Lucas: Well-rounded Coan has strong case for ‘Academic Heisman’
October 01, 2020 | Football, Mike Lucas
As he ratchets up preseason prep on the field, QB continues to lead away from the game, too
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BY MIKE LUCAS
UWBadgers.com Senior Writer
MADISON, Wis. — After last October's dismantling of Michigan State, 38-0, some of Wisconsin's offensive linemen took it upon themselves to toast quarterback Jack Coan by breaking out their red "Jacky Heisman" t-shirts during the postgame media interviews.
Logan Bruss, Jason Erdmann, Tyler Biadasz and David Moorman were making more than a fashion statement. While pledging his allegiance to his O-line, the unassuming Coan was amused and flattered and maybe even taken aback. He's not one to seek out attention or the spotlight.
A year later, there may be the makings for another slogan and t-shirt.
Jacky Academic Heisman?
On Thursday, Coan was named as one of the 2020 semifinalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy — widely known as the "Academic Heisman" because it recognizes the nation's top scholar-athlete in the categories of on-field performance, academic success and community leadership.
Tennessee's Peyton Manning, Marshall's Chad Pennington and Florida's Tim Tebow are among the past winners of the Campbell Trophy, which is awarded by the National Football Foundation. Oregon's Justin Herbert was last season's recipient and earned a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
Wisconsin's Jim Leonhard (2004), Joe Thomas (2006), Scott Tolzien (2010) and D'Cota Dixon (2018) have been finalists.
On Wednesday night, Coan admitted that wasn't well-versed on the award.
"But it would be pretty cool if I was in consideration," he said. "That would be pretty special."
Each of the 12 to 14 finalists receives an $18,000 post-grad scholarship and a seat at the head table for the annual NFF banquet in New York.
"Coming on to this campus, I felt that I was pretty well-rounded for the most part just by the way my family raised me and some of the stuff that I did with my high school," said Coan, a native of Sayville, New York. "But working with the team here, they give you a bunch of different opportunities to do things (in the community) so by taking advantage of those has really helped me as a person."
Last season, he was a regular visitor to American Family Children's Hospital.
"I tried to do it as much as I could and I loved it," said Coan, a finance, investment and banking major. "It sort of humbles you. Everyone thinks that it makes the children's day by you being there. But it makes your day, too, seeing them and what they're going through and seeing how strong they are.
"It just shows you that football is just a game and there are much bigger things in life than football."
After Wednesday's practice, Coan was grateful to get back into football mode.
"It's starting to feel like the fall and football season again and it's good to finally get back in the routine of things," said Coan, who has posted a 12-6 record as Wisconsin's starting quarterback. "We pretty much have our whole offense in right now and we're making sure everyone knows where they're supposed to be with all the different looks. We have to keep cleaning up the details."
UW head coach Paul Chryst likes where Coan's preparation has taken him.
"He's had great purpose in his approach to improving every part of it (his game) and yet he's got a great understanding of kind of who he is right now," Chryst said. "He has done a ton in the meeting room. And when you get a chance to go out and start doing it (on the field), that's the best learning that can take place. I've loved his approach and how he's taking care of his business."
Chryst came back to two words — consistent and purposeful — to describe Coan's growth in some areas and how it has been tied to doing the little things that can pay big dividends. He cited an example of his "anticipation" in making certain throws to some of his favorite targets — Danny Davis, Kendric Pryor and Jake Ferguson — while also mentioning Coan's chemistry with Jack Dunn and Adam Krumholz.
Asked specifically about Davis and Pryor, both of whom are seniors, Coan said, "I have a lot of confidence in those guys and they've looked great so far. They really understand the offense well and they're doing a great job of getting open. I feel these guys have been great players for a long time. They pretty much know all the receiver positions on the field, which helps their understanding of everything."
Dunn and Krumholz will also factor into the rotation and some younger players will get a chance to make an impression between now and the Oct. 24 opener against Illinois at Camp Randall Stadium. That list includes Taj Mustapha, Stephan Bracey, A.J. Abbott and maybe some true freshmen. Depth will be critical to success within every position group; more so this season than any previous one.
Coan knows that he can count on Ferguson to pressure the defense as a mobile tight end ("He has gotten better each year and he's going to be huge for us"). Based on the early results, albeit a small sample size, he has been encouraged by what he has seen out of Jaylin Franklin, a converted linebacker. "Obviously, he's still learning the offense, but it seems like it's coming pretty natural," Coan said.
Isaac Guerendo has also been making a transition. From wideout to running back.
"I think he's starting to feel comfortable at that position," Chryst said.
"He's another unbelievable athlete and he's super fast," Coan added.
In sum, Chryst had this to say about his tailback corps of Garrett Groshek, Nakia Watson and Guerendo, "There's no trying to match what JT (Jonathan Taylor) did. But we do need to get consistent production out of that group, and I think all three can bring something to the table on that."
So does Coan, who said, "They are a bunch of different guys who can play and be good for us."
That extends to the offensive line where Jon Dietzen has returned for a final year of eligibility.
"He's moving well and he's enjoying being back on the field and playing," Chryst said of Dietzen, who has battled injuries throughout his career. "When he made the decision (to retire) I don't think he thought he could do it again. But there's an excitement to that (his return). He has been fun to be around. I've loved how he has approached it, the energy he has brought, the focus he has brought."
It's some of the very same things that he has been saying about Coan and what he has brought to the offense as a catalyst — "He cares a ton about this team and how to help lead," Chryst said — in addition to now being recognized as a semifinalist for the prestigious Academic Heisman.
His offensive linemen stand at the ready to billboard his campaign.
