Notes: Media Day 2012

Wisconsin Head Coach Bret Bielema speaks at Wisconsin's Media Day.

Brennan is exploring his options into a possible transfer.

Brennan seeking a transfer

Sophomore Quarterback Joe Brennan is exploring other options at this point.

"Joey Brennan and I have had some conversations over the last couple days involving his old high school coach as well," said Bielema. "He's looking into some options outside of the University of Wisconsin, to possibly transfer to. Not for sure that's going to happen. I allowed him to take some time away from the program to explore his options and get a feel for where he's at. We'd welcome him back if that's the direction he wanted to go."

Bielema updates the quarterback race

Bielema provided an update on the positioning of Joel Stave, Danny O'Brien, and Curt Phillips at this stage in fall camp.

"Danny O'Brien, Curt Phillips, Joel Stave, all those guys have worked with the one's this past week," Bielema explained. "Kind of equal numbers. They've all three kind of had days to shine. They've all done very, very well in the situations we've put them into. At this point forward we're really going to have to put them in some tough spots. I've kind of set that goal of 10 days out from the opener, I'd like to be able to name a starter for sure."

Montee Ball update

Senior Running Back Montee Ball is still easing into fall camp.

Ball will be back at practice on Monday.

"Montee has been doing some modified conditioning," Bielema said. "By NCAA rules, we have to acclimate him just the same as we did the entire team. So tomorrow he'll be out there, full pads. He'll have a green jersey on. We won't contact him for that first week."

Freshman making strides

Bielema talked about the freshman who could be in contention to see playing time this season.

"In not any particular order, wide receiver right now, Jordan Fredrick and A.J. Jordan have both made a big impression, on not only me, but our coaches and our players," Bielema said. "Austin Traylor is a little bit ahead of the curve. I think Austin Traylor could be a guy as our fifth tight end that helps us in certain ways. At the offensive line, Dan Voltz, who was here halfway through the semester. Obviously Melvin (Gordon) is going to help us. He'll be probably our two or third running back. Darius Hillary, he's very impressive. Devin Gaulden as well. James Adeyanju and Jesse Hayes are both coming along. They're probably going to be our fifth and sixth defensive ends respectively."

Hillary moves to safety

Freshman Defensive Back Darius Hillary has moved from cornerback to safety.

"The reason we moved him is to help us on defense now," said Bielema. "Darius has been very impressive. We traveled him to every game last year. He was with us at every stadium. We felt we wanted to do that because he was right on the verge of playing. Darius Hillary is going to be a very, very good football player here and we're just trying to find him a home."

Garner making a case to start

Garner is in contention to start at wide receiver.

Bielema says Junior Wide Receiver Manasseh Garner is one of the top contenders for the No. 2 receiver spot.

"Manasseh has been a nice little surprise," Bielema said. "Manasseh's never redshirted, so he's kind of been one of those guys. He's performing at a very high level. I'd say right now he's battling out for that receiver position, opposite of "Abby" (Jared Abbrederis), him and Jordan Fredrick are probably the two leading guys. It's a nice little competition going on out there."

Right Guard spot sill open

Bielema updated that status of the battle currently taking place for the vacant right guard position

"At right guard, we got a nice little battle going on with Robert Burge, Kyle Costigan, and then also Zac Matthias," said Bielema. "Dallas Lewallen is probably a week or two away from being 100 percent cleared, but he would be right in that mix. Might even pop Dan Voltz in there. He's our second string center. Whoever it is, they're probably going to be good. I just can't tell you who it is at this point."

Smith and Gilbert coming back strong

Devin Smith and David Gilbert are both performing well after coming back from injuries.

"Two days ago, Devin Smith just started getting comfortable and feeling good," said Bielema. "He's breaking up as many passes as you can imagine. He's just all over the place. I love David Gilbert. He's kind of taken a step in maturity. Being taken out of the game last year, being taken out of the BCS game, being taken out of spring ball, he's got a hunger, a desire. He's been really good during fall camp."

Other Notes

- Freshman Derek Watt has been moved to fullback.

- Bielema said a few players will be held out of tomorrow's practice, but did not name anybody specifically.

- Bielema says a starting quarterback will be named 10 games before the season opener against Northern Iowa, if not sooner.