http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/players/peniel_jean/129370 Recent articles about Peniel Jean en-us Steve Carson had been through the college football recruiting mill enough to know a top-level Division I athlete when he saw one. Carson, the head coach at Independence (Kan.) Community College, knew safety T.J. Reynard fit such a bill. So while Reynard sweated out scholarship offers from lesser D-I schools following his freshman season at Independence, Carson offered some helpful advice: Relax. You have another year of junior college ball. The offers from big-time programs will come. "I said, 'Look, just wait and you'll get something good. Don't worry about it'" Carson told FOXSportsWisconsin.com by phone. "We talked quite a bit about it, and I told him to just hang in there. After spring ball, a lot of teams came back and started looking again." Among those teams was the University of Wisconsin, which last week snatched up Reynard to fill a void in the Badgers secondary. Carson's wait-and-see advice paid off in a big way, even if it came sooner than he expected for on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:08:53 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/patience_pays_off_for_reynard_badgers_newest_recruit/13624316 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/patience_pays_off_for_reynard_badgers_newest_recruit/13624316 Patience pays off for Reynard, Badgers' newest recruit http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/patience_pays_off_for_reynard_badgers_newest_recruit/13624316 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Steve Carson had been through the college football recruiting mill enough to know a top-level Division I athlete when he saw one. Carson, the head coach at Independence (Kan.) Community College, knew safety T.J. Reynard fit such a bill. So while Reynard sweated out scholarship offers from lesser D-I schools following his freshman season at Independence, Carson offered some helpful advice: Relax. You have another year of junior college ball. The offers from big-time programs will come. "I said, 'Look, just wait and you'll get something good. Don't worry about it'" Carson told FOXSportsWisconsin.com by phone. "We talked quite a bit about it, and I told him to just hang in there. After spring ball, a lot of teams came back and started looking again." Among those teams was the University of Wisconsin, which last week snatched up Reynard to fill a void in the Badgers secondary. Carson's wait-and-see advice paid off in a big way, even if it came sooner than he expected for on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:08:53 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/patience_pays_off_for_reynard_badgers_newest_recruit/13624313 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/patience_pays_off_for_reynard_badgers_newest_recruit/13624313 Patience pays off for Reynard, Badgers' newest recruit http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/patience_pays_off_for_reynard_badgers_newest_recruit/13624313 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Wisconsin is coming off a third straight Big Ten football championship  but faces a number of questions heading in to the 2013 season. The Badgers are in the midst of a coaching transition after Bret Bielema skipped town prior to the Rose Bowl in favor of a shot at turning around an Arkansas football program recovering from a motorcycle wreck of a season. In comes Gary Andersen, who demonstrated some solid potential by making Utah State a winning team, but the new coach loses a record-breaking running back and must figure out who the heck is going to lead the offense on the field. Still, Wisconsin figures to be a bit of a pest in the Big Ten Leaders Division and may be the biggest threat to Ohio State's potential run to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game. With spring football in the books in Madison, we welcome the opinions of Andy Coppens, managing editor of Madtown Badgers, and Richard Branch, co-founder of Buck Around, to get a sense of what is expected at Wis... Wed, 01 May 2013 11:36:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/big_ten_q_a_wisconsin_badgers/13527809 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/big_ten_q_a_wisconsin_badgers/13527809 Big Ten Q&A: Wisconsin Badgers http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/big_ten_q_a_wisconsin_badgers/13527809 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/d/9/d90c401172654bb859f30d0d188ff6936707a234/mini/5743218.jpg Coming into the spring game one of the biggest question marks for this team had to be the secondary. Not only are they replacing long-time starters and three of the four starters, but there wasn't a lot of experience or depth ready to take over... at least that was the narrative.  In the annual Badgers spring game that's not what those in attendance witnessed. Instead what was seen was a group of young players more than capable of stepping up and making plays for this team come the fall.  "The corners as a whole have really progressed, worked hard," head coach Gary Andersen said following the game. "It's a work in progress." "The list is not real long with those kids, but I think they have competed day in and day out, and techniques, moving to man coverage, moving to playing dog coverage, blitzing sometimes doesn't sound like a lot, but it's a lot to put on a kid's plate. They've got better every single day, I believe.... Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:22:01 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/secondary_shows_its_metal_in_badgers_spring_game_could_be_surprise_group_of_spring_ball/13456270 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/secondary_shows_its_metal_in_badgers_spring_game_could_be_surprise_group_of_spring_ball/13456270 Secondary shows it's metal in Badgers spring game, could be surprise group of Spring ball http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/secondary_shows_its_metal_in_badgers_spring_game_could_be_surprise_group_of_spring_ball/13456270 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png MADISON, Wis. Wisconsin's football team continues to bolster its nonconference schedule with teams from power-six conferences as it positions itself for the NCAA's newly formatted postseason playoff in 2014. On Friday, Wisconsin officials announced the scheduling of a home-and-home series with South Florida. The Bulls will travel to face the Badgers on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin will return the favor with a game on Sept. 16, 2017 in Tampa, Fla. "We obviously recruit a lot in the state of Florida, and these games will be great for our exposure down there," Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen said in a statement. "USF is traditionally a strong program, so it's exciting to