Post by mrode363 on Jun 13, 2016 4:35:59 GMT
1. Robert Wheelwright - After making a name for himself as a junior (32 receptions, 416 yards, 4 touchdowns), Wheelwright will have the chance to have an even bigger year as a senior. Wisconsin standout WR Alex Erickson has graduated, leaving a gaping hole in the passing game. Wheelwright will become the Badgers top target in the upcoming season and be leaned upon heavily. Whether it is Bart Houston or Alex Hornibrook throwing him passes, the senior should see the majority of the targets, potentially setting himself up for a chance to play in the NFL if he can succeed as the top receiving target.
2. Vince Biegel - Overshadowed by fellow outside linebacker Joe Schobert, Biegel still managed to produce a stat line of 38 total tackles, 4 ½ sacks and 9 ½ tackles for losses last season. Schobert’s departure will give Biegel the opportunity to shine at the collegiate level and audition for a chance to play in the NFL. Expect the senior to draw lots of double teams, but don’t be surprised if he finishes with double digit sack and tackle for loss numbers.
3. T.J. Watt - While Schobert’s graduation might have taken away a top talent at the position, Biegel will have the help of T.J. Watt, a converted tight end, while trying to create havoc in the backfield each and every week. Of course, T.J. is the younger brother of J.J. ,the Texans All-Pro defensive lineman, and Derek, a fullback who was drafted by the Chargers in the most recent draft. T.J. will now try to leave his mark in Madison and become the next great outside linebacker to control the edge at Camp Randall. He should get the opportunity to start on the opposite side as Biegel to form one of the best outside LB duos in the Big Ten.
4. T.J. Edwards - The third linebacker to occupy my list, this T.J. may offer the most upside of the five players I selected. Edwards, a redshirt sophomore, led the team with 84 total tackles as a freshman and is looking to take the next step this upcoming season. If healthy, Edwards should fairly easily top 100 tackles and lead the Badgers in tackling again. It also would not surprise me if Edwards was amongst the leading tacklers in the entire conference.
5. Corey Clement - Finally we have Corey Clement, who is probably the most well-known player of this short list. The senior running back is looking to have a bounce back performance aftrt struggling with injuries in 2015. Clement played in just four games but was able to find the endzone five times in limited playing time. An injury-free 2016 campaign could finally show the talent and skill that the country has waited to see since Melvin Gordan’s departure. If Clement can stay on the field, have more consistent blocking and a complimentary passing game to keep defenses from stacking the box, the senior may just challenge other college superstars for the Heisman Trophy.