Top 10 Observations from Rams 2019 training camp

[CGI_Ram]

https://www.therams.com/news/top-10-observations-from-rams-2019-training-camp

Top 10 Observations from Rams 2019 training camp

Training camp has come to an end at UC Irvine. Check out senior writer/team insider Myles Simmons' top 10 observations from each day of camp.

July 27

1) While head coach Sean McVay downplayed the notion of running back Darrell Henderson getting first-team snaps — the Rams are rotating in a lot of players, McVay said — Henderson looks the part. During one-on-one drills, Henderson caught a slant going from left to right and it’s easy to see why the Rams like him. McVay credited Henderson’s work ethic and running backs coach Skip Peete for getting the rookie RB up to speed.

July 28

2) Running back Darrell Henderson continues to impress over the first couple days. Again during on-on-ones, he tracked a deep ball down the right side from quarterback Brandon Allen, reeling it in over his shoulder. There are wide receivers who don’t have that kind of ability. It’s early and the Rams aren’t in pads, but he looks like a weapon.

July 29

3) At the end of the half-field drills, quarterback Jared Goff connected with wide receiver Josh Reynolds on a deep route down the middle of the field for what would’ve been a touchdown. Reynolds put a double move on the defensive backs and Goff put the ball just within reach of the wideout, who stretched out to make the grab. Later in the session, Reynolds used his 6-foot-3 frame again in 11-on-11 drills, making a catch from Goff off play action. On an intermediate route over the middle, Reynolds stretched up to make the catch, reeling in what initially looked like it could be an incompletion. That’s an element Reynolds can bring that’s unique in the WRs room.

4) Outside linebacker Dante Fowler had a couple of impressive periods on Monday afternoon. During the first 11-on-11, he got into the backfield to stop Natson for what would’ve been a loss on an end around to the defense’s right, showing his speed and strength. Then he burst in off the edge on the defense’s left to get a pop on Henderson. His speed really makes a difference.

July 30

5) Aaron Donald is good at defensive line drills. That’s it, that’s the observation.

6) During 11-on-11 drills, Donald and outside linebacker Dante Fowler got off the ball so fast on one play that they nearly took a handoff from backup quarterback Blake Bortles in the backfield. The pair of defenders absolutely ruined the play for the offense, and embraced one another in celebration near the sideline. Everyone knows what to expect from Donald, but Fowler has put tighter a nice camp so far.

Aug. 1 - Joint practice with the Chargers

7) The Rams’ tight ends made some big plays throughout the day, one coming in the red zone 7-on-7 period from Tyler Higbee. Los Angeles was using a two tight end set, Higbee ran a slant on the right side, made the catch, got popped by a defender, but still held on for a touchdown. Goff went back to Higbee during the first 11-on-11 period, hitting the fourth-year tight end down the left sideline off play action for a play that would’ve gone for a touchdown. Goff’s ball placement was strong on the play, dropping it in the bucket for Higbee to run down the field for YAC.

8) In red zone 11-on-11 drills, tight end Gerald Everett caught a pass and tiptoed the end line for a touchdown. Whitworth neutralized Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa in the backfield, giving Goff time to complete the pass as the play developed. Later on in that practice, Goff once again connected with Everett in the red zone for a touchdown. The tight end got his feet in quickly for a second time, but in this instance he was at the front right pylon.

Aug. 3 — Joint practice with the Chargers

9) For an 11-on-11 move the ball drill, the Chargers were able to move the chains on the first try but on the net set of downs, cornerback Aqib Talib batted a ball down, Rivers had to throw away a second-down pass, and then a check-down swing pass went nowhere on third down. Talib continued his big day by nearly making a diving interception on an intermediate route in the middle of the field. And in a later period, he had strong coverage on Keenan Allen on a deep pass to the the end zone, forcing another incompletion.

10) To end practice on the defense’s field, Dominique Hatfield picked off an intermediate Taylor pass in the middle of the field before taking it to the house down the defense’s right sideline. It was a fitting close to a strong defensive day from the Rams.

 

[CGI_Ram]

https://www.therams.com/news/quotes-notes-8-4-rams-wrap-up-camp-at-uc-irvine

Quotes & Notes 8/4: Rams wrap up camp at UC Irvine

After each media session, Quotes and Notes will bring you what was said, who said it, and what it means for your Los Angeles Rams. Here’s what you should know from Sunday, Aug. 4.

