One star has had a quick start to the spring.
The Wisconsin Badgers are in the midst of their spring ball program, with just over a week away from their public spring game next Saturday.
As the spring has gone along, some standouts have started to emerge, with newcomers, returners, and even freshmen in the mix.
Near the top of the list? Cornerback Ricardo Hallman, who elected to return to the Badgers in 2025 after speculation about going pro for the second consecutive offseason.
After a breakout season in 2023 where he had an FBS-leading seven interceptions, Hallman was held without a pick in 2024, as teams targeted him at one of the fewest rates in college football last season.
Entering this spring, Hallman was one of the lone returning starters on a defense that has undergone an overhaul heading to a new defensive scheme. And he’s been one of the best players overall through eight practices, which is catching the eye of the coaching staff.
“I’ll be honest, this is a different Rico than I’ve seen,” head coach Luke Fickell said about Hallman. “And I just mean that in a lot of different ways. Rico is bigger, Rico is stronger, Rico is faster.”
“I know last year was tough because he had to miss all the offseason with the shoulder surgery, but I think even more than anything, I think Rico’s got a little bit different mindset and attitude. And it has been noticeable, to be honest with you, throughout the first seven, eight practices and really through the winter. And I’m really excited about what Rico’s done, and I mean that.
“Not that he hasn’t been a great player and he was an All-American a couple years ago, and maybe last year he didn’t have quite the year in the production that he wanted, but I think more than anything, he’s starting to become a leader and an example, and the hard work is paying off. And I mean that through the offseason and some of the different things, maybe he’s dedicated himself to doing and continues to develop his body. He’s done a heck of a job.”
Hallman and the secondary will need to take a step forward this year, as Wisconsin has quite a few tough teams on its schedule in 2025. To adapt, they’ve gotten bigger up front, but that will put more of an onus on the secondary to be able to defend.
But, it’s an encouraging sign that he’s had a strong start to the offseason ahead of what will be a crucial year for the cornerback.