What Paul Chryst said as Wisconsin prepares to begin 2021 spring practice

Spring practice has finally arrived in Madison.

On Tuesday, Wisconsin will take the practice field for the first time to begin the first of 15 practices this spring. The Badgers are coming off a 4-3 campaign in 2020, finishing the year with wins over Minnesota and Wake Forest to end on a high note.

Monday, head coach Paul Chryst met with reporters has he prepares to embark on his seventh season with the program. In his six seasons, Chryst has enjoyed plenty of success, hitting the 10-win mark four times, winning three B1G West titles and appearing in a bowl game every season.

The 2020 season was a bit of a disappointment for Wisconsin, needing the two victories at the end of the season to finish with a winning record. But the Badgers are hoping to climb back to the top of the division standings and make a return trip to Indianapolis in December.

Here’s what Chryst had to say during his Monday press conference:

Paul Chryst addressing the media now before the start of spring practices Tuesday. Said UW has 44 players on its roster who have yet to go through spring practices. Adds that UW is starting spring practices later than usual in order to maximize winter conditioning.

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) March 29, 2021

#Badgers Paul Chryst on how UW got new RB coach Gary Brown. Former UW lineman Travis Frederick, who worked in Dallas with Brown, reached out to Chryst. Brown was available; UW had an opening. Boom.

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) March 29, 2021

#Badgers coach Paul Chryst: Players in off-season are getting tested (COVID-19) three times a week (PCR test).

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) March 29, 2021

Paul Chryst said Wisconsin's players are getting COVID tested three times a week with the PCR test. "We've been through it enough that you know what's expected."

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) March 29, 2021

#Badgers coach Paul Chryst on two DE: Matt Henningsen is healthy to practice this spring. James Thompson is not ready yet. Both suffered season-ending injuries at Michigan.

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) March 29, 2021

Chryst said Matt Henningsen will be available this spring. James Thompson Jr. won't participate. Both defensive ends were lost to injury last year. #Badgers

— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) March 29, 2021

Paul Chryst said Matt Henningsen "has done a great job in his rehab" and will be able to participate in spring. PC adds that James Thompson won't go through spring drills.

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) March 29, 2021

Paul Chryst on Jim Leonhard deciding to stay in Madison. "(The players) really appreciate and enjoy Jimmy coaching them … Not surprised by the attention he got or has gotten in the past. That's common."

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) March 29, 2021

Paul Chryst says he doesn't believe the program has any players who are changing positions heading into the spring, other than OLs learning multiple spots.

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) March 29, 2021