“I thought the defense was pretty sound all day.”
— HC Sean McVay

• While head coach Sean McVay said on Saturday that the offense started sluggish and responded well, upon reviewing the film, McVay seemed pleased with the defense’s performance.
• Going against the Chargers offense was “great work” for the Rams’ defense, McVay said.
• The defensive backs especially had a strong day, picking off Chargers quarterbacks three times with the opportunity for a few more.
• McVay reiterated that he did like how the offense improved over the course of practice, executing plays down the stretch.

“I think physically, you don’t see any effects of the knee injury.”
— HC Sean McVay

• Wide receiver Cooper Kupp has been heavily involved in the offense throughout camp, and McVay said on Sunday that the wideout looks healthy.
• Kupp didn’t participate in the joint portions of Thursday’s practice with the Chargers, but was on the field on Saturday.
• McVay said that Kupp took a couple hits, but responded just fine each time.
• The head coach noted it was probably good for Kupp to get that level of physicality once again.
• McVay has previously said that Kupp isn’t going to play in preseason games — which is no surprise.

“Cory’s been outstanding. Cory’s done a great job.”
— HC Sean McVay

• McVay had high praise for linebacker Cory Littleton following Sunday’s practice.
• The head coach noted that Littleton proved last year that he’s a three-down, playmaking linebacker.
• McVay also complimented Littleton’s versatility.
• Littleton recorded 13 passes defensed, three interceptions, and 4.0 sacks in 2018.

“He took some steps in the right direction. He showed up on the film, and he’s so conscientious he’s going to get better every day.”
— HC Sean McVay

• McVay has seen steady progress from safety Taylor Rapp throughout the course of camp.
• The head coach said Rapp has shown up on film during practice — particularly in the sessions with the Chargers.
• Rapp has also been working his way into the safety rotation with the first-team defense, though fellow safety Marqui Christian has also been playing well in that dime safety spot.
• We’ll likely see how Rapp performs in the first preseason game next week in Oakland.

 

[BonifayRam]

https://www.sbnation.com/pages/how-to-whitelist-sb-nation
2019 Los Angeles Rams training camp: August 4 practice recap

That’ll do it.
By 3k@3k_ Aug 4, 2019, 6:53pm CDT

The Los Angeles Rams wrapped up training camp today after just seven practices at UC Irvine.

It was a curtailed effort this year with one joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers at their training camp home at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, two joint practices with the Oakland Raiders at their training camp home in Napa, and a week’s worth of work in Honolulu with the Dallas Cowboys.

While the Rams won’t be short on the opportunity to get work in as we build toward the preseason and ultimately toward Week 1 of the regular season, it does mean fewer opportunities for fans to see that work in person.

Here’s hoping that’s a bit of a one off and we get more chances for fans to see our Rams up close next year in camp.

Injuries
No details, but Rams Head Coach Sean McVay did acknowledge that EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (roster preview) has been “banged up.”

The Rams are off the field until Wednesday, so here’s hoping whatever he’s ailing from heals up.

The preseason kicks off in less than a week, and Obo is going to need reps having missed all of last year.

Offense
McVay was still smarting a bit from the offense’s lackluster opening yesterday in the joint practice against the Chargers, but he seemed more comfortable where things headed since. Today’s walkthrough was always going to be light, so no real opportunity to excel.

At this point, it’s about gearing up for Week 1 of the preseason.

And it’s worth noting that when asked about which rookies were standing out, McVay name-dropped OT David Edwards (roster preview). Given that he was the third offensive pick for the Rams coming in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, it was an interesting choice.

Defense
If Edwards’ inclusion among notable rookies was surprising, McVay’s mention of S Taylor Rapp (roster preview) and CB David Long, Jr. (roster preview), likely was not.

It will be interesting to see how the recent battles between ILB Micah Kiser/ILB Bryce Hager and DT Sebastian Joseph-Day/NT Greg Gaines develop over the next week as they get ready for the preseason opener next Saturday.

 

[BonifayRam]

https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/03/nfl-rams-chargers-practice-camp-takeaways/3/
3 takeaways from Rams' joint practice with Chargers

By: Cameron DaSilva |

The penultimate practice of Rams training camp concluded on Saturday afternoon, wrapping up their second session against the Los Angeles Chargers. There were no skirmishes or fights, keeping practice clean once again.

