Top 5 Big Ten Position Battles Heading Into Spring Practice

Nov 29, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Gary Andersen greets offensive lineman Tyler Marz (61) during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 34-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Wisconsin Badgers-Offensive Line

We know about the greatness of Melvin Gordon, but no mater who is great at running back for the Wisconsin Badgers, it has always been the offensive line to make this program go. And with Bret Bielema protege Paul Chryst returning home to coach his Badgers, that offensive line is about to go back to taking on a larger role.

Unfortunately, Chryst inherits a line that has to replace three starters and only returns Tyler Marz and Dan Voltz, who is back from injury.

Wisconsin being Wisconsin, they can be flexible and simply find the best players and plug them in on the line, but that makes this position battle incredibly interesting. After all, it’s not just two or three players for one spot. It is seven or eight players for three spots.

Those players include redshirt freshmen such as Michael Deiter, experienced players Ray Ball and Walter Williams, and a large group of newcomers who could make a difference.

This will be a huge battle among youthful players to take those three spots and continue the tradition of great Wisconsin offensive linemen. This is worth paying attention to in spring practice.

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