Vital Badgers Football Question Must Be Answered Against Strong #19 Alabama

Despite receiving positive news regarding his injury, the Badgers have not still stated whether or not Renfro will confidently start. The most recent update from coach Luke Fickell suggested that the timeline of the center was trending positively, and likely would mean the Badgers should get the starter back. However, there is also a world where the center does not play and especially given his injury history and the lack of depth overall at the position.

Outside of Renfro, the current starter would be Kerry Kodanko, who most recently started at center against Middle Tennessee for Wisconsin. Kodanko is an experienced interior lineman who primarily plays guard but has shown an ability to play center in the past. Last season, Kodanko was the emergency center for Wisconsin and played a total of 21 snaps at the position.

The only issue, however, is that Kodanko struggled during his start against Middle Tennessee not necessarily as a blocker but certainly when snapping the football. Multiple snaps were high or snapped at the wrong time and luckily none of them directly resulted in disaster but certainly contributed to slowing down each drive.

Wisconsin is expected to move forward with Kodanko at center should Renfro not be able to play despite some concerns over his snaps.

Where Should the Badgers Football Staff go at Center After Renfro, Kodanko?

The other possible option at center without Renfro or Kodanko in the picture would be Ryan Cory, who has already played center for the Badgers this season for a handful of snaps. Outside of Cory, the only other options on the roster would be players like JP Benzschawel or Hardy Watts who both have experience as interior linemen, but not as a center.

Cory is a capable center from a blocking standpoint and the size of the lineman is perfect for the position. The issue Cory has faced, however, is the same as Kodanko as snapping the football is still not a perfect art for the lineman. Cory played a handful of snaps against Middle Tennessee in relief of Kodanko but produced multiple poor snaps on the field.

Developing depth at the position is something the Badgers will have to focus on more in the future, but for the meantime, finding capable replacements is going to be key for the staff. Should Kodanko have a poor performance in the wake of Renfro missing the game against Alabama, the Badgers may have to stick things out for the entire game. Cory is an effective blocker, but still very much unproven at the collegiate level and would arguably be thrown to the wolves against the Crimson Tide defensive line.