Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Patrick Butrym is not oblivious to the bodies that have been going down at his position during the University of Wisconsin football team's spring practices.

But Butrym does not share in the growing sense of panic regarding the UW football team's vanishing depth on the defensive line.

The Badgers were missing seven defensive lineman, due to injuries, from practice Tuesday. That includes three projected starters who are rehabbing from surgeries and will not be back this spring: senior tackles Mike Newkirk (shoulder) and Jason Chapman (knee) and sophomore defensive end Kirk DeCremer (back).

"Injured guys will be back," Butrym said. "Our leaders like 'Chap' and 'Newk' will be back (and) DeCremer. Right now, I just need to establish myself, maybe calm those fears. Going into fall camp, let the coaches know, that I can play, too."

The best-case scenario has the injured starters returning for fall camp, while the backups, who are getting extra work now, provide depth.

Butrym has been working at tackle with the No. 1 defense, along with junior Jeff Stehle. Of the three redshirt freshmen in the defensive line, Butrym is the closest to being ready to contribute.

"Patrick is into it," UW coach Bret Bielema said. "Jasper (Grimes) has no understanding yet of what we need from him on every play, but when I worked with him on the individual periods, (he has) good footwork, good strength and it's just something that has to carry over for him. "

Defensive end Louis Nzegwu, from Platteville, has loads of physical talent, but he probably has the longest way to go.

"He was a running back more in high school," Bielema said. "We had him in camp and really feel that can be something for him down the line, really probably one of our better pass rushers.

"(He's) raw, not knowing what he needs to do. He's got a tremendous learning curve to go through right now. He needs to learn to mentally concentrate during the course of practice."

Butrym (6-foot-4, 265 pounds), from Waukesha Catholic Memorial, has some of the same issues, but is closer to figuring them out.

"It's definitely a challenge," he said of working with the No. 1 defense. "I'll have sparks of brilliance, then I'll show I'm a freshman at times. My goal is really to be more consistent, play every play."

The biggest challenges for him are mental. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, when 6:30 a.m. practices are held, his alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m.

"It's the earliest I've ever woken up in my life," he said. "Sometimes on campus, you've got people coming in around that time. You've got to take care of yourself, get to bed early, manage your time well."

He's also taking 17 credits this semester, with an eye toward getting into UW's ultra-competitive business school.

"School's tough, " he said. "You've got to study. Sometimes, you pull late-nighters and you've got to wake up the next morning and be focused and get through (practice), then focus on the rest of your day."

As challenging as that might be, Butrym is prepared. He comes across as level-headed and grounded, which he attributes to his parents.

"That was always a big deal with my parents," he said. "Remember where you're from and the people who got you where you are. It can be taken away from you in a minute. Just be grateful for what you have."

In terms of mental toughness, Butrym could not have a better mentor than Newkirk, whose motor never idles on the practice field.

"He's definitely a leader by example and he's being more vocal, especially during winter conditioning," Butrym said. "That definitely makes the guys around you tougher."