Vinny Anthony is still a big-play threat, other observations from Wisconsin sixth fall camp practice
PLATTEVILLE – The University of Wisconsin football team held its sixth practice of fall camp at UW-Platteville’s Pioneer Stadium on Aug. 4. The conditions were ideal as temperatures reached the mid-70s by the end of the morning.
Here are observations from the approximately 2-hour, 15-minute session. It was the Badgers' first fully padded practice.
Vinny Anthony flexes big-play muscle
Vinny Anthony’s average of 17.2 yards per catch last season was the most for a UW receiver in almost 20 years.
That big-play potential was on display on two throws, the first from Billy Edwards and the second from Danny O'Neil.
The first catch was a 60-yard play on a ball thrown down the middle of the field. Anthony’s speed made the play as he opened up the gap between himself and Cairo Skanes to make the catch in stride for a touchdown.
Later Anthony showed his ability to adjust to a throw in making a sideline grab. As O’Neil escaped the rush, he threw high, but Anthony was able to cut off his route, jump to make the catch and keep one foot in bounds.
Darrion Dupree makes the most of his chances
Dilin Jones dressed for practice but mostly watched the action. His absence opened the door at running back for Darrion Dupree and Cade Yacamelli to get more work with the No. 1 offense. Both players had productive mornings, though Dupree made a few more plays and was a threat in the passing game. His more productive plays came off screens.
He also made one of the most physical runs of the day when he ran through cornerback Omillio Agard during a gain of about 15 yards. Granted Agard wasn’t probably expecting that level of force from Dupree, but when you’re in full pads you have to be ready for players to get physical.
The downside of Dupree's morning? He fumbled for the second straight day.
Austin Brown racks up the turnovers
Speaking of Dupree’s fumble, it was caused by senior safety Austin Brown, who punched the ball loose.
It was the third turnover for Brown in two days. He intercepted a pass late in practice Aug. 3 and was able to quickly change his direction to grab a pass broken up by Geimere Latimer during the Aug. 4 practice.
Offense has its day, other tidbits from Badgers practice
The defense has set the tone in camp, but the offense burned it for big plays in the passing game in the first padded practice. In addition to Anthony’s catches, O’Neil hit Dekel Crowdus in stride for a gain of about 40 yards. Crowdus, who was crossing the field, made the catch just in time to get one foot in bounds.…
The bad snaps that were so prevalent from the team’s younger centers two days earlier weren’t as prevalent.…
Cornerback Ricardo Hallman dressed for practice but didn’t participate. Skanes took his spot in the No. 1 defense.…
Redshirt freshman Emerson Mandell worked with the No. 1 unit at right guard. The coaches have also looked at Kerry Kodanko and Colin Cubberly at that spot, but Mandell has received the most work.…
Whitefish Bay native Grover Bortolotti closed the practice with a long run he punctuated by putting freshman safety Grant Dean on his back.