Wisconsin Starting Center Jake Renfro Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
MADISON, Wis. — Aside from quarterback Billy Edwards, who may return for Saturday’s Big Ten Conference opener with Maryland (3-0), you could make the case that Jake Renfro is the most important player for Wisconsin. The only truly capable center on the roster right now, Renfro, is dealing with an ankle injury that could keep him out for the second time this season. Going down in the second quarter of last Saturday’s 38-14 loss to No. 14 Alabama (2-1), Renfro lists himself as questionable.
“I’m doing alright,” Renfro said following Tuesday’s practice. “I was hurting a little bit on Saturday and on Sunday, but we’re doing better day by day.”
Renfro, who also suffered a knee injury in fall camp, did not play in the week two win over Middle Tennessee State. The Badgers returned to senior Kerry Kodanko, who struggled in the run game and also had a snapping error. Against Alabama, Kodanko played one snap, giving up a sack, and did not re-enter the game. Offensive line coach AJ Blazek then rolled with redshirt freshman Ryan Cory. Renfro would later return against the Crimson Tide and ended up playing 43 of 54 offensive snaps. Following Tuesday’s practice, Renfro emerged with a boot on his right foot.
“Practice has been a little bit minimal, but more rest and kinda coaching,” he said. “A lot of rehab, moving, and trying to get back on the field.”
Featuring a long injury history, Renfro missed the entire 2022 season and 12 of 13 games in 2023. A transfer from Cincinnati, Renfro got his feet back under him last season, starting all 12 games for Wisconsin. Renfro dodged a bullet in fall camp, suffering what sources told Badger Blitz was an MCL sprain. Initially, the Badgers feared it was much worse.
“You know, it sucks,” said Renfro. “But the important thing is being there for your teammates. The thing is, it’s nothing major. I’m just dealing with it day by day and working to get better every day and be back on the field with these guys. But, it sucks knowing my history, but it’s something you’ve gotta play through.”
