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Ryan Groy Steps Up to Fill Void on UW's Offense Line

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Ryan Groy, a third-year sophomore from Middleton, will make his first start on the offense line for the University of Wisconsin football team on Saturday against Oregon State, filling the role of departed left guard Bill Nagy. Groy has shown his versatility and athleticism, pulling double duty for two weeks during preseason camp when senior right guard Kevin Zeitler suffered a high ankle sprain. Despite having to learn more about the offense, Groy's athleticism and speed make him a strong candidate to fill the void left by Nagy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ryan Groy, a 320-pound offensive lineman, will make his first start on the offensive line for the University of Wisconsin football team on Saturday against Oregon State, replacing departing left guard Bill Nagy.
  • Groy has shown his versatility and athleticism, pulling double duty for two weeks during preseason camp when senior right guard Kevin Zeitler suffered a high ankle sprain.
  • Groy's athleticism and speed make him a strong candidate to fill the void left by Nagy, who could play center, guard, fullback, and tight end.
  • The Badgers' offense often uses pulls and misdirection, which Groy's speed and agility can counter, making him a valuable asset to the team.
  • Groy has consistently impressed coaches with his willingness to learn and adapt to new positions, stating, "I love to be in that position, where they trust me to go in at any position."
  • The loss of starting left guard Travis Frederick due to a sprained medial collateral knee ligament in the first game has created an opportunity for Groy to step up.
  • Coach Bret Bielema has praised Groy's progress, saying, "I've just been so impressed with Ryan, how he's handled everything, not getting uptight about not being a starter, kind of jockeying around... I think he's going to truly benefit from that and this is his opportunity to step into it."

Statistics:

  • Groy has pulled double duty for two weeks, filling in for Zeitler and also getting snaps as the backup center.
  • Groy was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, but is currently playing for the University of Wisconsin.
  • The University of Wisconsin's offense has used a screen pass effectively, with Groy leading tailback James White down the field for about 50 yards in the opening game against UNLV.
  • Groy will replace Bill Nagy, who started 28 games for the Badgers, mostly at left guard.

Sources:

  • The Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.)
  • "Tape of the University of Wisconsin football team's opening game against UNLV"

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