2001 Badger Football-Positional Preview

>
Punter Free Safety Strong Safety Cornerback
Inside Linebacker Drop Linebacker Defensive TackleDefensive End
Place-Kicker Offensive Center Offensive Guard Offensive Tackle
Wide Receiver Tight End Fullback Tailback
Quarterback

Punter

2001 Projected Starter: Kirk Munden

Munden, a walk-on, looks to be the default choice here. Munden possesses a decent leg but has had problems consinstency wise. He was not terribly impressive this past spring, but head and shoulders above the other known alternatives at this point.

2001 Projected Depth: Craig Cummings, Chris Koth

I believe there are other walk-on alternatives, though frankly I don't know who they are.

CONCERN: HIGH
Free Safety

2001 Projected Starter: Carlease Clark

Clark has seemingly recovered from academic problems and looks to have the first crack at the starting spot. Clark is unspectacular but might be the steadiest alternative.

Another strong possibility is that Joey Boese winds up here with one of the true freshmen or perhaps BJ Tucker taking over at field corner.

2001 Projected Depth: Brett Bell, Ryan Aiello

Bell may simply be too good to keep off the field and if he adjusts to the mental aspect of the position, is also a viable alternative to enter the Boese/Clark mix.

At one time Aiello was projected to step in here, though his stock has fallen with the influx of the talented freshman. He is a step slower than some (in the mold of a Jason Doering), but could factor in if he learns to adjust to the speed of the game like Doering did.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Strong Safety

2001 Projected Starter: Michael Broussard

Broussard played well at nickel corner last year so the move to strong safety should be smooth one. AT 190+ pounds, Broussard is also closer to the prototype size that typically mans the position.

2001 Projected Depth:Robert Brooks, Ryan Simmons

Brooks is talented and could push here, though I think Broussard is pretty firmly entrenched.

Simmons is a special teams player and does not figure to factor into play from scrimmage.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Cornerback

2001 Projected Starter:Mike Echols and Joey Boese

Echols will remain a mainstay at boundary cornerback and should be one of the better corners around. Not only did he step up his playmaking last year, but his tackling has continued to improve to the point that it is now a strength of his.

Boese is penciled in here for now, though one of the talented freshmen could force Boese's move to safety if they prove they are ready.

2001 Projected Depth:BJ Tucker, Chuckie Cowans, Scott Starks, Johnny Sylvain, Matt Birkett

Tucker continued to struggle this spring and has gone from a possible starter to #3 on the depth chart.

Starks and Sylvain have impressed in summer drills and are more athletic than either Cowans or Birkett and have already moved to #2 on the depth charts.

There are ample candidates at the corner positions so raw numbers are not a concern. Youth however is a concern.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Inside Linebackers

2001 Projected Starters: Nick Greisen and Bryson Thompson

Greisen is as steady as they come in the middle, coming off a Big Ten leading 146 tackles. What he lacks in footspeed he makes up for in toughness and reliability.

Bryson Thompson has played well in stretches though has had a hard time staying healthy. He has been moved inside this year in order to get more speed at the position, though how this affects his durability remains to be seen.

2001 Projected Depth:Kareem Timbers, Mark Downing, Howard Boye-Doe, John Gillen, Greg Root

While the top line talent is solid, the depth remains a serious question mark. Timbers looks to have a tremedous future and should play extensively this year in nickel situations, though he has never played a down from scrimmage.

Boye-Doe is also untested and putting him at the heart of the defense at this point in his career may be a bit much, especially considering that he was moved from tailback just last year.

Gillen and Root probably need a redshirt year.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Drop Linebacker

2001 Projected Starter: Jeff Mack

Mack holds the position entering fall camp after moving from inside where he had trouble with blown coverages and assignments every so often. Still Mack is young and plays with heart and I wouldn't write him off with regards to having a solid year.

2001 Projected Depth:Jerron Smith, Tom Jonjak

Smith is highly thought of and could give Mack a run if he proves he can be reliable. He would be an upgrade over Mack physically.

Depth is an issue here with the departure of Ryan Keepman, leaving only walkons to compete for time in the depth chart.

CONCERN: MEDIUM

Defensive Tackle

2001 Projected Starters:Wendell Bryant and Ben Herbert

Bryant is the pre-season Big Ten defensive player of the year. He is an impact player against the run and is also a sporadic dominant pass rusher. Greater pass rush consistency places him among the elite defensive players in Badger history.

Herbert has been moved inside from rush end in an attempt to utilize his speed. While very undersized for a nose-tackle, Herbert is very strong and will probably only be counted on to play 20-30 snaps per game. He is a solid pass rusher but must play better at the point of attack.

2001 Projected Depth:Nick Cochart, Antajj Hawthorne, Traison Lewis, Lyle Maiava, Jesse Mayfield

Hawthorne could be the big factor inside. While he is currently listed behind Bryant at tackle, if he plays well he will find a spot in the DT rotation. whether by spelling Bryant, at nose, or at Bryant's position when Wendell moves outside.

Mayfield is a talented player who could be valuable in a reserve role while Cochart and Lewis are also undersized nose tackles. Cochart is a relenetless attacking player while Lewis is a converted rush end ala Herbert who relies on speed.

CONCERN: LOW

Defensive End

2001 Projected Starters: Jake Sprague and Darius Jones

Jones is poised for a breakout year. He excelled in the Spring Game and looks to be the prototypical defensive end (minus an inch or so). He will be a fixture at rush end.

Sprague will get first shot at strong side end. Jake has always been erratic in his play but seemed to be putting things together at the tail end of last season. Provided his work ethic is there, he should retain his position and be a solid contributor.