get a quality opponent on the schedule for our players and the fans." Currently, there are 10 players on Wisconsin's spring practice roster from Florida, including three starters running back James White, safety Dezmen Southward and cornerback Peniel Jean. South Florida finished Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:16:25 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/badgers_schedule_home_and_home_with_usf/13439788 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/badgers_schedule_home_and_home_with_usf/13439788 Badgers schedule home-and-home with USF http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/badgers_schedule_home_and_home_with_usf/13439788 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png MADISON, Wis. Wisconsin's football team continues to bolster its nonconference schedule with teams from power-six conferences as it positions itself for the NCAA's newly formatted postseason playoff in 2014. On Friday, Wisconsin officials announced the scheduling of a home-and-home series with South Florida. The Bulls will travel to face the Badgers on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin will return the favor with a game on Sept. 16, 2017 in Tampa, Fla. "We obviously recruit a lot in the state of Florida, and these games will be great for our exposure down there," Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen said in a statement. "USF is traditionally a strong program, so it's exciting to get a quality opponent on the schedule for our players and the fans." Currently, there are 10 players on Wisconsin's spring practice roster from Florida, including three starters running back James White, safety Dezmen Southward and cornerback Peniel Jean. South Florida finished Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:16:25 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/badgers_schedule_home_and_home_with_usf/13439851 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/badgers_schedule_home_and_home_with_usf/13439851 Badgers schedule home-and-home with USF http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/badgers_schedule_home_and_home_with_usf/13439851 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png We're just 24 hours or so away from the 2013 spring game and the first big chance to see the Gary Andersen's squad in action and all this week we've been breaking down the biggest storylines and the most important players to watch come Saturday. Today we wrap up "Spring Game Week" with perhaps the most intriguing position group not named QB for the Cardinal and White.  Before we get there, let's remind you of the other stories that we've covered here on "Spring Game Week:"  - Who will step up at wide receiver? - How aggressive will the new defense be? - Will someone emerge as clear frontrunner at QB? Today, in our final feature of our week long look at the Badgers spring game there has been a clear frontrunner for story of the spring - the defensive backfield - and for reasons we should all know, but if not let's lay that out for you in simple terms. Three-quarters of the defensive backs that will take the field on Aug.... Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:50:41 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/spring_game_week_youth_must_answer_call_in_badgers_secondary/13438636 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/spring_game_week_youth_must_answer_call_in_badgers_secondary/13438636 Spring Game Week: Youth must answer call in Badgers secondary http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/spring_game_week_youth_must_answer_call_in_badgers_secondary/13438636 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png MADISON, Wis. If you do the math, it isn't difficult to spot Wisconsin's perceived weak link in the defense as the 2013 football season approaches. Six of the Badgers' front seven will be back. One of the Badgers' back four returns. When opponents study the tape, they're sure to salivate at the prospect of facing an inexperienced secondary. But Badgers safety Dezmen Southward the lone returning starter in that secondary kindly offers a message to those teams that believe they will easily succeed in taking shots down the field. Bring it on. "Come after us," Southward said following Wednesday's spring practice. "We'll show you we're ready to play. I think you can say that about any team. Who's going to hide four DBs? That's the craziest thing I've heard in my life. If teams want to come down the field and challenge us, we'll be ready, and I think they'll change their gameplan after a couple times." Southward, a 6-foot-2, 214-pound re Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:51:09 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/uw_secondary_lacking_experience_not_courage/13310266 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/uw_secondary_lacking_experience_not_courage/13310266 UW secondary lacking experience, not courage http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/uw_secondary_lacking_experience_not_courage/13310266 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png MADISON, Wis. If you do the math, it isn't difficult to spot Wisconsin's perceived weak link in the defense as the 2013 football season approaches. Six of the Badgers' front seven will be back. One of the Badgers' back four returns. When opponents study the tape, they're sure to salivate at the prospect of facing an inexperienced secondary. But Badgers safety Dezmen Southward the lone returning starter in that secondary kindly offers a message to those teams that believe they will easily succeed in taking shots down the field. Bring it on. "Come after us," Southward said following Wednesday's spring practice. "We'll show you we're ready to play. I think you can say that about any team. Who's going to hide four DBs? That's the craziest thing I've heard in my life. If teams want to come down the field and challenge us, we'll be ready, and I think they'll change their gameplan after a couple times." Southward, a 6-foot-2, 214-pound re Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:51:09 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/uw_secondary_lacking_experience_not_courage/13310233 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/uw_secondary_lacking_experience_not_courage/13310233 UW secondary lacking experience, not courage http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/uw_secondary_lacking_experience_not_courage/13310233 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Although he is still building his starting mentality, redshirt junior cornerback Peniel Jean has put in the extra work in the offseason to make himself one of the favorites to start in Wisconsin's secondary this season. