It was fitting that on the nicest day of the young year — a very spring-like day — the University of Wisconsin football team kicked off its spring practice schedule. And if the adage holds true that the early bird gets the worm, head coach Bret Bielema's team is well on its way to nabbing a few night crawlers.

As opposed to last season, when spring practices began at 4:30 p.m., this season's workouts are scheduled to take place at 6:30 a.m. Despite the rough, early wake-up call, some players actually looked forward to the early start time and were itching to get out and practice.

"It's tough; I think we'll eventually get used to it, but no one said college football was easy," tight end Travis Beckum said.

"I actually was kind of looking forward to it the last week or so," Beckum continued. "Get the rhythm back and get back in the swing."

Bielema was happy with the energy the team brought to its first practice.

"I liked the tempo," Bielema said. "There were guys flying around, and you shouldn't have to motivate them too much the first couple days."

Part of getting back in the swing for Beckum will entail establishing receiver-quarterback chemistry similar to that he had with departed starter John Stocco. Last season, the Stocco-to-Beckum combination was the most consistent and lethal of any the Wisconsin offense featured. This season, however, the explosive tight end will be catching passes from either fifth-year senior Tyler Donovan or newcomer Allen Everidge, a left-handed transfer from Kansas State.

"[With Donovan], it's pretty much the same as Stocco," Beckum said. "But I am close with Everidge. We're getting close to being on that same level. I just haven't taken as many reps with him."

Along with Stocco, the Badgers offense lost All-American left tackle Joe Thomas to graduation. The two were the clear leaders of the offense, and the Badgers will look to players like Donovan and fifth-year offensive lineman Marcus Coleman to fill the void.

"We're trying to find that right now as an offense," Donovan said, "find an identity as an offense."

"We're all trying to be leaders right now, [and] obviously at the quarterback position you try to step up … in that situation," Donovan added.

While Thomas' left tackle spot may be the only turnover front for UW, his loss poses more issues than simply filling a hole in the line.

"Not only was he a great player, [Thomas] was a great leader. It's always tough to lose guys like that," Coleman said. "I am going to be a fifth-year senior, and I feel like I am more responsible to step up and take a leadership role."

"Whoever steps in there at the left tackle spot, I am confident, and I know the rest of the guys are confident he will do a good job."

Practice notes

Donovan looked sharp in seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 drills, while Everidge was a bit off on his accuracy and threw a loose spiral at times. … Redshirt freshman Maurice Moore briefly practiced catching punts, although the low ceiling on the McClain Center knocked down many of the punts before he could field them. … Shane Carter and Aubrey Pleasant practiced with the first team defense at the safety positions. … Fullback Chris Pressley practiced on a limited basis, but Bielema said he is expected to be "full-go" after spring break. … Coleman (ankle) practiced briefly because of an injury sustained a few weeks ago and should be healthy soon, while both Brandon Kelly (disciplinary reasons) and Bill Rentmeester (mononucleosis) did not practice.