For the majority of the students on the UW campus, spring break was a time to get away from anything remotely related to school. For others, it was business as usual, especially for one player who has waited eagerly for three years to take the reins of the UW football team.
\Lifting and watching film,"" junior quarterback Jim Sorgi said with a smile on his face when asked to describe his break.
Spring practices resumed this week at the McClain Center for the UW football team as it makes the transition from a dramatic Alamo Bowl victory to resorting back to the basics of football.
""These spring practices are designed to pour the foundation for your football team fundamentally,"" UW offensive coordinator Brian White said. ""Our goal as coaches is to get these kids the tools and weapons in the spring to improve and be prepared for Saturday afternoons.""
Returning sophomore all-American defensive back Jim Leonhard echoed his coaches' comments.
""Spring ball is about getting back to the fundamentals, starting all over and getting your communication back down,"" he said.
Leonhard is one of the many reasons that there is a lot of optimism and excitement already seen on the field early this spring. The defensive unit that has nine returning starters is ready to improve and work on the inconsistencies they had last year.
On the other side of the ball, a question mark lies on the offensive line that lost seniors Jason Jowers and Al and Ben Johnson. Although their departure will hurt, the Badgers have the luxury of getting 1,500 plus yards back from last year in the form of sophomore running back Anthony Davis, the nation's leading rusher over the past two years. In addition to Davis, freshman running back Dwayne Smith and freshman fullback Matt Bernstein, who are both coming off impressive rookie campaigns, will provide outstanding depth and help in the backfield.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Badger team this year is a wide receiver core that welcomes back senior leader Lee Evans. Evans returns to the team supplying his big-play potential and he will be joined by freshmen Jonathan Orr and Brandon Williams, as well as sophomore Darrin Charles, all of whom received valuable experience in his absence last year.
""You look at those guys, and there's not a weak link out there ... you can't be anything but excited as a QB,"" Sorgi said about his potential targets.
This spring the Badgers were seen in some situations as lining up with as many as four receivers on the field. When asked if he will open up the offense a little more this year, coach White hinted at some new sets, but emphasized the tradition of the Badger offense.
""Maybe a little bit, but we want to remain physical and establish our running game ... Jim throws the ball well, and we'll take advantage of his skills,"" White said.
It is hard to stray from the plan of pounding the ball that has resulted in three Rose Bowl championships, but the offense will have the luxury this year of working with skilled, experienced players that are all loaded with potential.
In order to achieve the goals this team has for itself this season, utilizing time and improving each day will be a necessity during the spring. Annually, the goal set each spring is a Big Ten title and a shot at a major bowl in January.
""We've got high hopes as a team this year,"" Leonhard said, ""and we need to continue to go out and improve each day.\