Here are three takeaways from everything that happened on Saturday at UC Irvine.

Bryce Hager is making a statement at MLB
All offseason, it’s seemed like Micah Kiser would replace Mark Barron at inside linebacker next to Cory Littleton. Not so fast. Hager might have something to say about that. For the second day in a row, Hager has taken first-team reps at linebacker in the Rams’ base defense. That’s a strong indication that he might be pulling ahead of Kiser as the starter.

Second day in a row that Bryce Hager getting first team reps over Micah Kiser at Mike LB in base defense

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 3, 2019

The position battle hasn’t been determined yet, as it sounds like they’re just alternating days, but Hager is definitely a candidate to start in Week 1. He has more experience than Kiser and is a consistent special teams contributor, so the Rams might prefer him as the safer option.This is definitely a competition worth keeping an eye on throughout the preseason.

JoJo Natson stood out vs. Chargers
Natson could be considered on the roster bubble because most of his contributions come on special teams, but it sounds like he’s on his way to earning a spot on the 53-man roster. According to Greg Beacham of the Associated Press, Natson was almost untouchable in practice on Saturday, which is a good sign for his chances of making the team.

If the NFL went to flag football rules because of the concussions and whatnot, the Rams’ JoJo Natson would be an All-Pro receiver. The Bolts defense can barely get a hand on him in these non-tackle scrimmages.


— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) August 3, 2019

He dealt with fumbling issues on punt returns last season and didn’t do much as a receiver, but this sort of elusiveness could be an asset on offense in certain situations. Natson could very well remain the primary punt returner if he continues to show this level of shiftiness.

Offense struggled as a whole
Jared Goff made a few nice throws to Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp but altogether, the offense was not up to par. Goff was intercepted and had a great throw called back due to holding.Understandably, McVay was unhappy with the way the offense performed against the Chargers, who boast a championship-caliber defense.McVay happy with way offense finished but overall the offense was “not even close to good enough.”

— Gary Klein (@LATimesklein) August 3, 2019

It’s not the end of the world, but it’s also not very encouraging when the offense struggles against another team’s defense – especially after the way the Rams’ 2018 season ended.

 

[BonifayRam]

I do not think that Kiser or Hager will see that many snaps this season as we think. Wade will play 2-4-5 defense a lot He has one of the best Nickel corners in the NFL in NRC. In addition, the 4th LB'er stands to be either Christian or Rapp in place of Kiser or Hager.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/rams/story/2019-08-04/taylor-rapp-rams-training-camp-nfl

Taylor Rapp building a reputation as a ‘flat-out baller’ in Rams camp

By Gary KleinStaff Writer

The transition from college football to the NFL is going smoothly for Taylor Rapp.The Rams’ rookie safety meshed well and impressed during offseason workouts, and he continued to gain confidence during the first week of training camp, which included two practices with the Chargers.This week, the Rams will practice twice with the Oakland Raiders in Napa.

On Sunday, after the Rams completed a short walkthrough in their final workout at UC Irvine, Rapp said lessons learned against the Chargers would enable him to grow against the Raiders.“It was kind of eye-opening, getting me ready for the tempo and stuff like that,” Rapp said. “It’s definitely going to help out a lot heading into these next two practices with the Raiders.”

The 6-foot, 208-pound Rapp was selected in the second round of the draft after an outstanding career at the University of Washington.

He is part of a Rams safety corps that includes 12-year veteran Eric Weddle, ascending third-year pro John Johnson and versatile Marqui Christian.Rapp also is versatile, coach Sean McVay said.“He took some steps in the right direction,” against the Chargers, McVay said. “He showed up on the field.

“He’s so conscientious -- he’s going to keep getting better every day.”

Rapp, 21, acknowledged that he has dealt with NFL “learning curves and growing pains and stuff like that.” But he said he was becoming more and more comfortable in defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ system.

“Now, it’s all about going out there and letting it loose and trying to make plays,” he said.

Rapp has benefited from daily exposure to Weddle. The six-time Pro Bowl selection signed with the Rams in March after the Rams let Lamarcus Joyner leave as a free agent.

“I’m just trying to soak up as much information as possible from that guy because he’s got 12 years of ball under his belt,” Rapp said of Weddle.

