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When one thinks Wisconsin Badgers fotball…one thinks of the run game. A lot of that reason is due to a long line of amazing offensive lines. However, for the first time in over a decade things weren’t up to standard in 2015 and a lot of fingers were pointed to the offensive line.
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It was easy to see the struggles for this group, especially with plenty of moving parts, injuries and inexperience along the line all season long. All of those things led to what coaches and players are hoping was just a temporary blip on the radar and an offensive line that will benefit from the experiences gained in 2015.
Just what will UW’s O-Line look like in 2016? That is a good question and fall camp will provide answers to plenty of questions.
What We Know
It appears we know the most about what is going to happen at both tackle positions heading in to the 2016 season. Amazingly it will be two relatively untested tackles that have the Badgers coaching staff confident, with UW-Stevens Point transfer (talk about a rarity) Ryan Ramczyk taking over for Tyler Marz at left tackle and part-time 2015 starter Jacob Maxwell over at right tackle.
Maxwell, a redshirt freshman last season, played in 11 games and made three starts at right tackle while also making spot appearances at right guard in the ever-changing rotation that was Wisconsin’s offensive line last year.
He is perhaps the most athletic player Wisconsin has on the outside of the line at 6-6, 313 pounds heading in to this season. Maxwell was also part of the O-line that posted UW’s best rushing total as a team last year (257 yards), and he continued to prove his value in the run game throughout the spring.
As for Ramczyk, he was put in to the starting role immediately after the departure of Marz and hung on to it all spring. Coaches seem confident in his ability, and most of that comes from his reps in practice all of last season.
If the Badgers are going to do anything this season against some really good defenses, these two have to be the strength of this line.
What We Need To Find Out
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 30: Head Coach Gary Andersen of the Wisconsin Badgers pats Dan Voltz #70 on the hlemut as he runs off the field during the first half of play against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Camp Randall Stadium on November 30, 2013 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
While the outside of the Badgers offensive line seems set, there is a lot to figure out on the interior. It is believed that sophomore Michael Dieter played at such a high level this spring that three-year starting center Dan Voltz won’t be starting there in 2016.
Instead, the battle appears to be between Voltz and redshirt freshman Jon Dietzen. Voltz has the massive experience edge, and is considered one of the best interior offensive linemen in the country when healthy. However, Dietzen may be the next great UW offensive lineman and pushed hard for a starting role this spring as Voltz sat out recovering from injuries that piled up over the last few years.
The smart money is on Voltz starting, but Dietzen earning plenty of snaps as well. Also look for sophomore Micah Kapoi to be in the mix at both guard spots, and given the chaos that was last season he may be the most valuable offensive lineman thanks to his versatility.
The only locked down position on the interior seems to be sophomore Beau Benzschawel at right guard. He has experience there and at right tackle from last season, but was clearly more comfortable inside throughout spring.
Offensive coordinator/line coach Joe Rudolph needs to find a consistent starting five and that will start with finding a rotation that works on the interior during fall camp.
Player to Watch
Ryan Ramczyk, Jr.
Few Badgers fans knew the name Ryan Ramczyk before he was plugged in as the starter following Tyler Marz’s graduation. That makes him an intriguing piece to watch in fall camp. So does the fact that the coaching staff has entrusted a UW-Stevens Point transfer to be the protector of Bart Houston’s blind side should he win the starting job.
If Hornibrook wins it, Ramcyzk’s duties will change as he is a left-handed quarterback and that may mean some different looks being thrown his way. All of it adds up to a player with a whole lot of responsibility and a whole lot of unknowns for the fan base.
His play will likely be put under the second-largest microscope during fall camp — next to that of the battle between Voltz and Dietzen at left guard.
Projected Depth Chart
LT: Ryan Ramczyk, Jr.; David Moorman, Fr.
LG: Dan Voltz, Sr; Jon Dietzen, Fr.
C: Michael Dieter, So; Dan Voltz, Sr.
RG: Beau Benzschawel, So; Micah Kapoi, So.
RT: Jacob Maxwell, So; Cole Van Lanen, Fr.
Overall Outlook
There is little doubt that this offensive line heads in to 2016 fall camp with a lot more answers than at the same time last year. It also enters this fall camp with a lot more overall experience under its belt and that can’t be anything but a positive.
Still, this group has a lot to prove following arguably its worst performance as a group since the early 2000’s. With experience for young players and a hopefully healthy return for Dan Voltz, this group could be back to living up to the standards set over the last few decades in Madison. It just needs to prove it on the field.
The post Wisconsin Badgers 2016 Fall Camp Preview: Offensive Line appeared first on Madtown Badgers.
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