UW's Rafael Gaglianone, sidelined early in camp because of back problems, kicking again

Jeff Potrykus | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MADISON – Wisconsin kicker Rafael Gaglianone, who missed nearly two weeks of preseason camp because of back problems, recently was cleared to resume kicking.

UW is scheduled to open the season Aug. 31 against visiting Western Kentucky.

Redshirt freshman Collin Larsh, a walk-on from Monona Grove High School, worked with the No. 1 unit while Gaglianone was rehabbing.

Larsh hit the ball well but lacks the experience of Gaglianone, who has handled field goals and extra points since 2014.

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Gaglianone made 19 of 22 field-goal attempts as a freshman in 2014 but slumped to 18 of 27 as a sophomore in 2015. He rebounded to hit a combined 7 of 8 attempts in three games in 2016 before undergoing season-ending back surgery.

Gaglianone was granted an extra year of eligibility because of the injury and made 16 of 18 attempts last season.

A healthy Gaglianone would give UW another weapon as it prepares to make a run at the Big Ten title.

Gaglianone has made four game-winning field goals and has made three field goals of 50 yards or more, tied for the No. 1 mark in program history.

His last game winner was a 47-yarder in the 2016 opener, a 16-14 victory over LSU.