Notes: Riley Mahlman Hitting a New Level
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Entering his fourth year as a starter and fifth with Wisconsin, Riley Mahlman could be in store for his best season yet. One of the top standouts for the Badgers in fall camp, the senior left tackle has had a terrific first six days in Platteville, shutting down UW’s edge rushers and outside linebackers on his island.
“He’s been handling things like a pro,” said senior center Jake Renfro. “He’s really dialed in, locked in on his technique, and what he’s gotta do to get to the next level. I think he’s been awesome so far. He’s got great poise, great athleticism. He’s been awesome to play with. I can always count on him. He’s going to get the job done.”
Over the last five seasons, Mahlman has appeared in 33 games for Wisconsin, including 31 starts. Mahlman is one of three returning starters for up front for the Badgers, joined by Renfro and junior guard Joe Brunner.
“I think the next step for Riley, in his game, is his leadership,” offensive line coach A.J. Blazek said. “He’s started speaking up more. He’s not a ‘rah-rah.’ That’s not his personality. We don’t want guys to be fake. We want authentic leadership. He’s the guy who speaks up in team meetings. He’s the guy, if things are going bad, he’ll grab you by the reins and say, ‘Let’s go.'”
Leader Emerging at Right Guard?
Blazek didn’t have a hard date as to when he’ll name a starting right guard. For the second consecutive day, redshirt freshman Emerson Mandell took the first-team reps. Mandell also started fall camp with the No. 1 offense.
“Emerson’s had most of them,” said Blazek. “We moved JP (JP Benzschawel) and most of those guys through to get a picture. We’re moving them around here this first week or two, really to see who works well together, who guys trust and feel comfortable next to. Then, who can produce? At the end of the day, it’s production.
“He’s physical, he’s strong. He’s just gotta keep fitting that role. He’s doing a helluva job.”
Heinzen Playing Catch-Up
It’s been an up-and-down start to fall camp for Davis Heinzen. Adjusting to the speed and physicality of the Big Ten, the Central Michigan transfer has been with the first-team offense throughout fall camp. While Heinzen has played mostly left tackle, he did dip inside to left guard for one practice. Expected to fill the void left behind by sophomore Kevin Heywood, who went down in the spring with a season-ending ACL injury, Heinzen has 40 career appearances under his belt, including 36 starts for the Chippewas.
“He’s got some athleticism. He might not be quite as long as some of the tackles that have been here in the past, but he’s got the feet, he can move, and the athletic ability,” said Blazek. “He’s really smart, picked it all up. When we’re looking at a guy like that, he’s gotta come from an offense where he’s asked to think about a lot. He does a really good job at that.
“Now, it’s just meshing with the guys, timing, contact. Can’t get enough of that right now.”
