In Paul Chryst, they trust.

When sophomore running back Zach Brown considers all the weapons the University of Wisconsin football team's offense will have at its disposal this season, what comes to mind?

" 'How are we all going to get the ball?' is one thing I think of," Brown said in the spring. "There are just so many weapons you have."

That's especially true at tailback, where last week's suspension of Lance Smith still leaves a crowd of three fighting for playing time.

That's why one of the biggest questions swirling around the Badgers in the offseason was how Chryst, the offensive coordinator, could possibly keep all the tailbacks happy this season.

Start with junior P.J. Hill, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher who looks to be in the best shape of his career after going through the entire offseason conditioning program for the first time at UW.

Then there's Brown, who rushed for 250 yards against Minnesota's turnstile defense in the regular-season finale filling in for the injured Hill.

While slightly less prolific, Brown's 108 rushing yards against Michigan the previous week in his first college start might be an even better indicator of his potential.

Finally, redshirt freshman John Clay is the phenom-in-waiting, who did nothing to douse the excitement surrounding his debut with his performance in the spring game.

"I know coach Chryst is a genius at calling plays and using everybody," Brown said. "I even tell people sometimes, 'He creates positions.' Coach Chryst is going to find a way to get everybody the ball. I'm just looking forward to seeing how he does it."

Chryst unveiled a new position for Smith during bowl practices, lining him up in the slot and using him as a receiver, or putting him in motion for handoffs. The role was expanded in the spring and Smith was going to be a significant part of this season's game plans.

But he fumbled away that chance by getting booted out of the first offenders program he had been placed in last season after an altercation with his girlfriend.

Bielema went to bat for Smith last season, trying to get his five-game road suspension reduced and praising his behavior after the incident.

After Smith's suspension, Bielema had little to say and it's unlikely he would be willing to give Smith another chance.

Without Smith, the Badgers lack a true burner in the backfield, but they've got everything else.

Hill was the team's best back in the Outback Bowl, rushing for 132 yards on 16 carries against Tennessee after returning from a bone bruise. He looked noticeably quicker in the spring and his once pear-shaped physique is a more muscular 236 pounds.

"P.J. definitely looks the best he has," senior left guard Andy Kemp said. "Coach B said, he made it through winter and summer conditioning, spring ball, no injuries. Hopefully, this will be his best season."

Brown usually is referred to as the team's best all-around back. He makes few mistakes, can run inside and outside, has good hands and understands blitz pickups.

"His football IQ is higher than a lot of guys who are sophomores," running backs coach John Settle said. "Right now, hands down, he's probably our most complete guy."

Clay is now bigger than Hill, at 237 pounds, but will have to fight for playing time. Bielema said last season proved the Badgers could only get two running backs prepared for a game, unless a third is in a specialty role, like a third-down back.

That means Clay will likely start out in spot duty, but if he's as good as everybody expects him to be, he could push for more time.

"John (improved) leaps and bounds during spring football," Bielema said. "He's on the beginning of his learning curve."

While other Big Ten Conference schools are doing away with the fullback, in favor of spread attacks, the Badgers could be expanding the roles of their fullbacks. They have two solid ones in fifth-year seniors Chris Pressley and Bill Rentmeester.

Chryst splits his fullbacks out wide at times and both are capable receivers. Pressley got a rare chance to run the ball against Northern Illinois last season and had five carries for 31 yards.

That's yet another sign Chryst will find a way to use whatever talents are available to him.

"I said this two years ago, when I met Paul," Settle said. "Aside from being a great coach, his ability to put the players in the right place, to be successful, is what sets him apart from a lot of other guys."