Young Badgers Tracker: Baun has career game

It's time for another edition looking at the playing time and statistics of the younger players on the roster of the Wisconsin Badgers.

First, a note on the process.

Participation is gathered from the Wisconsin website and sometimes the school/team makes changes well after a game is played. Case in point: Eric Burrell. The freshman safety was listed as having played in the season opener against LSU. Five weeks later (Burrell hadn't played since as he was sidelined due to an injury), Wisconsin said Burrell in fact did not play in that opener and that his participation was listed as a mistake. It happens, and has happened in the past as well. So, Burrell is now listed under those who have not played this year.

As far as the game against Ohio State, beyond Alex Hornibrook, Wisconsin isn't getting much production out of its freshmen. Guard Jon Dietzen remains sidelined. Punter Anthony Lotti didn't play for the first time since the opener. Tackle David Edwards saw some playing time but remains a work in progress. Running back Bradrick Shaw got one carry. And so on.

Linebacker Zack Baun, however, continues to get more playing time. Yes, the Badgers' defense is set up so linebackers will make plays. But Baun had a career-high six tackles (he had just eight coming into the game) along with a tackle for loss.

In a year when there -- so far -- aren't too many youngsters standing out, Baun is shining bright.

Here's the complete rundown with season stats:

Have not played; Kevin Estes, OL; Mitchell Herl, TE; Zach Hintze, K; Henry Houden, WR; Kraig Howe, DE; Troy Laufenberg, RB; Blake Mielke, S; David Plaff, DE; Max Praschak, OLB; Gunner Roberge, NT; Kelly Thomas, DE; Nick Thomas, ILB; Bret Verstegen, S; Jake Whalen, OLB

Dave Heller is the author of the upcoming book Ken Williams: A Slugger in Ruth's Shadow as well as Facing Ted Williams Players From the Golden Age of Baseball Recall the Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived and As Good As It Got: The 1944 St. Louis Browns