By Jim Polzin – Wisconsin State Journal –
It’s easy to assume that Will Pauling’s transition to the University of Wisconsin football program was a seamless one.
Pauling’s results during the 2023 season certainly support the idea that he arrived in Madison 16 months ago and hit the ground running, that he’d passed through the transfer portal and landed in his comfort zone, that it was easy to produce on the field because he was at peace off it.
CJ Williams had come to the same conclusion. He, too was part of Luke Fickell’s first transfer haul, and nobody from that group had more of an immediate impact for the Badgers than Pauling. So it came as a surprise to Williams earlier this week when Pauling shared how out of place he’d felt at this time year ago.
What helped Pauling emerge from his shell was his faith and a desire to help others, to let God work through him. He formed strong connections with two Athletes in Action staffers on campus, Kyle Wenig and Caleb Hill, along with Rev. Dr. Marcus Allen of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Madison.