All of the previews about the University of Wisconsin football team list four returning starters in the offensive line, which is true.

And then there's sophomore center John Moffitt, who started the final six games last season at guard due to injuries.

If a team has to break in a new starter at the line's most critical position, it helps to have someone like Moffitt, who doesn't act like a newbie.

"I feel like I'm in a new position, but I think I've really grown into it," Moffitt said. "I don't feel like a young guy anymore.

"I feel like I've had enough time to play (in games) and enough practice reps. Then the responsibility that's been put on me and I've had to take on, I feel like an older guy."

That's good news for an offensive line the Badgers figure to lean on heavily in the first few games. Not only are they breaking in a new quarterback in Allan Evridge and a young corps of receivers, their best offensive player, tight end Travis Beckum, is nursing a hamstring injury.

From almost the first day Moffitt moved to center, which started in bowl practices last season, it has been a perfect fit. He made the full-time switch in the spring.

"It feels comfortable," Moffitt said. "I enjoy it, I like it. I like it more than guard right now. I feel it's the right spot for me."

Part of it has to do with the physical side of the position. Moffitt is 6-foot-4 and 323 pounds, but he is agile and moves well, with some innate toughness.

"I just like how you hit certain blocks, how you have to move," he said. "Maybe it just fits my body type more, the way I move."

The other part is the personality side. Moffitt is outgoing, with an engaging personality. It's hard to be a center and be a wallflower.

"I think you've got to be outgoing," offensive line coach Bob Bostad said. "You've got to make calls, you've got to be decisive. You've got to be actively involved in what's going on. You can't be a guy that sits back."

Moffitt will be the first to admit he has a lot to learn at the position. But he has tackled the mental challenges with gusto, like he does everything.

"That's the first thing that comes to mind, you've got some personality there," offensive coordinator Paul Chryst said. "I like his blend, he's outgoing, he's got personality and you can have fun with him, but he takes it real seriously.

"Everyone says, 'If you're strong down the middle.' If we can be strong there, it will be helpful."

Akron poses a tough opening challenge for UW's line on Saturday because of a non-traditional 3-3-5 defense. That makes preparation and communication even more important for Moffitt and the line.

"We don't see it a lot," Bostad said. "We'll see it in third-down situations (against other teams). When it's the whole deal and this is what they do and they make a living off it, it's a whole different deal."