NCAA CAMP OPENS!!!

Nothing like late summer-early fall in Wisconsin. The smell, the weather, the sounds, and college football! I can honestly say that I prefer it over the NFL.

The Wisconsin football Badgers are looking strong this season. For consecutive seasons, we are ranked in the top 15 (preseason) which means squat. The USA Today poll ranks the Badgers #15th and the coaches poll has them at #12.

Vegas feels that they will be a contender, but lack the talent to win the BCS (+3000). USC is pretty much the favorite to win it all (+300).

We are returning a strong offensive line led by senior guards Andy Kemp and Kraig Urbik (pictured right). The latter could be a first rounder in next years draft. The backfield is loaded with proven ball carriers in PJ Hill (own website) and Zach Brown. Hill (pictured left) has already rushed for close to 2800 yards in two seasons, while Zach showed us last year he is a power runner (see Michigan game) who can burst through the holes. Sticking with the old school, the Badgers still sport a blocking full back in Chris Pressely, the 259 lbs work horse is sure to get Big Ten recognition later in the season. The only loss is Lance Smith (JR.), who can't stay out of trouble and will probably be dismissed from the team. This could be a blessing in disguise with Racine, WI native John Clay stepping up in the depth chart. This provides insurance having 3 strong tailbacks who can instantly step in and make a difference.

The receivers corps will be led by sophomore Kyle Jefferson, who made a number of remarkable catches last year as a freshman. Hell, I remember him getting blasted in the game against Michigan State. His head was almost ripped off...literally. He's a tough kid who has the size (6'5''/175) and speed to make an impact. He will be the go-to target. Opposite of Jefferson will be David Gilreath (5'11''/158), decent speed yet lacks the Big Ten size. He will be a work in progress. Al Toon's son, Nick, will probably red shirt.
Although JSONLINE.COM likes to think Jefferson as the one most susceptible to losing his job, one only has to look at the numbers:

Kyle Jefferson (pictured right): 38 catches, 459 yards, 12.1 avg, 1 TD, 33-yard long (also a 90-yard TD return)

Now for the most important of all, the Quarterback Position. Who will it be? Allen Evridge (pictured below) or Dustin Sherer? My guess is that Evridge will lock up the position with in the second week of August. He has 6 games under his belt in the Big 12 (KSU) fill-in starts. Although his arm strength may play second fiddle to Sherer, his mobility and ability to see the field will certainly give him the edge. The two are almost identical in size, with Sherer having 2 inches on Evridge. Another season with a QB competition. Love it. This position should never be a lock.
Sophomore Scott Tolzien (6-3, 200lbs) will be the future of the Badgers and should see snaps if one of the two fall to injury.

Finally, the best for last. There is only one position (besides QB) that can be discussed in a paragraph. That is the Tight End position. This single position is loaded and will provide an edge for the Badgers this season. Not only do you have All American Travis Beckum (sr), you have two standout back-ups who can even provide a double-tight threat. Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks will be used quite a bit. Especially if Bielema lines Beckum in the slot or wide. The offense is dictated by this single position. Allen Evridge will have a number of targets to hit down field, with Beckum having the speed to burst off the line. Furthermore, he has the technique down to a "T" (whatever that means) to show block to sell the run and then break off the line to the flats in order to provide that punch for third down conversions. This position, will determine if whether or not UW can beat OSU and Michigan.

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Defensively, the Badgers have already been hit with a series of bad luck. During the spring practices the D Line lost 3 of its starters (Shaughnessy, Chapman, and Newkirk), causing the Badger State to freak out. No fear, all three are cleared to begin camp on Monday. However they should all be limited, which could cause delay in the solidity of the front line troops. Thankfully the Badgers open against MAC member AKRON (8/30). Matt Shaugnessy (pictured below) will be the point man on the line. His play last year has proven that he can stop the run and be an effective tackler. He should a Second Team All Conference Selection.

The Defensive Backfield will be led by Junior Free Safety Shane Carter. He will have his hands full with 2 sophomores and a freshman. Near and by far, this is the weakest spot on the team and will surely cause headaches when they face Michigan and OSU, both of which have a solid team of receivers.

The Linebackers, I feel, will anchor the Defense. This group gets me excited with the likes of Elijah Hodge (jr) and Jonathon Casillas (sr) leading the charge. Joining him will be first year starter DeAndre Levy (sr). Jaevery McFadden will fill in the nickel package once again as well as the three other spots. If one goes down with an injury, McFadden will surely fit in nicely and make some plays.
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My picks will be made in a couple of weeks.