Rapp already has demonstrated his maturity, Johnson said. With his play, he also has answered questions about his speed.“He’s going to be a real good player for a long time,” Johnson said. “He can move, he can run.“He’s a flat-out baller.”Rapp is one of several rookies who made an impression during eight training camp practices. Running back Darrell Henderson, offensive lineman David Edwards, defensive tackle Greg Gaines and cornerback David Long are others.

“You expect them to just really learn from the veteran players, make sure that you’re not making the same mistake twice — as we expect from all of our players — and capitalize on the opportunities you do have,” McVay said of the rookies.

McVay demonstrated again Sunday that he expects maximum effort and focus from all players on every snap, regardless of whether it occurs in a scrimmage, full-speed drill or a walkthrough.

A day after the offense appeared sluggish in the practice with the Chargers, the Rams went through the one-hour walkthrough without pads.

But McVay remained exacting. On one play, the offense broke the huddle en route to lining up. McVay, visibly unsatisfied with the pace, called the players back and instructed them to do it again.

“That’s just all of us working together,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re operating at a high level. The things that you can control in these walkthrough settings are important and we want to make sure we’re emphasizing those things.”

He then joked, “You know, sometimes I can get a little bit short on patience.”

The Rams are finished with practices at Irvine, but McVay said he relayed a post-practice message to players.

“Even though we’re leaving Irvine we’re not breaking camp,” he said. “We are still in camp mode for the next, really, week and a half or so.” Rams are off Monday. They will have a short workout Tuesday and then depart for Napa.

 

[LARAMSinFeb.]

And it’s worth noting that when asked about which rookies were standing out, McVay name-dropped OT David Edwards (roster preview). Given that he was the third offensive pick for the Rams coming in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, it was an interesting choice.

Didn't Edwards slide to the 5th rd. because of a 2018 shoulder injury? Pray we found a gem here.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Really haven't heard Longs name that much in last week...

 

[Jacobarch]

Didn't Edwards slide to the 5th rd. because of a 2018 shoulder injury? Pray we found a gem here.

I think he could be our LT of the future if Noteboom has a good season at LG and Edwards continues to impress.

 

[oldnotdead]

Edwards is raw compared to Noteboom. I think it's pretty clear that Joe will be the successor to Whitworth. Evans IMO was drafted to be the LG of the future. Demby probably takes over RG this year or next year at RG. David Edwards really is a 2 year project player. During that time he probably will be the swing tackle. I don't think it's a coincidence that the Rams grabbed a very talented but unpolished OT in Edwards in this draft. When his contract expires after the 2022 season which is also when Havenstein's contract expires as well. Rob will be 30 and David will be 25. That's why I think Edwards was drafted as the RT of the future starting in 2023. This gives him plenty of time to hone his craft and gain experience. This also gives the Rams plenty of time to evaluate Edwards and feel comfortable as their long terms RT starter.

I still think the pre-season games will determine the starting NT. That said regardless of who is named the starter, the position is going to be rotated and or pulled frequently so both guys will get snaps.

As far as Jojo is concerned, if it were up to me I'd release him. He is very short at 5'9" with 29" arms giving him a poor catch radius. He is also inconsistent with his hands. He was signed to return punts because they didn't have options at the time. Webster is basically the same kind of small player with marginal speed at best. If they are going to carry a 6th WR simply to return punts only it's a wasted roster space. That player should be a player that they can actually use in a game.

 

[OnceARam]

Really haven't heard Longs name that much in last week...

All I heard was that he looks small out there. Hopefully, he works out as we passed on higher-rated CBs to get him.

 

[fanotodd]

No it isn't especially when Kurt is downgrading Goff based upon a bad pass. Mahomes fumbled for a Rams TD and also threw a one arm INT for a Rams TD and threw 2 INTs in the final 1:18 of the game. And Kurt rates him above Goff?

As far as Jojo is concerned, if it were up to me I'd release him...If they are going to carry a 6th WR simply to return punts only it's a wasted roster space. That player should be a player that they can actually use in a game.

At the very least, play on other STs.

 

[ReekofRams]

All I heard was that he looks small out there. Hopefully, he works out as we passed on higher-rated CBs to get him.

He’s the same size as Marcus Peters, and about 10lbs bigger than Kevin Petersen and Troy Hill, among others. Which means he’s average in size for a CB. So I’m not sure where you heard he looks small, but they were wrong.

