August 24, 2010

Cadogan learning under Kendricks

MADISON - When it comes to the Wisconsin tight end position, it's Lance Kendricks followed by a bunch of unknowns.

Jacob Pedersen has flashed some skill at multiple times throughout camp, but inconsistencies with route running and dropped balls seems to be plaguing the redshirt freshman.

Brian Wozniak was having a solid camp early before he suffered a fractured shoulder. Rob Korslin is a steady-eddy, but plays as more of a traditional tight end.

The question looming as we get closer to the season opener is who will perform Lance-like duties in Lance's position? Who will play the Lance Kendricks of last year to Kendricks' Garrett Graham of this year?

Sherard Cadogan?

Following a recent practice, talked with the true freshman from New Jersey. The following is a question and answer with Cadogan.

Well, we're two weeks into camp. How are you doing?

Cadogan: It's a lot of fun. A lot of fun.

Is it what you expected it to be? Is it harder or easier?

Cadogan: It's both. I just stay positive and keep my mind straight. I love football and I always thought training camp was the best time of the year. I thought it would be. I'm having fun out there.

This is where you lay the foundation, isn't it?

Cadogan: Yeah, this is where it starts. We have got to start fast and get it going right now because it starts here and goes to the end. We have to go through all the way.

Are you feeling comfortable with the playbook? Is it starting to click a little bit?

Cadogan: Yeah, I keep on studying it. I'm trying to get used to the formations and different motions I have to go over. I'm starting to get used to it.

How much do you study it on a given day?

Cadogan: Probably every night before I go to bed and I'll read over it once I wake up. Every time I have a break.

If you had to put a number on it each day, how many hours a day would you say you go through the playbook?

Cadogan: Probably more than five. Probably more like eight or nine hours.

So you're just swamping yourself in it?

Cadogan: Yup. I just keep on studying.

Obviously right now you're not in classes, but when they come up that's just another challenge you're going to have to deal with. Are you prepared for that aspect, too?

Cadogan: Yeah, well I took summer classes this year.

How did they go?

Cadogan: It was good. I felt comfortable with them. The thing about summer classes is they are a lot faster because the semesters are cut down with the different courses. It's a lot faster, but it prepared me for the fall. I feel like I'll be ready.

As far as some of the other guys you've been impressed with, who would stand out to you so far?

Cadogan: James White. He's been running fast and blowing by. He's been looking good.

How about some of the older guys?

Cadogan: Oh, you've got Gilreath. He's just been making some fantastic catches. Scott Tolzien has looked good out there. Lance Kendricks, I've been watching him a lot and he's been teaching me a lot. All the other tight ends teach me a lot. I look at them a lot and they are doing good out there. John Clay is starting to look good out there, too.

With Lance, and obviously you play the same position, is he taking you under his wing?

Cadogan: Oh yeah, he's teaching me a lot. He's always helping me. Whenever I make a mistake he comes over and shows me what I need to do.

What kind of comfort level is that for you as a freshman? Just knowing you can go to him if you have a question?

Cadogan: It's real big because it helps me a lot. I know that they'll help me if I struggle. It's a big comfort zone for me.

Do you feel like it's a tight knit group already? Is the chemistry pretty high?

Cadogan: Oh yeah, we're always together. If one goes down we pick them up and go to the next play. We always stick together as a group so I feel we're close.

Obviously the fans of Wisconsin football haven't been able to see you play yet. How would you classify your game and do you model yourself after anyone?

Cadogan: I don't really model myself after anyone, but I just want to make sure the mental part of the game is strong. There's toughness and physicality and I play hard.

Would you say you're physical?

Cadogan: Oh yeah.
