Wisconsin Football is “back in the field”, as well as James White | sport

After two months of comprehensive strength training and winter conditioning, classroom meetings and walk-through-through, we are at the front of the door to contaminate a new college football season.

Springball '25.

In March and April there is a universal truth, which is entered by the trainer of Indiana University, Curt Cignetti: “Everyone will come from spring undefeated.”

But who holds the score? In addition, the agents and poachers evaluate the talents in anticipation of the next open window in the transfer portal (16 to 25 April).

On the one hand, Luke Fickell does not want to let anything disturb his way of thinking or approach in the formative phases of his third season as a coach of Wisconsin University.

“Today people tell them that due to the nature of College football, it is more difficult to build teams, programs and cultures. I think that's just an apology, “he said.

“Why would you put something in your head to prevent you from doing everything you have to do here and how you will grow to get forward?”

With every personnel upgrade he said: “You can see and see what you can see and I will try to keep my mouth because I think we have to prove many different things.”

He continued: “We have to be able to win football games.”

This is the philosophy he wants to implement. After the opening training on Thursday at Camp Randall Stadium, detailed Fickell other things in his thoughts.

“The most important thing is obviously the efficiency of what we want to do,” he said. “There is a lot of new things, and I just don't mean that in the new crime.

“I mean that in people. I mean that if we only make sure we understand how we have to do things together. Day one, there is always a lot of energy. “

There are always many questions that cannot be answered. Perhaps the picture does not crystallize after completing all 15 spring practices.

It is true everywhere, not just here. Especially during the transfer portal and the annual filling of roster; This is coming and going through the personnel rotation.

One of the new pieces for Wisconsin is a coarse-grained, persistent quarterback of the bridge-a student named Billy Edwards, who was in Maryland for three years.

“He is a ball player,” said Fickell, who better discovered him “. They recognize passion and love for the game.”

Edwards not only learn the nuances of the offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes' system, but also learn more about the entire UW program. He is not alone.

During this low season, Fickell said: “We spent a lot more time in the classroom to teach football and study the history of Wisconsin football.

“We had to do a better job to make sure we knew where we came from, where we were going. So it was double. “

When asked to explain this story, he said: “We just went back and made all things that we walk around every day and see that we know exactly what it is.”

Fickell is not sure whether it will be used to win football games.

“But I really believe that it helps to build up a program and ensure that we understand the culture of what was here and what must continue to be here.”

History: James White the player. Now: James White the trainer

Timing is interesting, if only because one of the greatest beginners of Wisconsin, James White, is now in the coaching staff of the University of Illinois.

White left a whole heir to the UW. In the lawn of 4.015 Yards, only Ron Dayne, Jonathan Taylor, Montee Ball, Melvin Gordon and Anthony Davis hurried here after more.

As a three-time big ten champion, White was also an invaluable contribution to three Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots in his eight seasons in the NFL.

This week, White started as an assistant as an assistant for his former Badgers mentor and head coach Bret Bielema, who is with the Illini in his fifth year.

“He recruited me and trained me. There is a lot of familiarity there, “said White.

One of the former UW teammates and friends of White is Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry. “You could always say that he would be a kind of leader,” said White.

Further Badgers compounds are Illinois Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach Terrance Jamison and offensive line coach Bart Miller.

In addition, Bielema, Mark Taurisani, and the director of operations, Peter Weiden, had both tasks in Wisconsin.

“It is as if I will be recruited from the front again,” Kiddeted White.

The fact is that white recruitment of Bielema was recruited this time.

“Coach B was open to me to have the opportunity to work here,” said White.

Help make this career step easier, and the head coach of the Northern Illinois University, Thomas Hängemann, was the UW -Running Backs Assistant when White was there.

Last August, White voluntarily reported its services to the hammock of mutual respect. He had so much fun with the players that he was grateful for the hammock that he had opened the door.

“We had talked about it beforehand and I said: 'Ok, I'll do it because it would bring me out of the house a bit,” said White, who lived with his family in Naperville, Illinois.

From a logistical point of view, it was not that difficult because it is a 45-minute drive from Naperville to the North Illinois campus in Dekalb. It was like a day camp.

“I got up and got there as soon as the coaches arrived there at 5:30 or 6 a.m.,” said White. “I got a feeling for coaching things.

“It was an obligation. I got up at 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. on a few days. But I enjoyed it. I met the children and built up some relationships with them. “

It was a good way to fill his day because White looked sketchy on television after he had achieved a test run with the big ten network. He was looking for more fulfillment.

“Since last year, coach Hammock has repeatedly said:” You can go into coaching “and I told him:” I don't know if I am ready “,” relatives white, 33.

“I have small children and it is a time obligation outside the family. But when nothing really got through on radio, at least I decided to see what it is. “

Hammock advised him to contact Bielema or the former New England coach Bill Belichick. If nothing else, he would find a place for him in Northern Illinois.

“He just said:” We would make something to work, “recalled White, who in the beginning of 2025 contacted Bielema.

What about the badger?

Bielema was obviously receptive to white in his staff. But it raises questions: “Did white think about training for his Alma Mater? Has the UW ever inflicted on him? “

In fact, Weiß had thought about the possibility.

“I met coach Fickell a few times and he is a good guy,” said White.

“Everyone probably has the dream of helping their Alma Mater.

“But that's not in the cards at the moment.”

Then what hopes in the Illinois who will go back?

“I can obviously know and experience,” he said. “I was lucky enough to get to the place (NFL), where I am sure that many of these boys would like to get.

“I will help you teach you work morality, to study how you make sure you prepare from week to week. If you need something to prepare, it is what I am here for.

“No matter whether this gives them opportunities to better protect football, miss the defenders, go through contact, these are things that I have learned from many different trainers.

“And I will be able to share that with them. … I will also share stories about myself and my teammates from High School, College and Professions.

“I'm only here for two days,” he said with a laugh, “and I check and see how much I can keep in a short time to help the boys and myself.”

As such, White rents a campus apartment. “It's like I'm a new newcomer,” he said.

The von White family is still in Naperville, a two -hour drive from Champaign.

On November 22nd, Illinois Wisconsin will play in Camp Randall Stadium.

“It will be different,” he said. “We will cross this bridge when we arrive there. We still have a long way to go.”

James White, um, coach White focuses on one thing.

Springball '25.

“It is always good to be back on the field,” he said.

Something that was repeated by Fickell.