Jay Valai and Chris Maragos experienced a metamorphosis before preseason camp was one week old.
“I think they go from being in the competitive modes in their jobs,” University of Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Doeren said, “to being the mentors all of a sudden.”Valai, a redshirt junior, entered camp as UWâ??s No. 1 strong safety, with 12 starts on his résumé. His backup was fifth-year senior Aubrey Pleasant, who had 13 starts in 2007 and one last season.
Maragos, a fifth-year senior and converted wide receiver, entered camp as the No. 1 free safety, with only six starts. His backup was fifth-year senior Shane Carter, who had 13 starts in 2007 and seven last season. When coach Bret Bielema announced on Aug. 15 that Pleasant and Carter had been suspended indefinitely and subsequently clarified they would not return before the end of camp, the depth chart got much younger.