2001 Projected Depth:Erasmus James, Jonathan Welsh, Delante McGrew, Chuck Smith, Jason Jefferson

While not currently listed in the depth chart due to his academic standing last year, Erasmus James looks to have the most physical ability of this group.

McGrew should see some time as a pass rusher where he can use his outside burst.

Welsh is cut from the same mold as McGrew in that he is very slight, though Jonathan is even taller.

If the team needs an emergency player, Chuck Smith should see a few snaps a game as the "old shoe" of the defensive line.

CONCERN: LOW

Place-Kicker

2001 Projected Starter: Mark Neuser

This position is wide open entering fall practice. While Neuser may have a very slight edge, whichever of the listed kickers is the most consistent will probably get the job.

2001 Projected Depth: Adam Espinoza, Mike Allen, Chris Koth

The pressure may be on Espinoza as he is the only scholarship kicker on this list.

Allen looked good in high school and has a solid leg.

CONCERN: HIGH

Offensive Center

2001 Projected Starter: Al Johnson

Johnson enters as perhaps the steadiest of the returning offensive linemen and will look to compete for all-conference honors.

2001 Projected Depth: Donovan Raiola, Andy Ulrich

While Johnson is a standout, there isn't much behind him. Raiola is highly thought of though depending on a true freshman is highly risky.

If Johnson were to be injured, Jason Jowers would probably move over from tackle in order to avoid playing Raiola.

CONCERN: MEDIUM

Offensive Guard

2001 Projected Starters: Dan Buenning and Kalvin Barrett

Young Dan Buenning has drawn rave reviews and is a near lock to start as a redshirt freshman.

The other guard spot will be wide open between the slimmed down Barrett and ultra quick Jon Clinkscale.

2001 Projected Depth: Jon Clinkscale, Joe Chose, Angelo Paganafanador, Nick Tofferi

After the top three, there isn't much beyond walk-ons and true freshmen. However, the future of the position looks as bright as it has ever been.

CONCERN:LOW

Offensive Tackle

2001 Projected Starters:Ben Johnson and Jason Jowers

Johnson has all the tools to be a standout tackle, though he is going to have to show me that he can be a consistent pass protector before I grant him that title.

Jowers is a "Tauscher-esque" Badger who has bided his time and gets by on his hard work and steadiness.

2001 Projected Depth: Mike Lorenz, Morgan Davis, Jake Wood, Fred Nieforth

Lorenz will compete with Jowers at right tackle, though he likely will begin the year in a reserve role so the staff can work him in gradually.

Davis and Nieforth are still considered projects and should not see much PT this year.

CONCERN: MEDIUM

Wide Receiver

2001 Projected Starter:Lee Evans and Nick Davis

Evans will be among the better wideouts in the conference. He is very steady yet has definite playmaking ability.

Davis had a tough year last year though is reportedly sporting a new attitude. The move to more spread formations could play right into his strengths.

2001 Projected Depth:Dontez Sanders, David Braun, Jonathan Orr, DeAndre Kemp, Byron Brown, Travaan Hayes, Darrin Charles, Jamaal Wilson

Four freshmen look to break into the supporting roles this year. Dontez Sanders is the most physically mature of the group and is the early favorite, though you can't ignore the frame of Darrin Charles.

Travann Hayes had to sit out last year but should move into the #3 receiver position and is ideal for the slot in the spread. Look for Brian White to get him the ball to take advantage of his open field skills.

Byron Brown had good quickness though he lacks straight ahead speed. He could contribute as a solid possession receiver.

CONCERN: LOW

Tight End

2001 Projected Starter:Mark Anelli

Anelli is the only veteran returning, so he looks like a lock to start. He should be an upgrade as a receiver but is not the dominant drive blocker that Retzlaff and Sigmund were.

2001 Projected Depth:Tony Paciotti, Mark Bell, Rob Tucker, Bob Docherty, Jason Posiask

Depth here could be a question mark. Paciotti and Bell are solid prospects and one (probably Bell) will be asked to step into the role of the #2 tight end in certain formations.

Docherty is an intriguing prospect thanks to his athletic ability. Whether he remains at TE remains to be seen.

CONCERN: MEDIUM

Fullback

2001 Projected Starter: Chad Kuhns

The best fullback in the conference returns. Kuhns could also see time as a single back which should give him considerably more carries.

2001 Projected Depth:Eric Bickerstaff, Russ Kuhns, Ryan Engelbert, Matt Bernstein

All are unproven. In addition, Bickerstaff is suspended for the first three games of the year which should open things up for perhaps Matt Bernstein to grab a hold of the backup fullback position.

Engelbert also could benefit from the move to the spread as he was a tailback in high school and is not yet an accomplished blocker.

CONCERN: LOW

Tailback

2001 Projected Starter: Anthony Davis

Davis is the early leader in what looks to be a committee approach. Davis has the best combination of power, wiggle, and speed and should be a solid bet to notch between 15-18 carries per game as the primary feature back.

2001 Projected Depth: Broderick Williams, Jerone Pettus, Tyron Griffin

Pettus will see extensive time in nickel situtions and should be dangerous in the open field.

Griffin could see time as the primary interior runner, but must improve his work ethic and understanding of the offense.

Williams is coming off major knee surgery. The coaches have not ruled him out for some late season work, though I think it is unlikely.

CONCERN: MEDIUM

Quarterback

2001 Projected Starter:Brooks Bollinger

The position will competed for though Bollinger has shown that he is not going to relinquish his position without a fight. Sorgi will have to play outstanding football to beat him out.

2001 Projected Depth: Jim Sorgi, Scott Wille, Matt Schabert, Owen Daniels

Sorgi is about as tested a backup as you are going to find. Wille and Schabert will fight for the #3 spot (as neither had especially great years this past year). Daniels will redshirt.

CONCERN: LOW

Return to Badgermaniac.com