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[/media-credit]One of the nation's top recruits from 2007, Badger running back John Clay, will likely take his redshirt this season, head coach Bret Bielema announced at a press conference Monday.
Unless an unforeseen injury happens to one of the backs ahead of him, who have impressed Bielema thus far, that's the route the coaching staff is aiming to take.
"It is still a work in progress, and fortunately for us, we feel Zach Brown did some positive things in the last two ball games, and obviously Lance Smith, when he got in there, showed that he has continued to make strides," Bielema said. "Even though his current situation has a reason to get him down, he is trying to battle through it, and it showed up on Saturday."
Clay will continue to participate in all team functions and practices, except games.
All-American Performance
Running back P.J. Hill has been nominated for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week Award following his five-touchdown performance against The Citadel Saturday. While Hill did not win this week’s conference honors in that category, Bielema certainly credited Hill’s performance.
"Our MVP on offense, P.J., I was surprised he didn't get the Big Ten Player of the Week, but he did for us with the five touchdowns and everything he did," Bielema said.
Badger fans shouldn't take for granted their dynamic offense led by Hill along with quarterback Tyler Donovan and wide receiver Travis Beckum.
"You can ask another team in college football how hard it is to get a touchdown," Bielema kidded, referencing Notre Dame's hardship scoring points.
David Gilreath named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week
After facing two straight weeks of unconventional punt formations in Washington State and UNLV, the return team finally showed what they were made of Saturday as return man David Gilreath took home Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors. The true freshman tallied 73 punt return yards in addition to 75 more on kickoff returns. Gilreath's first punt return of 34 yards electrified the crowd as he nearly turned the corner for a touchdown.
"Probably the most disappointed guy on film on Sunday was David," Bielema said. "He realized if he made a little bit more of a cut to the outside he had a score."
Bielema credited Gilreath for his fantastic play, but also made sure to identify other key pieces in the return game.
"There was also a couple of key guys that did some great things in coverage," Bielema added. "Paul Standring did a tremendous job for us, as well as Ben Strickland and Jay Valai."
Defense continues to struggle
The Badgers looked sluggish on defense as they gave up 31 points to The Citadel Saturday, 21 of which came in the first half. Bielema conceded that the big play was an issue for his defense, as the unit gave up four plays of ten-plus yard gains.
"Our defense started fast … but then after that made some critical errors and put us in a difficult situation."
While it may have been a bit disheartening to some to see The Citadel rack up such a hefty score against the UW defense, there were a few bright spots Saturday as safeties Aubrey Pleasant and Shane Carter made their presences felt.
"It should be noted that there are several players that made dramatic improvements, probably the best game by our two safeties overall," Bielema said. "There weren't many mental busts. The way they communicated on the sidelines … was an indication to me that they really respond to each other."
"There's obviously going to be outside expectations of how good someone should be … and how few points should be let up. The biggest thing is if we win and if we stay on a path to getting us better."
