Wisconsin offensive lineman Michael Deiter (right) started the first six games at left guard last season before stepping in at center for an injured Dan Voltz. Credit: Mark Hoffman

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Madison — Center Dan Voltz is by far Wisconsin's most experienced offensive lineman with 27 starts and 32 games played.

If he can successfully return from a season-ending knee injury suffered in Game 8 last season, he could be in line for all-Big Ten honors in 2016.

Yet the rising fifth-year senior has told offensive line coach Joe Rudolph he should consider keeping Michael Deiter at center and moving Voltz to guard for the betterment of the team.

"He has been at center all spring ball and he is really starting to shine at that position," Voltz, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Oct. 24 at Illinois, said after watching Deiter lead the No. 1 line Tuesday. "He is a natural and he is young. He's got three more seasons. So if coach wants to plug me in at guard to keep Michael at center I am all for it.

"Whatever makes the most sense for the offensive line."

Voltz, who is on track to join the team for summer workouts in June, doesn't want to simply be handed back his old job.

"The first thing I told him was when I come back I don't expect to be given back my spot just because I've started for three years," he said, referring to Rudolph. "These guys are working hard. They're doing a good job.

"I need to go out there and prove that I'm better than them. Even though I've played more football than they have I haven't played since October and I need to prove myself again."

Rudolph was flabbergasted when Voltz volunteered to move and let Deiter, who will be a redshirt sophomore next season, make the calls.

"Dan came to me with great reasons why he thought he could do really good at guard," said Rudolph, who is entering his second season as offensive coordinator/line coach. "Talk about an unselfish guy. He said: 'Hey, Michael is going to be practicing center all this time. I'd hate to have to move him and I could play guard.'

"You've got a great mindset. That is what the mindset of a leader is and a true team person. Those are good issues to have."

Deiter, 6 feet 6 inches and 318 pounds, opened last season as the starting left guard and started seven games at that spot. He started the other six, including the last five, at center.

"If I didn't feel that Michael was excelling at center then I wouldn't even think that," Voltz said of the possible move to guard. "I would think that I need to get back at center. But he is playing awesome right now. I think Michael has taken some really big steps.

"Playing center as a redshirt freshman is hard. I've been there and it is a big job. You've got to be vocal. You've got to have confidence. I think if you've watched him out here in spring ball he is that guy.

"He is walking up there, making the calls and playing with more confidence. I think he is going to have a good year this year and down the road he is going to be an all-Big Ten center. I truly believe that."

Voltz broached the subject with Rudolph in the off-season in large part because he wants to work on the techniques of both positions to be ready for camp in August.

Rudolph gave him the green light.

"I want to be comfortable playing both spots," said Voltz, who practiced at center and guard as a freshman in 2012. "If anything it will be easier for me to go to guard just because I'm not snapping, not making the calls.

"When you're at center you have a lot going through your mind. You're getting everybody set. You're reading the defense.

"So that is exciting to me if I get the opportunity to play guard and let it loose a little bit more."

Rudolph hopes at least that a healthy Voltz will give him options in August.

"Our plan is obviously to get him back, get him healthy and get him going," Rudolph said. "But there is a guy that has come and said: 'I'll play center. I'll play guard. Wherever you think I'm the best fit.'

"I've got a lot of confidence with Michael. He has played center. He has played guard. So I think you've got some options there if you've got Dan back and he is healthy and ready to go.

"That is all we're rooting for."