 

[CGI_Ram]

https://www.therams.com/news/five-takeaways-from-rams-2019-training-camp-at-uc-irvine

Five Takeaways from Rams 2019 training camp at UC Irvine

1) FOWLER LOOKS PRIMED FOR A BIG YEAR

Running back Todd Gurley made headlines last week when he told NFL Network that outside linebacker Dante Fowler has “been a new animal. He’s been getting to the ball as fast as Aaron Donald, so that tells you a lot about him.”

Some found that hard to believe, but at least to my eyes, Gurley wasn’t lying. Throughout the course of the camp practices, Fowler showed speed and burst to get into the backfield — particularly against the run.

After the trade that brought him to Los Angeles, Fowler registered 2.0 sacks in the regular season and then 1.5 more in the postseason. If camp is any indication, Fowler could present serious challenges for offenses that already have to stop the No. 1 player in the NFL, defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

2) GURLEY’S ON TRACK

The Rams have implemented a plan for Gurley when it comes to keeping him as fresh as possible for the regular season and — the Rams hope — beyond. Gurley practiced every other throughout the week, which worked out well for the joint practices, which were separated by Friday’s walk-thru.

When he’s been on the field, as teammates and coaches have said, Gurley looks like the explosive player who has scored 40 touchdowns since the start of the 2017 season. It seems fair to expect that the Rams may rotate in at running back a bit more given the presence and talent of both Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson at the position. But by and large, Gurley will likely still be a focal point of the offense.

3) KUPP A FULL PARTICIPANT

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp suffered his season-ending knee injury back in Week 10 last season, but you’d never know it by looking at him on the field. Head coach Sean McVay has even said that the Rams have data that Kupp is more explosive than he was before since he’s returned.

That’s clearly good news for the Rams’ offense, which missed Kupp as the season went on. Yes, Los Angeles finished No. 2 in scoring and made it to the Super Bowl. But Kupp’s route-running ability is a major key to the club’s success — especially on third downs and in the red zone. Kupp’s going full speed and should almost certainly be ready for the opener against the Panthers.

4) HENDERSON MAY CONTRIBUTE EARLY

Running back Darrell Henderson is a rookie and he undoubtedly has much to learn. But as he gets his career going, he certainly looks the part of someone who can be an effective offensive weapon.

When the Rams drafted him during the spring, the club touted his hands and his receiving ability. Now that he’s been on the field with pads, that continues to come through in various ways. Henderson could potentially get lined up anywhere and everywhere along the offense. Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson reported L.A. may use Henderson like McVay utilized Washington running back Chris Thompson. In 2016, Thompson had 68 carrels and 49 receptions to combine for 705 yards from scrimmage with five total touchdowns.

5) TIGHT END PRODUCTION ON THE RISE?

If there’s one place where the Rams’ offense could significantly improve, it’s in production at tight end. The group, led by Tyler Higbee and Gerald Everett, has certainly made its share of big plays over the last two seasons. But since McVay took over as head coach, Rams tight ends as a whole have averaged just 53.5 receptions for 613.5 yards with four touchdowns per season.

But this training camp, both Everett and Higbee caught a lot of passes and it looks like both could contribute on a more regular basis in 2019. Of course, there’s only one football, and with talent up and down the offensive unit, feeding everyone might not be the easiest thing. But McVay said both Higbee and Everett have continued to take steps forward and positively push each other. We’ll see if that translates to regular-season success in the coming months.

 

[BonifayRam]

Didn't Edwards slide to the 5th rd. because of a 2018 shoulder injury? Pray we found a gem here.

That is correct. Sure looks like your prayers were answered. Edwards senior 2018 season began he hurt his shoulder. Instead of shutting it down for the year, he played through the injury for 10 starts at his right tackle. Ouch!

Snead may have discovered our replacement for last season swing OT Joseph Noteboom. Its near impossible to find good young swing OT's right out of college. Has Snead done it twice now back-to-back? The main top weaknesses of David Edwards can be easily cured & set right rather quickly. Kromer/ Dickerson working on technique & Ted Rath's team of Ed Grayer/Fernando Noriega working on functional strength in the weight rm.

