BADGERING... BRIAN WOZNIAK »» FOOTBALL
Brian Wozniak is in his first season as a starting tight end for the Badgers and has seen action in all five of UW's games this season. The junior from Loveland, Ohio, recorded his first career catch with a grab in the season opener vs. Northern Iowa and has five receptions for 37 yards on the season.
What did you know about UW before you were recruited?
"I didn't know a whole lot about Wisconsin in general. To the point that, when I was on my official visit, I was sitting with Ron Dayne and I didn't know who he was until afterward when my dad told me all about what he'd done. I grew up a Notre Dame fan and always watched Indiana and Purdue, but I didn't know much about the University of Wisconsin."
What won you over about coming to Wisconsin?
"When I first came here and saw the school and met the coaches and sat down with Coach B (Bielema), everyone was very genuine and I knew being a part of this school academically was a sure win for me."
You also played linebacker in high school. Do you miss playing defense? "Sometimes you miss the aggressiveness and the sort of swagger you can have on defense. It's fun playing offense, and I love being involved with both the passing and blocking game, but sometimes you miss getting out there and tackling guys."
What do you enjoy about playing tight end?
"I like the versatility. You can be a big threat in the blocking game and you can also jump over smaller DBs or linebackers in order to make a catch. It's a fun position because you have to know almost as much as the quarterbacks because you need to know all the run plays and all the pass plays."
How does your new beard stack up with some of your teammates? "I started growing it in the summer and I trim it up every once in a while, but I'll probably have it all season. You won't see me bare-faced. I think the No. 1 beard is definitely Travis Frederick, but I think I'm in the top three. Jeff Duckworth has a good beard going right now, but I think I'm right there."
22 » VARSITY OCTOBER 4, 2012
