We all know that injuries are bad. In an ideal world everybody would be healthy all the time, but could they be the silver lining for the Wisconsin football team?
Wisconsin this spring has already had a long list of injuries building up, but could this be a good time to work on improving the class below the starters? Right now Wisconsin running back John Clay is sitting, or standing on crutches, because of ankle surgery. Clay's ankles have been a problem since arriving on campus three years ago. Right now could be a good time to get more work in with the other running backs Monte Ball and Zach Brown. Clay is still expected to be ready by summer camp, and will most likely be the starter on the opening Saturday in Las Vegas.
The big eaters in front of him are also ailing from injuries right now. A total of three of Wisconsin's starting offensive linemen are sitting out due to injuries. Left tackle Gabe Carimi is now back with the team after missing out more than two weeks with a knee injury that was expected to keep him out all spring. Both Peter Konz and John Moffitt have reportedly yet to return to spring practice, and Konz is expected to miss the entire spring session.
Similar damage has been done to the linebacking corps. Mike Taylor was lost for the season in 2009 when he blew out his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). His sport was filled by Chris Borland, who played through a shoulder injury and is now sitting after having it corrected in the off-season.
But the linebacking corps is again showing why injuries, or repairing them, can be beneficial to the Wisconsin Badgers during spring practice. Because of the injuries, other players that would not have the opportunity to play with the first team in the regular season now have the opportunity to get work in and with more attention from the coaching staff. For example look at Kevin Rouse; who is now able to get more work in and show what he can do. Culmer St. James is expected the be the third starter for the linebacking corps, but now there is a competition starting for the last spot. You would think not that's good for St. James, but this is also creating another opportunity for him to improve, and improve he must if he wants to be the starter come next season; the competition is catching up.
There in lies that silver lining. The injuries right now are allowing players to get more work in, and more individualized work in with the coaches. We are seeing more of the younger players, and they are showing us more and more what they can do. It creates competition, and competition is good for the top of the depth chart too. The logic is pretty simple, if you want to keep your starting you role...you better step it up because those below you already are.
The only injury that is without a doubt a blow is the injury to Curt Phillips. Phillips, who suffered a knee injury in spring practice, will now miss the entire season. That means that one of the younger players has to step up and take the role. Jon Budmayr, a sophomore next season, now must be the back up to Scott Tolzien.
The truth of the matter is that injuries happen in the regular season. The younger players need to be ready to step in at a moments notice. Perhaps the injuries now are allowing them to simulate that, and get these guys ready to play in a nightmarish situation. Looking at the big picture, you would want everybody healthy all the time, but wouldn't you much rather see John Clay on crutches in April rather than October.
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