Wisconsin’s kicking situation has turned into the kind of problem that can’t be ignored, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers may have just shown Luke Fickell a possible fix.
New Mexico kicker Luke Drzewiecki, according to a new legal battle, can head back to college and even transfer. He has already picked Minnesota, and that should put the Badgers on alert. If a player from the 2022 class is available, Fickell ought to be looking hard at the same pool, because Wisconsin could use another leg in camp.
The issue is simple: the Badgers do not have enough proven competition at kicker. Right now, the room is basically Gavin Lahm and true freshman Brady Melum.
Lahm entered fall camp with the job in mind after intentionally redshirting last season to be the main kicker this year, but reports have made clear that his hold on the spot has been uneven. He was the backup to Nathanial Vakos last season, and Vakos could also return because of the same lawsuit, though Wisconsin fans are not exactly eager to bank on that outcome.
Melum has a strong leg, but he is still a true freshman, and that has not been enough to push Lahm into real danger yet. What Wisconsin needs is someone who can actually force a battle for the job.
That is why the names floating around this eligibility fight matter. Ethan Sanchez of Houston stands out first.
He was a Lou Groza finalist last year and also took part in the San Francisco 49ers mini-camp. Jayden Fielding of Ohio State is another option, as he is hoping the lawsuit will grant him another year and the chance to transfer.
If the Tenth Circuit fully approves the Colorado lawsuit that is sending all the 2022 players to lawyers, the market opens up even more.
And Wisconsin needs to act like it. This is too important a spot to leave to a kicker who has reportedly been 50/50 on attempts from beyond 40 yards.
For a rebuilding team, a reliable kicker can swing games. If it takes following Minnesota’s lead to get there, Fickell should be willing to do it.
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