Nose guard Bryce Gilbert, shown being helped off the field during a game, is among the Badgers who have left the team. He graduated earlier this year. Credit: Rick Wood

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Wisconsin wide receivers coach Chris Beatty didn't mince words in the spring when asked about his expectations for the five freshmen receivers set to join the Badgers for the 2014 football season.

Looking for playmakers, Beatty told all five players to be prepared to vie for a starting position.

Two of those freshmen, however — Chris Jones of Baltimore, and Dareian Watkins of Galion, Ohio — are not with the team as the Badgers prepare for training camp next month.

Jones met the NCAA's initial eligibility standards but did not meet UW's standards. He is enrolled at Toledo.

"We have high (academic) standards at Wisconsin and that is a good thing," Beatty said Friday. "That is what makes Wisconsin Wisconsin and what makes the Big Ten the Big Ten."

Watkins, who was abused by his biological mother and eventually adopted by another family at age 11, returned home because of family issues. It is unclear whether Watkins intends to return to UW.

"I just wish him well and hope it works out for the best," Beatty said.

Meanwhile, reserve nose guard Bryce Gilbert and reserve safety Nate Hammon are no longer on the team.

Hammon quit football because of leg injuries. Gilbert, who graduated earlier this year, left the program.

Hammon, a graduate of Milton High School, played in 12 games and recorded a total of 20 tackles.

Gilbert, a graduate of Brookfield Central High School, played in eight games last season and recorded seven tackles. He was the No. 2 nose guard in the spring and his departure could hurt UW's depth.

Warren Herring is projected to be the starter. The departure of Gilbert opens the door for redshirt sophomore Arthur Goldberg to win the No. 2 job.

Other players who will not return this season are: reserve defensive back Hugs Etienne, reserve linebacker Jake Rademacher, reserve punter Brett Nethery and Alex Walker, a backup tight end who was moved to offensive line in the spring.

The loss of Jones and Watkins leaves UW with three freshmen wide receivers — Krenwick Sanders, George Rushing and Natrell Jamerson.

Sanders, 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, is from Jesup, Ga. Rushing, 6-1 and 180, is from Miramar, Fla. Jamerson, 6-0 and 175, is from Ocala, Fla.

"It doesn't change anything for me," Beatty said when asked to quantify the loss of Jones and Watkins. "Of course you'd love to have all five come in. But I'm happy with the three kids who are here. They had great summers."