Wisconsin’s fall camp is about to turn a few promising spring storylines into real decisions, and three spots stand out as the ones that could shape the Badgers’ season.
Left tackle is one of them, and it already has the feel of a true tug-of-war. PJ Wilkins surfaced as the starter during spring ball after arriving from Ole Miss, where he played guard, and new offensive line coach Eric Mateos moved him outside in Madison.
Mateos explained the switch this spring, saying, “PJ is a guy that I thought is a little out of position. He’s not 6-7, but he’s got extremely long arms and long legs," Mateos said this spring.
"Knowing PJ, I thought his body and his skillset was more fit for tackle.”
But Florida State transfer Simmons-Johansson made a push as the spring wore on. Jeff Grimes said he started slowly, then improved enough to earn first-team reps late in camp.
Mateos also singled him out this summer, saying he's "been one of the more impressive players at summer workouts," and that he's "already put on 12 pounds since spring ended." Wilkins may have the edge right now, but Simmons-Johansson’s late surge gives this battle real juice heading into August.
The second outside corner spot is another job that still looks wide open, even if the rest of the secondary is taking shape. Arizona State transfer Javan Robinson is set at CB1, with Ohio State transfer Bryce West appearing to have the nickel role secured as well. That leaves one outside corner position for a group with no shortage of candidates.
Oklahoma State transfer Eric Fletcher brings the most experience of the three contenders, but spring injuries limited him and opened the door for second-year corner Jai'mier Scott. He took advantage.
Cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples praised him, saying, “He likes to solve problems with violence," cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples said. "I think he’s got an extremely high ceiling.”
Bates is also in the mix, bringing a 6-foot-3 frame, length and strength, along with the pedigree of being a big-time Florida State recruit. Still, based on the spring buzz, Scott looks like the one with the inside track.
Then there’s the receiver room, where Wisconsin needs more than effort and blocking to sort itself out. Chris Brooks Jr. is a respected veteran and one of three Badgers heading to Big Ten Media Days in a week, and his value as a leader and perimeter blocker is obvious.
But the production hasn’t matched the reputation. He caught just 11 passes for 124 yards last season, and Wisconsin needs someone who can threaten defenses in the passing game.
That opens the door for others to climb. Southeast Louisiana transfer Jaylon Domingeaux finished spring strongly and looks like a real option as a receiver.
Eugene Hilton Jr. has also taken a step this offseason. Oklahoma State transfer Shamar Rigby brings the most FBS production in the group, while Malachi Coleman and Zion Kearney both arrived with major recruiting hype.
It’s a crowded, messy room, and the Badgers are still searching for the kind of perimeter playmaker who can force his way onto the field.
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