Safety Preston Zachman grabs two interceptions in Wisconsin football's fourth practice

PLATTEVILLE – The Wisconsin football team held its fourth practice of the spring Friday morning at UW-Platteville’s Ralph E. Davis Stadium.

It was a day for the secondary and quarterbacks to shine.

Here are four takeaways from the session.

Watch out for Preston Zachman

Quarterbacks Tyler Van Dyke and Braedyn Locke combined for one interception during the first three days of camp. Friday, both were victimized by Preston Zachman, the fifth-year safety.

Zachman got Van Dyke first by making an excellent break on a ball thrown to Haakon Anderson at the right hash. Zachman never broke stride and would have had a pick-6 in a game situation.

A few series later, Zachman picked off a ball in the flat to the other side of the field that was intended for C.J. Williams. Zachman tumbled in the process of making that catch, otherwise it had pick-6 potential, too.

In case your wondering, Zachman has three career interceptions, two came last season.

QBs Van Dyke, Locke push ball downfield

Despite those turnovers UW’s top two signal-callers had high-quality days throwing the ball with each connecting on multiple passes thrown downfield or over the top of the defense. The two continued to split snaps with the No. 1 unit.

Van Dyke missed a couple of early chances to hit Trech Kekahuna down the middle of the field and near the sideline, but came back with three top-notch throws on consecutive plays. He connected with Williams on a deep ball, then hit Will Pauling on a deep crossing route to the other side of the field and followed that fitting the ball into a tight window to tight end Riley Nowakowski in the middle of the field.

During Locke's next series he put some zip on a throw down the middle to running back Cade Yacamelli that he fit between nickel back Max Lofy and cornerback Jonas Duclona for about a 25-yard gain. Locke's response to throwing an interception was a well thrown shot downfield to Vinny Anthony that was caught with linebacker Jake Chaney and cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean in tight coverage.

More: James Thompson sets tone in first padded practice, plus other observations from Day 3 of fall camp

Young defensive backs shine in one-on-one drill

When the defensive backs and receivers square off in one-on-one drills at the start of practice, the DBs are at a natural disadvantage. Not only does the receiver know where he is going, but he has a 5-yard cushion to set up his move.

Friday, however, belonged to the secondary as the unit won the battle thanks to the play of some of younger players. Freshman corner Jay Harper broke up an inside route intended for freshman tight end Rob Booker II. Next freshman corner Xavier Lucas intercepted a throw and later freshman safety Raphael Dunn broke up a throw to freshman running back Dilin Jones.

Another highlight of the early practice competitive drills came from Milwaukee King graduate Angel Toombs, who plowed over Arrowhead grad Derek Jensen in a blocking drill. Toombs, who played tight end last season, has moved to outside linebacker.

Former Milwaukee King standout Nate White works at new position

White, who has been part of a backlog of players competing at running back, got some work with the receivers Friday.

What went into the decision?

“Giving him a change,” wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton said. “I think it’s a good move for him. From here it’s about the mindset and how he approaches it and goes about it. I’m in his corner and want him to do great things.”

More: Wisconsin's offensive line has a bounce-back day in practice, plus other takeaways

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Safety Preston Zachman grabs two interceptions in Wisconsin football's fourth practice