He was set to start at QB, but Badgers Tanner McEvoy has unique opportunity to play at offense & defense

MADISON (WITI) -- When he arrived in Madison almost two years ago, Tanner McEvoy was set on starting at quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers -- a job he yearned to begin last season. But under the new coaching staff, McEvoy has turned into the football team's version of a do-it-all MacGuyver!

"Not a lot of kids get the opportunity to play both ways, so I need to take advantage of it and show them that I can do it," McEvoy said.

This spring, McEvoy has been almost everywhere besides at quarterback -- playing safety on defense, wide receiver on offense and even getting in on some special teams plays. It's a varying role that he's prepared for over the last few months.

"I've been putting on much more muscle to get ready for the season. I knew I would be starting at safety, so I need to get in more of a mindset that I can use my body more -- instead of how I was as a quarterback. Just need to adjust mentally and make plays with those guys," McEvoy said.

Playing a position other than quarterback is something McEvoy has done during his time at Wisconsin, but the consistency he's shown over the last few weeks has impressed his coaches on both offense and defense.

"For selfish reasons I would love to have him, but I'm a team player. He has range. He's a physical guy. I will welcome him with open arms," Badgers wide receivers coach Ted Gilmore said.

"This year he's getting everything. He's learning coverage and he's even coming down to serve as the eighth man in the box. This knowledge base in the spring will help him in the fall," Badgers defensive coordinator Dave Aranda said.

When it comes to this grueling sport, one might think playing both sides of the football during the season could wear a player down, but McEvoy says he's ready to tackle any challenge put in his way as he tries to make an impact in any way he can.

"To think you can do this at any level, it's certainly crazy, but the coaches believe in me and I will do whatever to help this team win," McEvoy said.

"He's doing everything he's supposed to do, and I'm positive Tanner will continue to improve and know that plenty of success will come his way," Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton said.