The opening weekend of spring practice also marked the first time all-Big Ten Conference left tackle Joe Thomas, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and minor cartilage in his right knee during the third quarter of the Captial One Bowl victory over Auburn, spoke to reporters.
Clearly focused on his rehabilitation and returning to the starting lineup for the Badgers' Sept. 2 season opener, Thomas was upbeat and optimistic while handling questions.
It's an unfortunate thing, but it happened in the middle of the third quarter when we were winning the game and we ended up winning the game,\ said Thomas after watching Saturday's practice from the sideline. ""If I can come back for the first game I'll miss a quarter and a half. As bad as it was and as unfortunate as it was, it couldn't have happened at a better time. I knew going into my rehab I'd have to be optimistic and positive, and that would be the best way to attack it. That's the way I've been, so it's gone well so far.""
The 6'8', 306 lbs. Thomas was replaced by junior walk-on Mike Van Someren while the No. 1 offense ran plays. After losing three starters to graduation, the early projected starting unit was comprised of junior Danny Kaye at left guard, junior Marcus Coleman at center, sophomore Andy Kemp at right guard and sophomore Kraig Urbik at right tackle.
Sophomore offensive tackle Eric VandenHeuvel, who replaced Thomas in the final quarter and a half of the bowl game, will be limited for the first few practices with an undisclosed minor injury Bielema said.
Linebacking corps shaping up
After pondering the idea of moving Mark Zalewski, the only returning starter at linebacker, to the sam, or strong-side position which he started two years ago, it appears the junior will remain in the middle in his final season with the Badgers.
""Mark could probably play all three (spots),"" Bielema said. ""He's a complete linebacker. I talked to him early on about that, his ability may be to go back on the outside. But he feels pretty comfortable in the middle. I like him because he has great production.""
True sophomores DeAndre Levy and Jonathan Casillas lined up next to Zalewski at strong-side and weak-side (will) respectively on the No. 1 defense. The two appear set to replace the graduated Dontez Sanders and LaMarr Watkins.
Levy and Casillas were used primarily as backups' as freshmen last year but both played well in the victory over Auburn.
""Their confidence level is out of sight,"" said co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Dave Doeren said. ""They're excited. They definitely want to take a step forward.""
Notes
Sophomore defensive end Jamal Cooper and freshman defensive end Matt Shaughnessy, who both suffered season-ending knee injuries last season, joined Thomas as the only three players not participating in individual drills during the weekend.
""They say I'm right on schedule,"" Cooper said. ""I don't think I'm ready for contact and just pushing those big guys around. I don't think my knee can take it."" ...
It was rumored in the off-season sophomore Jamil Walker would be moved to defense, but he ran with the No. 1 offense at tailback...
Juniors Paul Hubbard and Jarvis Minton lined up at the two wide receiver positions with the No. 1 offense...
Sophomore defensive tackle Gino Cruse was held out by Bielema due to an academic reason.
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