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:12:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/spring_q_a_peniel_jean/13287853 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/spring_q_a_peniel_jean/13287853 Spring Q&A: Peniel Jean http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/spring_q_a_peniel_jean/13287853 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png First Practice: March 9th Spring Game: April 20th Wisconsin football has been on a role as of late. Three straight Big Ten championships, three straight Rose Bowls. However, it's also been three straight Rose Bowl losses. Now Wisconsin enters a new era as former head coach Bret Bielema parlayed his success into the Arkansas coaching job in perhaps the offseason's most shocking coaching move.  In is Gary Andersen, formerly of Utah State, and a new era is afoot in Madison. That new era means a few changes are coming and for a team that was just 8-6 last season that may not be a bad thing at all.  2012 was marked by three starting QB's, inconsistent play from those QB's and wide receivers, inconsistent offensive line play to start the year, and the crowning of Montee Ball as the all-time touchdowns record holder in FBS football.  Unlike most new head coaches coming into a program Andersen has a roster chalk full of experience as the Badgers will return... Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:34:01 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/spring_football_wisconsin_seeking_answers_at_qb_in_new_era/13087213 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/spring_football_wisconsin_seeking_answers_at_qb_in_new_era/13087213 Spring Football: Wisconsin seeking answers at QB in new era http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/spring_football_wisconsin_seeking_answers_at_qb_in_new_era/13087213 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/8/3/8377488562856d174efa47f1159bf7db9c41aa16/mini/wisconsin-michigan.jpg Yep, it's that time of the year again.... It's spring football in the air as February has turned into early March and with that means our annual look at the roster and what we all should be looking for this spring. Only unlike past years this spring is just a bit different than what we've experienced in the past as we welcome Gary Andersen to his first actual on-field coaching duties with the Badgers.  It also means it's time for us to break down the Badgers position by position as we wind down to next week Saturday and the beginning of the Badgers spring expedition that ends April 20th at Camp Randall Stadium.  With that it only feels right that we begin in an area that will be one of the more intriguing this spring - the Secondary. After all this is arguably the group that is the biggest toss up of them all on the entire team. So, let's explore the unknown that is the Badgers 2013 Secondary. Lost, but not forgotten: Marcus Cromartie (CB;) Devin Sm... Sat, 02 Mar 2013 11:48:34 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/2013_badgers_spring_football_preview_secondary/13034029 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/2013_badgers_spring_football_preview_secondary/13034029 2013 Badgers Spring Football Preview: Secondary http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/2013_badgers_spring_football_preview_secondary/13034029 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png MADISON, Wis. Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema is providing Kenzel Doe with another opportunity to field punts this week against Purdue.The move is noteworthy because Doe muffed two punts last week against Illinois and finished the game with three punt returns for minus-three yards. Jared Abbrederis, one of the top punt returners in college football last season, took his spot for the final two punts."Kenzel will start as long as everything looks good," Bielema said following Thursday's practice. "I want Kenzel to have that role. And you know what? I think Abby sees that too and can appreciate his first experiences back there. He can bring us a little bit of something."The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Doe has the ability to electrify a stadium. He returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown earlier this season against Utah State that changed the momentum of the game. Wisconsin trailed, 14-3, at the time of the return, and the Badgers went on to win, 16-14. Doe ranks second in the Big Ten in punt retur Thu, 11 Oct 2012 20:36:01 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/bielema_reaffirms_faith_in_return_man_doe/11939476 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/bielema_reaffirms_faith_in_return_man_doe/11939476 Bielema reaffirms faith in return man Doe http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/bielema_reaffirms_faith_in_return_man_doe/11939476 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png With the Wisconsin football team less than a week away from opening its season against Northern Iowa at Camp Randall Stadium, the roster is still taking shape. Head coach Bret Bielema clarified the status of several positions on the depth chart during a press conference Monday at the Camp Randall Media Center. Defensive back Peniel Jean will be out 4-6 weeks with a fractured foot which required surgery. Jean, a redshirt sophomore, played in all 14 games last season. Due to the injury, redshirt freshman Darius Hillary will move back to cornerback , just weeks after the coaching staff elected to move him to safety. Hillary will also assume duties at nickelback for the time being, though Bielema noted that Devin Gaulden could also work his way into a starting position. “Devin Gaulden had a nice little camp,” Bielema said. “I think Darius and Devin are right there neck and neck, taking all the two reps.” The door also appears to be open for freshman Reggie Mitch... Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:08:53 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/bielema_offers_roster_update_heading_into_opener/11564416 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/bielema_offers_roster_update_heading_into_opener/11564416 Bielema offers roster update heading into opener http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/bielema_offers_roster_update_heading_into_opener/11564416 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Wisconsin survived most of fall camp without any serious injuries, but the Badgers will have to figure out a way to manage without Peniel Jean - their starting nickle corner - for at least four weeks. Mon, 27 Aug 2012 17:36:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/notes_jean_out_at_least_four_weeks/11563102 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/notes_jean_out_at_least_four_weeks/11563102 Notes: Jean Out at Least Four Weeks http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/notes_jean_out_at_least_four_weeks/11563102 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png