WISCONSIN BADGERS
2012 College Football Early Preview
OFFENSE - 5
------RETURNING STARTERS------
DEFENSE - 6
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Russell Wilson-QB, Bradie Ewing-FB, Nick Toon-WR, Jake Byrne-TE, Kevin Zeitler-OG, Josh Oglesby-OT, Philip Welch-K, Peter Konz-C (NFL)
DEFENSE: Louis Nzegwu-DE, Patrick Butrym-DT, Kevin Claxton-SLB, Antonio Fenelus-CB, Aaron Henry-FS, Brad Nortman-P
RB Montee Ball
Running Back / Linebacker

Montee Ball is a Heisman Finalist; James White could be one if Ball is not in the line up. The running game in Madison is a never-ending train track of success. Former Big Ten Frosh of The Year Chris Borland and fellow linebacker Mike Taylor are All-Conference players back in the fold.

Quarterback / Defensive Line

Is there another one-year wonder Russell Wilson available? Not likely. The only other quarterback that attempted a pass is young sophomore Joe Brennan and that was in very limited back up duty. The defensive line has performed well outside of registering sacks. Two fulltime starters need replaced but there are plenty of bodies waiting in line. It's just a matter of finding one to step up.

LB Chris Borland
* DEPTH CHARTS were only designed as a simplistic gauge for listing players that departed and players that received the most playing experience (consistent starters). NationalChamps.net recognizes the importance of missing personnel data not listed such as redshirts, transfers, injuries, incoming recruits, back ups and alternates. Their coverage will begin with our full 2012 Preseason Preview due out this coming spring.
WISCONSIN 2012 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Joe Brennan-So ..
FB .. ..
RB Montee Ball-Sr James White-Jr / Jeff Lewis-So
WR Jeff Duckworth-Jr ..
WR

Jared Abbrederis-Jr

Manasseh Garner-Jr
TE Jacob Pedersen-Jr ..
OT Ricky Wagner-Sr ..
OG Travis Frederick-Jr ..
C Ryan Groy-Jr ..
OG .. ..
OT Rob Havenstein-So ..
K Kyle French-So ..
 
WISCONSIN 2012 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Tyler Dippel-Jr Pat Muldoon-Jr
DT Beau Allen-Jr ..
DT Ethan Hemer-Jr Jordan Kohout-Jr
DE Brendan Kelly-Sr David Gilbert-Sr
SLB Ethan Armstrong-Jr ..
MLB Chris Borland-Jr ..
WLB Mike Taylor-Sr Conor O'Neill-Jr / Derek Landisch-So
CB Marcus Cromartie-Sr Peniel Jean-So
CB Devin Smith-Sr (inj.) ..
SS Shelton Johnson-Sr Dezmen Southward-Jr
FS Michael Trotter-So ..
P .. ..
QUICK TAKE
  • The only thing standing between Wisconsin and another Rose Bowl is Russell Wilson’s absence. The senior quarterback finally graduates from college and coaches will spend the off-season searching for a playmaker. Joe Brennan might be the next guy behind center but there will be four-five players fighting for the job.
  • Running back Montee Ball is one touchdown shy of equaling the NCAA record set by Barry Sanders (39) in a season. He will get it against Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
  • Montee Ball is a great running back. James White is a great running back. Ron Dayne, Brian Calhoun, Anthony Davis, Brent Moss, etc. were great Badger running backs. Is there a pattern here? Oh, you bet there is...
  • In the past two seasons, Wisconsin has produced more NFL ready offensive lineman than any team in all of college football. Peter Konz and Travis Frederick will be no exception in 2012.
  • Receiver Jared Abbrederis is one of the most productive walk-on players in the country. Abbrederis can change a game with his pass-catching and punt and kickoff returns. He will be a much-needed face in 2012 with Nick Toon moving on. These new quarterbacks will be looking for veteran assistance running routes.
  • The Badgers have stopped teams from putting up big numbers due to a solid linebacker corps and deep roster. That formula won't change even if the injury bug continues to be a problem.
  • Wisconsin has the potential to earn loftier preseason status this spring once voters get a chance to evaluate the players filling all the holes left from graduation. With only 12 starters returning, the Badgers are on the low end of the experience ladder compared to those ranked in front of them.

 

WISCONSIN 2012 SCHEDULE

9/01 - Northern Iowa
9/08 - at Oregon State
9/15 - Utah State
9/22 - UTEP
9/29 - at Nebraska
10/06 - Illinois
10/13 - at Purdue
10/20 - Minnesota
10/27 Michigan State
11/10 - at Indiana
11/17 - Ohio State
11/24 at Penn State