With 15 years of experience in the Badger program under his belt, John Palermo does not easily hand out praise. However, the defensive line coach who has a reputation of getting the most out of his players will hint when he has someone special under his watch. In this case, that someone is sophomore defensive lineman Nick Hayden.
\They are never far enough along for me because I want a guy like Nick to step out onto the field and be an All-American,"" Palermo said. ""I think if you do demand perfection, you might get perfection and he continues to make the right strides.""
The option of using a redshirt on Hayden was decided early last season as injuries to the defensive line forced the true freshman into action. The 6'5' 302 pound Hayden saw time in five games last year and assisted on a tackle in a win against Michigan State.
""That was good for me last year, just going through the whole experience of Big Ten football,"" said Hayden, a high school All-American from Arrowhead High School. ""I learned from the older guys and just tried to contribute where I was needed.""
Simply contributing, however, was not an option coming into spring camp. After losing four defensive linemen to the NFL and sophomore Justin Ostrowski to an injury before camp started, Hayden was relied upon to be a force in the defensive front.
""I believe because we did play him a year ago he is much more of a mature player and I think he came into the season that way,"" Palermo said. ""He came in with some Big Ten experience and he has been a nice surprise.""
While the rigors of the Big Ten season have taken the toll on the Badgers thus far, Hayden feels healthy heading into Saturday's game against Northwestern (2-2 overall, 0-1 Big Ten).
""I'm good right now,"" said Hayden, who is fourth on the team with 19 tackles in five games. ""I get a little tired but that is just part of the game.
""Having a bye week right now would allow some guys to get back on the field, but there is nothing we can do about that.""
It is apparent that Hayden has paid attention to tPalermo' sentiments.
""It is obviously difficult when you are missing players but you have to play with the hand you are dealt and not worry about the guys we don't have,"" Palermo said.
The defensive line has coped well with the injuries, specifically at defensive tackle as the duo of Hayden and freshman Jason Chapman has opened the eyes of those in the Big Ten.
""We compliment each other well and we are getting more comfortable each time we line up together,"" Chapman said. ""I think teams are starting to learn who we are.""
Both agree that stopping the run will be critical in extending the team's five game win streak
""If we can stop them on the ground, it's going to be a victory,"" Hayden said. ""That's the challenge every week and it has worked out well so far.\
