The start of the Luke Fickell era at Wisconsin included an initiative to share more content and insights on social media, and use alternative media as a tool to increase interest and discussion around the team.
From mid-January to when spring practice begins in March, these insights mostly come from the weight room and the team’s work with strength coach Brady Collins.
One other initiative is team speed.
As Fickell works to transition the program into its new era, a heavy emphasis has been placed on increasing the team’s speed and athleticism. The step forward is necessary for what offensive coordinator Phil Longo wants to do with his unit, and the same said for Mike Tressel on defense.
Related: Big Ten starting quarterback rankings for 2024
Wisconsin releases updated top speed numbers almost weekly during this winter conditioning period. WOZN’s Zach Heilprin compared this year’s updated numbers with those from one year ago.
There were 21 players above 20 miles per hour on last week’s list — led by wide receivers Quincy Burroughs and Will Pauling at 22.14 and 21.70 miles per hour respectively.
The same list from February 20, 2023? Only five players above 20 miles per hour.
Try not to look too much into these lists but it's worthwhile to note the difference one year makes. The list from Feb. 20, 2023 had five guys topping 20 MPH. The list from yesterday includes 21 guys. pic.twitter.com/5xgjvkZNeA
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) February 21, 2024
This is not a scientific look nor a projection of on-field success. But the college football offseason is for reading the tea leaves and trying to use any piece of information to gain insight. So, I think it’s safe to say Wisconsin will be a faster team in 2024 than it was in 2023.
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