MADISON – Freshman Danny Davis was buoyed by a recent conversation with Wisconsin wide receivers coach Ted Gilmore.

“I think I should be in the rotation for the first game,” Davis said after practice Wednesday, “but I’ve got eight more days so anything can change.”

UW, No. 10 in the Amway coaches poll and No. 9 in The Associated Press poll, opens the 2017 season at 8 p.m. Sept. 1 against visiting Utah State.

“I’ve got to keep improving and keep making plays and I think I’ll be fine,” Davis added. “I live for situations like this. I love football. I’m just going to take the opportunity and run with it.”

Davis, 6-foot and 186 pounds, is among several young wide receivers who should contribute this season.

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Fifth-year senior Jazz Peavy is the leader of the unit, with 14 starts and 29 games played. Senior George Rushing has been out with a leg injury and appears doubtful for the opener.

That leaves sophomores Quintez Cephus (five starts) and A.J. Taylor (no starts) next in line behind Peavy.

Redshirt freshman Kendric Pryor had a strong spring but has been sidelined because of injuries suffered in a moped accident. He was unavailable for interviews Wednesday.

Freshman Deron Harrell missed time in camp because of a left-shoulder injury but started to make plays after returning to practice.

Davis played running back and wide receiver and returned kicks at Springfield (Ohio) High School. He was a second-team all-state pick as a junior and senior and had offers from several Big Ten schools, including Michigan State, Penn State and Nebraska. He also had offers from West Virginia, Louisville, Virginia and other schools.

He ultimately chose UW over West Virginia.

“I wanted to come in here and do the best that I can to compete for a job, compete for a role on this team,” Davis said. “I’m still doing that, still fighting, so I can get on the field this year. Of course, it is up to the coaches. I can just give it all I’ve got.”

Davis’ work early in camp was complicated by the fact he, like several other freshmen, took a summer course.

His play appeared to improve once he was finished with the class.

“That was tough for me learning the plays and balancing school,” said Davis, who took an English class. “It was just getting my organization skills together.

“You had to write a bunch of papers. It wasn’t that difficult but it was time-consuming. You just had to balance your time. …

“I’m loving it here.”

Although his focus is on the opener, Davis noted Wednesday he was excited to learn UW will play Notre Dame at Lambeau Field in 2020.

Davis was a high school senior last September when UW upset No. 5 LSU, 16-14, at Lambeau Field.

“I watched that game,” he said. “It was amazing. I loved that game.

“We’ll be back there in 2020. I’ll be a senior.”

Benzschawel honored: UW junior guard Beau Benzschawel was a first-team pick on USA TODAY Sports' preseason All-America team, which was announced Wednesday.

Benzschawel, who started all 14 games for UW last season at right guard, is on the preseason Outland Trophy watch list.