Notes: Nyzier Fourqurean Still Practicing For Wisconsin
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Wisconsin opened up fall camp on Tuesday at Pioneer Stadium on the campus of UW-Platteville. Head coach Luke Fickell provided the latest on the Badgers following practice.
Fourqurean Travels With Wisconsin to Platteville
Although he was ruled ineligible for the 2025 season, Wisconsin is appealing to the NCAA on behalf of Nyzier Fourqurean. The senior cornerback participated in Tuesday’s practice, going through individual drills and one series of team drills. Fickell did not have an update on Fourqurean, but remains hopeful the Badgers will have the two-year starter this fall.
“Don’t know,” said Fickell. “There’s some parameters that allow him to be out here. We’ve got to plan accordingly. But there’s a lot of things that (lie) in the wait. Just trusting and hoping that they take a good, hard look at this thing and make a judgment on what’s best for this young man.
“We all have our personal opinions, but when it comes down to it, you believe the NCAA is out there to do what’s best for young men and women. So, we’ll see.”
Corey Walker On the Sidelines
Wisconsin’s projected starting edge rusher, Corey Walker was dressed, but was seen on the sidelines, working with the training staff. Fickell said the Western Michigan transfer was dealing with a back injury, but it’s nothing serious.
“Something a little bit new,” said Fickell. “Tight back. These guys have played a lot of football. I’m not overly concerned. Hopefully, he’ll be back out there, maybe tomorrow or the next day.”
Young Inside Linebackers Getting a Look
Wisconsin has a pair of true freshmen inside linebackers, Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa, who will push for snaps this fall. Catalano enrolled early and was one of the top performers in spring. Posa went through his first practice on Tuesday and recorded an interception in skeleton drills.
“It’ll be interesting,” said Fickell. “You’ve gotta get some of those guys ready. You’ve got to give them opportunities to play. We feel like they have better abilities as you move forward. I’m not saying they do now. I mean, there’s a lot of things to be done, but if they do, and they show some of those things, you’ve got to put them out there.”
Offensive Line Shake-Up
Wisconsin did have Central Michigan transfer Davis Heinzen with the first-team offense at left tackle. However, it appears he may have a challenger. After battling at right guard all spring, senior JP Benzschawel moved to left tackle, competing with the second-team.
“There’s going to be some movement in the first few days to see how things go,” said Fickell. “You’ve got to find seven or eight (linemen). What that combination looks like, we still have to figure that out.”
Open Battle at Punt Return
Wisconsin had four players working on punt return on Tuesday — Darrion Dupree, Tyrell Henry, Jayden Ballard, and Trech Kekahuna. Fickell also mentioned Vinny Anthony as someone who will get a strong look as well.
“We’ve got to figure that out,” said Fickell. “Vinny Anthony has done a good job, but he can’t do everything. Vinny is also a great kick returner. We’ve gotta be smart. We’ve gotta see what Jayden Ballard can do. We’ve gotta see what Trech can do. There’s some other guys we’ve gotta put back there.”
Jake Chaney Back With the Badgers
Former Wisconsin linebacker Jake Chaney, who graduated in the spring, is back with the team and is currently on staff. While he’s still hoping for a shot in the NFL, in the meantime, Chaney will help out the Badgers on the field.
“Jake wants to be a coach some day,” Fickell said. “I’m not saying football is over for Jake, (but) Jake’s one of us. If he’s not in a camp, he’ll be out here with us. Continue to move forward on what life after playing the game of football looks like. He’s still working out and making sure that if somebody calls, he’s got his car ready to roll.”