Edwards negatives:
#1-Missing functional strength and body control to hold his ground against NFL power ( some physical deficiencies).
#2 Is not the technician that usually comes out of the Wisconsin program. Edwards will be in need additional technique work.
#3- Consider a young late blooming pup as an OL'er who needs more experience & weight room work.

Here're some scouts pre draft thoughts on (at this time appears) David Edwards.....
the upside and ceiling with Edwards is obviously high. He still moves like the option quarterback turned tight end he was four years ago, but does so at well over 6-6 315 pounds and with evident power. He is easily able to mirror speed rushers, anchor against power rushers, and move to block for zone runs or screen passes. He is also a people-mover in the run game, creating openings in a variety of blocking schemes.

His floor is high as well, having received some of the best offensive line coaching available at Wisconsin. He flashes the technique needed to succeed at the next level, and the final hurdle to being a long-term answer is learning to put it all together on a play-to-play basis. Once he is able to do that, Edwards could be as good as any tackle in the draft.

This draft site has David Edwards projecting to be a late first or early second round selection.
https://www.draftblaster.com/2019-nfl-draft/david-edwards-ot-wisconsin/

Here's some other pre-draft comments by the The Draft Network on Edwards:

Length/Extension - Natural length is terrific, has been used as a last resort to ride out many rushers who successfully challenge his outside hip. Strength at full extension is terrific, not going to let space allow him to play soft or without ability to wash out a rusher.

Balance - Can be a tad late to break down and square up a blocker but overall his body control for his size is terrific. Very good working off of lateral contact and chipping defenders at the POA before climbing and looking to pick off scraping LBs.

Hand Technique - Hand clamp is powerful and generates a lot of torque when he's looking to pull or yank defenders out of a gap. Hand placement can be wide (or wild) and his initial stab on the outside as a pass protector is too often late.

Power at POA - When he's able to roll forward out of his stance, he can provide devastating amounts of pop and power. Violent thanks to explosive first step and force generated in short space, will be reliable to run behind, even on short yardage down and distances.

Football IQ - Understanding of how to navigate the POA is effective, as is his pursuit skills on the second level. Technical development is paramount and while admirable development in just 4 seasons he has notable holes in his pass blocking.

Functional Athleticism - Graceful big body, most notable in instances climbing the ladder to block on the second level or when working into the boundary as a lead blocker on outside concepts. Shows a lot of lateral range on outside run concepts from the back side.
https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/david-edwards

Fact is Snead knows he has Whitworth & Noteboom here this season giving him the needed time with Edwards rookie season to build on his negatives, so Edwards can be ready for major role in the 2020 OL when Blythe/ Whitworth departure.

 

[nighttrain]

David 'Edwards RT at Wisconsin
Honors and Awards
2018: First-team All-Big Ten (media), second-team All-Big Ten (coaches), Academic All-Big Ten
2017: First-team All-America (AFCA), second-team All-America (FWAA, Walter Camp),
third-team All-America (AP), second-team All-Big Ten (consensus), Academic All-Big Ten
2016: Academic All-Big Ten

Notable: Former high school quarterback began career at UW as a tight end before moving to offensive line prior to start of training camp in 2016 ... elected to forgo senior season and declare for 2019 NFL Draft

Career: Played in 37 games, making 31 starts at right tackle

2018 Season: Earned third letter, starting 10 games at right tackle ... missed final 3 games of season due to injury ... key to rushing attack that led the Big Ten and ranked No. 6 nationally, averaging 273.4 yards per game … helped Badgers average 6.2 yards per rushing attempt, the fourth-best mark nationally … blocked for Doak Walker Award winner and unanimous first-team All-American Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 2,194 yards to lead the nation in rushing

2017 Season: Earned second letter, starting all 14 games at right tackle … helped pave the way for Doak Walker Award finalist Jonathan Taylor, who set FBS freshman rushing record with 1,977 yards … unit allowed just 1.5 sacks per game to lead the Big Ten … Badgers finished season ranked second in Big Ten in rushing offense (222.9 yards per game) and third in total offense (415.0 ypg)

2016 Season: Earned first letter, playing in 13 games with 7 starts at right tackle ... made Badgers debut in Lambeau Field College Classic vs. LSU on Sept. 3 ... made first career start vs. Nebraska on Oct. 29, lining up at right tackle ... part of offensive line that helped Badgers rush for 203.1 yards per game

2015 Season: Redshirt season