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247Sports

May 04
Post-Spring Football Superlatives
Summary
Wisconsin spring superlatives: defensive MVP Mason Posa/Cooper Catalano; offensive MVP Austin Kawecki (center).
MADISON, Wis.-- Spring Football has come and gone, but the football content continues. And in the middle of our Last Spring Look Series, we also took a look at some superlatives from Spring, too. We approach these, obviously, as just our observations, and there could and likely should be a lot of different answers here.  MVP Nick: Defensive MVP (Tie)—  Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano.  Offense: Austin Kawecki.  This was really close, as I think you could probably pick 9-10 different names, and I would have no argument at all. For me, I went with consistency picks here, rather than maybe the highest of ceilings.  Posa and Catalano came into this offseason as two of the faces and leaders of this team. And throughout Spring Ball, they did not disappoint. Whether that be from Catalano stopping the run, Posa providing pressure, or simply setting the tone with their intensity, I thought the ILB duo was terrific.  On the offense, my thinking was similar. When you see a center as the pick here, you might not think highlight plays. But center was one of the biggest focuses of the offseason, and I've found Kawecki to be very impressive with this top line group.  Coming in with high aspirations and expectations, Kawecki has delivered– from consistency, leadership up front along with a couple returners, and helping create really solid holes in the run game– this was a fantastic add from Mateos and co.  Payne: QB Colton Joseph The fit for Joseph, and his importance to the offense's success, was apparent throughout spring camp. The dual-threat quarterback maneuvered the pocket and managed consistent pressure as he looked to push the ball downfield. And when the play entirely broke down, Joseph wasn't hesitant to move the chains or reach the end zone with his legs. It took some time for Joseph to settle into a new offense with a completely fresh rotation of pass catchers. But the transfer commanded Wisconsin's second half of camp, driving each of the offense's best days this spring. Biggest Jump since last season— Nick: Offensive Line Group Building off of how I wrapped up the previous answer, I am going with offensive line play. I am sure that OL coach Eric Mateos would still say there is growth to be had, as you would hope for just about every spot, but without question, the O-Line looks much more consistent than it did at this time last year– especially in the run game.  I can go even deeper into this in my 'Last Spring Look' piece on the offensive line, but I believe you have a true top eight or so guys to trust in game action right now, at least. Coach Fickell always talks about swing players and needing to have enough depth, and a late add that I think puts my confidence in the depth over the top is actually the underrated Stylz Blackmon.  His emergence, coupled with Kawecki, Heywood, Wilkins, Mandell, Cubberly, Simmons and Cherry, I think makes for a lot of potential here for this group. A key will, as always, be staying healthy.  Payne: S Matt Jung Jung was quickly thrown into a starting role due to injury at the safety position, and he took time to find his footing against some of the best competition in the country. But by the end of the year, Jung's production started to point upward – and that trajectory carried into spring ball. He was one of the defense's prominent playmakers with a few pad-popping hits and multiple takeaways derived from a strong read or athletic play to steal the ball out of the air. Jung put together a consistently productive spring, and if he is able to maintain that momentum, the veteran should be among Wisconsin's most crucial defenders in 2026. Biggest Jump since Day One of camp: Nick: QB room A fun part of this is that Payne and I did not compare, or even talk about, answers before running this story. So, I went with a group here rather than one player, and I am going with the QB position as a whole. Every single QB that I saw take reps improved from day one, highlighted by none other than Colton Joseph.  I loved what Kenny Guiton said recently about Joseph: he felt that early on, he might have been thinking too much or feeling some pressure, but then he just started playing his game, and you saw the talent oozing naturally there. I will say it until I am blue in the face– this is the best room that we have seen at QB in five plus years here.  