DAVID STLUKA
W
isconsin's Ryan Groy and Chris
Borland have reached their
own comfort levels during the
"first quarter,'' or phase, of the
coaching transition from Bret
Bielema to Gary Andersen.
Groy, a senior guard, has found something comforting in something old; an offensive system that
is similar for linemen in some respects to the one
that was in place two years ago.
Borland, a senior linebacker, has found something comforting in something new; a 3-4 defensive scheme that is much different than any previous one used during his time here.
Leading up to the start of the "second quarter"
― Saturday marks the opening of spring practice,
or the second of four phases ― Groy and Borland
sounded most comfortable with the transition so
far.
"We realize we have to come together as a team,''
46 » VARSITY
MAR CH 7, 2013
Groy said.
"I would think it went better than most would expect,'' Borland added.
Not that he was surprised. After getting an early
opportunity to visit with Andersen and some of his
assistants, Borland said, "Personally, I anticipated
it going well knowing what type of guys they are.''
It didn't hurt that the Badgers have a seniorladen roster with veteran players who have experienced three straight Rose Bowls. "We've got a lot of
mature, responsible guys,'' Borland said.
Some have been subjected to more changes than
others. Groy will have his fourth different O-line
coach in three seasons; Borland will have a fourth
different linebackers coach in four seasons.
In this context, Borland has been so grateful for
the direction that everyone has been getting from
the top, Andersen. "He's a great leader,'' Borland
said. "You can tell that right off the bat.''
What has been most telling? "He doesn't BS
