Week Two of fall camp is starting to bring some answers to questions the Wisconsin Badger coaching staff has, one of which is who will protect the quarterback’s blindside?
It very well could be Manitowoc Lincoln alum Davis Heinzen.
The Central Michigan transfer has caught the attention of his offensive line coach AJ Blazek.
“He got some athleticism. He may not be as long as some of the tackles that have been here (Wisconsin) in the past, but he’s got the feet, the moves, and the athletic ability to play the position,” he revealed. “He’s very smart and picks things up quickly. Now it’s just a matter of meshing with the rest of the guys and see what he can do.”
The 6′ 5″, 310-pound Heinzen started 36 consecutive games for the Chippewas, playing left tackle and guard, and brings a much-needed “workers like mentality” back to a program that is looking to return to its physical roots of “pounding the rock” and wearing down the opposition.
Critics question whether Heinzen can step up a level and hold his own against NFL-caliber athletes from the likes of Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon, and Alabama.
But there is no question that Heinzen’s work ethic is second to none, and the Manitowoc Lincoln graduate, who rewrote the Shipbuilders’ record book at tight end, will be hard to keep out of the starting lineup.
Heinzen and the Badgers open the season Thursday, August 28th, at home against Miami of Ohio.