Payne:  QB Ryan Hopkins Hopkins' jump since the beginning of spring ball was among the most impressive for the Badgers this year. The true freshman signal caller saw a steady progression over the two months of work, developing a feel for the offense and letting his physical tools shine bright. Hopkins was a regular source of standout moments, ferociously challenging the defensive pressure and delivering several dimes that found the hands of his receivers. The young QB's battle with transfer Deuce Adams for the backup spot will be one of the stories of Wisconsin's upcoming fall camp. Most impressive Position Group Nick: Inside linebackers or safeties I am taking a little bit of an out here and picking two, as I just couldn't decide between these two. I have hit on the linebackers above a good amount with Catalano and Posa, but when you factor in the athleticism and intensity of Jon Jon Kamara, plus the unique physicality and movement ability that Heiberger possesses, it is hard to find a better unit on the field. In addition, from top to bottom, I came away very impressed with the safety room. Matt Jung and Marvin Burks Jr. will likely be the top two here, but Cairo Skanes and Carson Van Dinter also got reps with the ones throughout camp. Grant Dean will play in some form, and Luke Emmerich continues to progress, too.  Honorable mention: tight end. Again, a theme here is some of the depth at these positions, too, and this is the best group that Letton has gotten to work with yet.  Payne: Inside Linebackers Having a pair of young breakout stars in Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano is certainly a plus. But its emerging depth could be another defining characteristic for the room. Transfer Jon Jon Kamara has put his athleticism on display, while Thomas Heiberger and Taylor Schaefer have also shown the necessary blend of physicality and intuitiveness in the middle of the defense. The depth of the room has allowed the Badgers to throw different looks and combinations at the offense. Most Highlight Plays Nick: Jaimier Scott You might not think of a cornerback for most highlight plays, but whether interceptions in one on ones, pass break-ups in live action, or just continuing to show out, I thought that Scott had me thinking 'wow' nearly as much as anybody. I would also not be surprised to think running back here, too, as Sama came on in a big way late, as well.  Payne: RB Abu Sama Sama missed a portion of spring ball, but that didn't stop the transfer running back from generating a host of impressive moments. As he shifted, cut and stiff-armed the defense, Sama flashed the range of his playmaking potential between the tackles and in open space. Sama has found those sensational plays and highlight reel material over the course of his career. And that ability has emerged with the Badgers, as he takes on a leading role in the backfield. Under the Radar Nick:  Nick Clayton or Jaylon Domingeaux After a full year in the program already for Clayton, and a full Spring down for Domingeaux, perhaps these names are no longer under the radar, but I think it works here. I am not sure exactly how many reps Clayton will get, but he will certainly play this year– and his pass rush ability puts him in this category for me with the chance to make an impact.  For Domingeaux, I thought he came a long, long way from week one of practice. By the end of Spring Ball, you could make an argument he was the most consistent pass catcher, and certainly did the most after the catch, with his opportunities in live work. He is looking like a great addition for this group.  Payne: WR Tyrell Henry Henry shouldn't draw much buzz after two years of minimal production with the Badgers. But based on his spring performance, Henry could emerge into a key factor for Wisconsin's wide receiver outfit. The redshirt senior has been a consistent target for UW's top offensive group, breaking open downfield and using his speed to reach the edge. In a wide receiver room still seeking to fully establish its top group, Henry has seemed to play his way right into the mix. Your Guy—somebody you just know is ready to make a big impact Nick: Cairo Skanes I've said it since last year, and will continue to. One or two young safeties are going to get some opportunities this year, and with his size, skillset, and overall knowledge with the ability to play four different positions in the secondary, I believe Skanes will get his opportunities and flourish with them.  He is a very good, smart and complete football player, and I believe his willingness to move around and keep learning has resonated well with staff.  Payne: TE Jacob Harris Harris was a weapon in the red zone for Bowling Green last season, and his proficient catch radius and physicality showed with the Badgers throughout the spring. The veteran transfer reeled in his share of impressive grabs over the middle and in the end zone. With multiple receptions in the midst of traffic or with one hand, He's a player that may not rack up a substantial number of yards or receptions, but one I believe can make a considerable impact for the offense.

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Teams: Wisconsin

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