Schofield is in a rush to make impact for Wisconsin

TAMPA, Fla. - It happens almost every bowl game.

A player who flew under the radar most of the season makes a splash in bowl practices and ends up having an impact on the game.

A leading candidate this year for the University of Wisconsin football team in the Outback Bowl is third-year sophomore defensive end O'Brien Schofield.

While Schofield has contributed heavily on special teams, the converted linebacker has not played a single snap on defense. But he's one of the best athletes among the Wisconsin defensive ends and in an attempt to match up with Tennessee's speed, Schofield has been getting a lot of work in practice.

"Just (the way) this game looks, with what Tennessee does, this could be a game he fits into very, very well," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said. "He has been practicing probably at as good a rate as I've seen out of him over the last month."

Schofield, who is expected to start at right end, has waited a long time for this chance.

"I stayed disciplined and I played my role on scout team and got better each week," he said. "It paid off for me in the end."

Schofield also could be a key figure next season, because the Badgers need to build depth at the position.

"That's my goal," he said. "I'm making sure I pay attention to detail and focus. I've been visualizing this game since I've been getting the opportunity to get some reps."

And what does he see in his mind when he visualizes it? "A couple big plays, some hits, some strips, some fumbles," he said. "It's just a big dream. It's like everything is coming true. This is what I'm here for, to play football. My opportunity has come."

Ikegwuonu Undecided: Cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu can't help himself. He's trying to put all his focus on the Outback Bowl, but sometimes his mind will drift and he'll think about the decision he has coming up after the game. Ikegwuonu must decide whether to enter the NFL draft or return for his senior season.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't think about it every day," Ikegwuonu said. "I catch myself on the field thinking about things like that. This could be my last go-around with these guys.

"With the way things are right now, I want to be optimistic, keep both options open and just focus on playing my best game on Tuesday. I think that's the most important thing."