns likely stem from the thought of one of his starters suffering a mid-season injury, his first-team OL should be very competitive this year if they can manage to remain healthy as they did in 2023. While projected starter Tyler Van Dyke can sling the ball for days, his average mobility will need major support from the trenches.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also follow Christian Rasic on X @RasicChristian.