Wisconsin's football standout and senior tight end Travis Beckum, who missed UW's first two games due to a hamstring injury, said he will most likely be back in action against Fresno State Saturday.
Nothing is promised,"" Beckum said. ""So, as of right now, if the game was today I'd be playing.""
Beckum, an All-American who led the NCAA in tight end receiving yards last year, has been dealing with his nagging hamstring injury since fall training camp in late August.
It appeared that Beckum was ready to make his season debut against Marshall last weekend, but because he wasn't able to practice Thursday, the coaches decided it was best to hold him out.
""He's wanted to be out there in the beginning,"" tight ends coach Joe Rudolph said. ""It's been difficult for him, but hopefully we're nearing the end of it.""
In the absence of playing, Beckum has been active on the sidelines, carrying a clipboard and doing everything he can to help out the team.
""The thing I probably appreciated more than anything was just Travis Beckum and his desire to help the guys the last two games,"" head coach Bret Bielema said.
""There's a play when Lance Kendricks, one of his first big plays, Travis Beckum was running stride for stride on the sideline, which also begs me the question why he wasn't on the field,"" Bielema added.
Last week, senior quarterback Allan Evridge and the offense showed that they can play without Beckum. Bielema even joked ""Travis who?"" after junior tight end Garrett Graham made a nice catch during training camp.
Graham and sophomore tight end Lance Kendricks were the top receivers against Marshall Saturday, earning 73 and 94 yards, respectively, for a combined seven catches.
Evridge threw for 308 yards one week after it looked like Wisconsin would do little else besides run the ball on offense.
""It's tough, of course, not playing, but it's great to see guys make plays,"" Beckum said. ""For instance, Lance Kendricks, he brought me up, and the plays that he made really energized me.""
Kendricks said Beckum has been a great mentor, and believes that his addition to the field will excite the team.
""He's definitely been a great mentor and helps us with the little things,"" Kendricks said. ""I can't wait for him to get back out there.""
No. 21 Fresno State is Wisconsin's first ranked opponent, and Wisconsin lost four games on the road last year.
""Our coach always harps about saying that it's 100 yards sideline-to-sideline,"" Beckum said. ""I think that's how you got to look at it. You got to just go out there and play in a hostile environment.""
With the addition of Beckum, Wisconsin will have a talented trio of tight ends. Kendricks said he thinks Beckum will help shake things up against Fresno State.
Beckum, a top NFL prospect, said he isn't focusing on any long-term goals for this season or the future yet.
""Whatever is down the road is going to happen,"" Beckum said. ""I'm so excited to play. I even told the guys today that I was excited about practicing.
