Earlier today Wisconsin running backs Garrett Groshek and Nakia Watson met with the media and discussed the upcoming season.
The two are currently set to lead the Badgers’ running back rotation with Isaac Guerendo also in the mix and true freshman Jalen Berger still learning the college game.
Related: Nakia Watson with the quote of the day on hosting Illinois Week 1
Both had a lot to say about the team’s running back rotation, Jonathan Taylor’s impact, Jack Coan, what this unique preseason is like and much more.
Here are quotes that stuck out from the press conference (for more visit the thread below):
THREAD: Notes from Garrett Groshek and Nakia Watson's press conference (10/1)
— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) October 1, 2020
Groshek on Coan and his leadership:
- “Jack’s come a long way. Football IQ off the charts…He’s stepped up as a leader, a lot of it came from the respect from the way he was playing…He’s always so consistent and brings the same juice every day.”
Paul Chryst applauded Coan’s leadership in his press conference yesterday. This team and those close to it have a lot of good things to say about the senior quarterback.
Groshek on the unique preseason:
- “Biggest difference is having to do school…Other than that it’s just a condensed version…We don’t really have any days to waste.”
Chryst also spoke about school playing a factor yesterday. Given the team’s experience they are well-equipped to deal with the challenging structure and time frame.
Groshek on how the running back rotation can succeed and on playing with Watson:
- On what it takes to succeed: “First and foremost taking care of the ball…We’re all going to be ready and feed off each other. I think we compliment each other well.”
- On Watson: “Different people see things different ways and our styles are a little different. Being able to master different things helps us out. I think we compliment each other.”
Groshek on Guerendo and his talent:
- “First thing you see is the speed…He’s come a long way in terms of learning how to play running back…I think he’s starting to be comfortable.”
Groshek on the offensive line:
- “We’ve got more experience than people give us credit for…Then we have some younger centers that got to sit behind Tyler [Biadasz] for the last 3 years and learn from him…We feel really about good about our offensive line and the unit they can be.”
Watson on Taylor’s impact:
- “I watched both JT and Groshek, witnessed greatness from both of them and learned a lot…JT’s always told me to make your decision and go. If you make a mistake make sure it’s at 100 percent.”
Watson also had a lot to say overall about Groshek and his impressive football IQ.
Watson on Wisconsin as “RB-U” and the new cast this season:
- “We know what we have to do. We know we have big shoes to fill…We need to be Nakia, be Groshek, be Isaac. We need to play the football that got us here.”
Watson on four-star freshman Jalen Berger:
- He’s a very quiet guy. He’s very athletic, fast…He can definitely be a great back once he learns the plays and gets in sync with everyone. I think he can be a great asset to the team.”
Watson on playing Illinois Week 1 (the quote of the day):
- “Illinois deserves a butt whooping after last year.”