“I was really shocked, actually. But it did give me a lot of confidence. I took a step back and was like, ‘Alright, maybe I am doing OK at this.’ It really just gave me a big boost of confidence, gave me a little more excitement to play center, that I was actually getting it done. For Dan to let me have that position, it meant a lot to me. I trust his judgement.”

That leaves Voltz with quite the challenge over the next few weeks, though he says the main difference between guard and center is simply the pre-snap stance.

Voltz said he also wanted to increase the competition at the guard position after Beau Benzschawel emerged as a force late last season and Jon Dietzen remains an exciting prospect. Voltz insists he isn’t assuming his long-standing job as a starter is set in stone and that he’s competing for a spot with the talented yet lesser experienced players around him.

His health also remains an issue. Although he’s fully cleared, the Badgers will limit Voltz’s reps early on in camp. Voltz has also experienced ankle issues in the past and wants to make sure he can at least stay healthy during his final season with the Badgers.