Logan Bruss has felt the dynamics of the University of Wisconsin offensive line’s meeting room shift this offseason.
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Check out the State Journal's complete coverage of Barry Alvarez's retirement announcement
The Wisconsin State Journal is providing our readers with comprehensive coverage of Barry Alvarez's retirement from his position as athletic director at the University of Wisconsin.
From a look back at Alvarez's football coaching days and the changes the department has made since he came to Madison in 1990, to an examination of what lies ahead in the university's search for a successor, we have you covered with all the latest updates and in-depth analysis of this landmark moment in Badgers history.
Barry Alvarez, 74, will finish his term leading the UW athletic program this summer after a 17-year stretch in the seat during which the department's budget nearly doubled.
Replacing Barry Alvarez as the University of Wisconsin’s athletic director will be both a tremendous opportunity and challenge.
With Barry Alvarez announcing his retirement as athletic director at the University of Wisconsin, take a look back at some of the biggest cele…
Wisconsin State Journal sports reporters Jim Polzin and Todd Milewski reflect on what was learned at an event where University of Wisconsin at…
Sweeping changes are coming to college athletics in the form of NIL payments and athlete empowerment. UW's next AD has to take those challenges head-on.
Watch as UW celebrates Alvarez's 31-year Badgers career with "Thanks Coach! Celebrating Three Decades of Excellence" at 12:30 p.m. at the Kohl Center.
Longtime friend Ted Kellner gets up to speak about Barry Alvarez at the University of Wisconsin athletic director's retirement news conference…
In Barry Alvarez's three decades with the University of Wisconsin, from his time as head coach of the football program through his tenure as a…
Barry Alvarez disclosed that a search committee to find the next athletic director will be led by Athletic Board chair Pete Miller.
Wisconsin says farewell to Barry Alvarez in the latest cartoon from Phil Hands.
"For Wisconsin football and Wisconsin athletics in general, he's put the ‘W’ on the map.”
“There’ll be plenty of time for me to get emotional,” the UW athletic director said.
The coach-turned-athletic director turned around the fortunes of the football team and solidified the bottom line.
With Alvarez announcing he'll be retiring as UW's athletic director June 30, we thought now's the perfect time to ask our readers what they think of his impact over 31 years in Madison.
The University of Wisconsin is looking for a proven leader and decision-maker to succeed Barry Alvarez as its athletic director.
Five things to watch on Wisconsin's offense as spring football starts
MERTZ AND CHRYST TOGETHER
Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz has a new position coach this season — his head coach, Paul Chryst. Mertz taking a step forward this spring is crucial to the Badgers' success this fall.
Redshirt freshman Graham Mertz struggled to find consistent rhythm after a record-setting performance in his starting debut. Mertz completed just under 57% of his passes, threw four touchdowns and five interceptions the rest of the season after completing 20 of 21 passes against Illinois, tying a program record with five touchdowns.
Cutting down on turnovers — Mertz also lost two fumbles last season — is the first step, but doing so will be the result of establishing better timing in the pocket. A majority of Mertz’s interceptions last seasons were due to holding the ball too long or trying to throw a pass too late and the window of opportunity closing.
WHO’S BEHIND BERGER?
Jalen Berger led the Badgers in rushing last season, but the backfield is thin on experience behind him.
Jalen Berger showed flashes of being the next in the line of great Badgers tailbacks last season, displaying good vision and a suddenness to his cuts that make him hard to tackle. He led UW last season with 301 yards rushing despite playing four of the seven games — he missed the opener against Illinois due to a nagging injury from training camp then missed games against Iowa and Minnesota due to COVID-19.
The Badgers have a solid starting running back with Berger returning, but the depth behind him is a significant question mark. Isaac Guerendo was expected to be in the backfield rotation last season, but he was limited to one game due to unspecified injuries. Julius Davis is another option, but the redshirt freshman only played in one game last season as well.
ANOTHER TIGHT END THREAT
The Badgers return leading receiver Jake Ferguson next season, a boost for a young group of tight ends.
Junior Jake Ferguson returning to the Badgers instead of taking a shot at the NFL not only gave the team its leading receiver back, but also a guide for a talented but inexperienced group of tight ends behind him.
Redshirt freshman Hayden Rucci established himself as the top blocking option in the second tight end spot and likely will be used in a similar role next season, but associate head coach Joe Rudolph said last fall he felt Rucci was developing as a receiver, too. Sophomore Jack Eschenbach was the only tight end besides Ferguson to tally a catch last season.
DEVELOPING DEPTH ON THE O-LINE
Kayden Lyles (76) was establishing himself as a solid center before an injury suffered against Indiana. Lyles isn't likely to participate in spring practices, so new players will have chances at center and other line spots.
UW’s offensive line wasn’t the dominant force that fans have come to know in 2020, but that could change in 2021.
After filling in well at left tackle in the second half of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, that spot is former five-star recruit Logan Brown’s to lose. Center Kayden Lyles will return from a knee injury in the fall, and the right side has established veterans in guard Logan Bruss and tackle Tyler Beach. Josh Seltzner is presumably a frontrunner for the left guard spot, but touted 2020 recruits like Jack Nelson and Trey Wedig could be pushing for a role there.
YOUNG RECEIVERS FINDING NICHES
Danny Davis (7) celebrates his touchdown against Illinois. Davis and fellow senior receivers Jack Dunn and Kendric Pryor are returning for a final season with UW.
UW got welcomed news this offseason when seniors Danny Davis, Jack Dunn and Kendric Pryor all decided to come back for their final years in the receiver room. Davis and Pryor battled injuries most of the season, with Davis missing five games and Pryor four. Dunn emerged as a solid option on short routes, posting career highs in catches (28) and receiving yards (255).
Freshman Chimere Dike had strong moments last season, but he had trouble getting open consistently.
