UW notes: Zander Neuville back, albeit in limited role, for first time since Aug. 4
MADISON – Wisconsin held its 12th practice of preseason camp on Wednesday. The Badgers worked inside Camp Randall Stadium with the Big Ten Network crew looking on.
Highlights follow.
What went right
Senior tight end Zander Neuville was in uniform for the first time since suffering a right-hamstring injury on Aug. 4.
Neuville, who missed UW’s final two games last season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee in the regular-season finale at Minnesota, was limited as the staff is bringing him back slowly.
His return will be critical, however, because he is UW’s best blocking tight end and is also a capable receiver.
Defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk continues to work back from left-knee surgery and isn’t in uniform. However, on Wednesday he worked on coming out of his stance and attacking an opposing lineman and appeared to be moving better.
What went wrong
The No. 1 and No. 2 defenses were a bit too forgiving during a red-zone segment as Alex Hornibrook and Jack Coan led the offense to quick touchdowns.
Hornibrook hit tight end Kyle Penniston near the sideline to convert a key third down and then found Kendric Pryor in the end zone on the next play.
Coan capped his first series with the No. 2 offense with a touchdown run.
From the infirmary
Offensive linemen Jon Dietzen (leg), David Edwards (arm), Beau Benzschawel (arm) and Logan Bruss (foot) returned to practice Wednesday.
Dietzen participated in all drills and worked at left tackle with the No. 1 unit.
Benzschawel, Edwards and Bruss were limited and did not participate in team drills.
Cole Van Lanen filled in for Edwards at right tackle and Josh Seltzner took over at right guard for Benzschawel.
Wide receiver A.J. Taylor (foot/ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday. Taylor, who was wearing a protective boot on his left foot, was injured near the end of practice on Tuesday.
Freshman defensive back Travian Blaylock (leg), injured during practice on Tuesday, was held out Wednesday.
Special assignment
Based on personnel deployment during several practices, it appears UW could have at least four projected defensive starters on its punt-coverage unit.
They are linebackers Andrew Van Ginkel, Zack Baun and Ryan Connelly and safety D’Cota Dixon.
Happy returns
Special teams coach Chris Haering continues to evaluate several players for the return units.
Aron Cruickshank, Faion Hicks and Pryor worked on kickoff returns Wednesday morning.
Danny Davis, Jack Dunn, Cade Green, Pryor and Cruickshank have gotten work on punt returns.
Extra points
» Baun, who missed all of last season after suffering a broken left foot, has participated in all 12 practices in camp. "My goal was to be in every practice and I have," Baun said with a smile..
» Zach Hintze handled kickoffs with the No. 1 unit Wednesday. P.J. Rosowski kicked with the No. 2 unit.
» Van Ginkel was the only projected starter on the kickoff-coverage unit Wednesday.
» Inside linebacker Mike Maskalunas, who has worked with the No. 2 defense in camp, had a pair of impressive pass break-ups Wednesday.