University of Wisconsin football assistant Alex Grinch talks about working with the safeties unit that is now being coached by the third position coach in as many seasons.
It seems like the adjustment to another position coach has worked out well so far for the University of Wisconsin football's safeties.
Alex Grinch, the former Southern Cal defensive coordinator, is the third assistant to lead safeties in as many seasons (Jim Leonhard and Colin Hitschler being the others). The changes can be a lot to take on, but Hunter Wohler painted a less stressful picture.
"He fit in right away. The transition was almost seamless," Wohler said. "Great dude. Great teacher. Great coach. He’s just very personable. Really easy to relate to, and he focuses on the details. He gives you the coaching points that you need to succeed and it’s just every little movement matters. Where your eyes are, where you step. It’s everything.
"Him coming in has been a huge blessing for us, just giving us the little details and just the ability to just connect with us from the get go. So we’re definitely blessed to have such a good coach come in and fill the role."
Grinch, who joined Wisconsin's staff this offseason after being fired from Southern Cal in November, first credited the players and their willingness to "accept a new voice."
"Obviously, I think it's also credit to the coaches prior to and the coaches that are currently here and coach (Luke Fickell) and coach (Mike Tressel) and all that in terms of the quality, "Grinch said. "And so there's a belief in the next individual walking in there, is going to have the wherewithal in terms of what is supposed to get done. ...
"That doesn't just start with a new guy. That's something that's obviously been here for, I would suggest a long time."
Here are three things that stood out from Grinch's availability Tuesday after Wisconsin's 11th spring practice.
Alex Grinch 'very pleased' with Hunter Wohler
Wohler was a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the media and third-team honoree by the coaches last season. He returned to Wisconsin for his senior season and is regarded as one of the leaders of the team.
Injuries to safeties give Wisconsin's younger players an opportunity
Preston Zachman, who Wisconsin lists as a redshirt senior, has not participated in spring practices as he recovers from a hip injury. Kamo'i Latu, another safety with starting experience, suffered a right shoulder injury during a practice earlier this month and hasn't returned.
That has opened the door for redshirt freshmen Braedyn Moore and Justin Taylor to receive plenty of second-team reps this spring.
Alex Grinch is a fan of transfer linebacker Tackett Curtis
Alex Grinch coached Wisconsin linebacker Tackett Curtis last season at USC. Both arrived in Madison this offseason, though aren't working directly together.
Here's a look at the former Wisconsin football players who didn't hear their name called in the NFL draft this weekend, but signed with teams …
Wisconsin Badgers safeties and co-defensive coordinator Alex Grinch speaks with safety Justin Taylor (25) during the first spring practice at the McClain Center in Madison, Wis., Friday, March 22, 2024. SAMANTHA MADAR,STATE JOURNAL