2002 Badger Football-Positional Preview

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

Punter

2002 Projected Starter: RJ Morse

Morse has the best leg on the team, but is woefully inconsistent and has a slow release and is susceptible to blocks. I believe he has the inside track for now, but at the first sign of inconsistency, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see a lot of flip flopping between the various candidates.

2002 Projected Depth: Kirk Munden, Scott Campbell

I have heard rumblings that if Morse can handle the long kicks, Campbell may handle the pooch punting. Then again, if Campbell does a solid job, he very well could win the job outright. As mentioned above, I would be surprised if we didn't see Munden a fair amount again this year.

PIE IN THE SKY: Someone steps up and takes the job by the throat and doesn't cost the team anything.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: The job continues to go from player to player and besides costing field position, turns the tide of several games following blocks and shanks.

CONCERN: HIGH
Free Safety

2002 Projected Starter:Ryan Aiello

After a disappointing season in which he was buried on the depth chart, Aiello took hold of the position this spring and solidified it further with a solid fall camp. He isn't going to wow anybody with his speed, but figures to be the only potential physical presence in the defensive backfield.

2002 Projected Depth:Brett Bell, Pat Ellestad, Dontez Sanders

Bell has prototype measurables, but hasn't put it all together yet from a mental standpoint. When given a chance last year, Brett's tackling was marginal and he seemed lost at times. Eventually, Cooper believes he has pro potential, so he will continue to get opportunities to earn more time, primarily in the nickel and dime packages.

Ellestad is a walk-on who figures to play on special teams.

PIE IN THE SKY:Aiello is the reincarnation of David Greenwood, Matt Vandenboom, and Jason Doering as he lights up any receivers venturing over the middle and provides a solid last line of defense against the run.

DISASTER STRIKES IF:Aiello speed proves to be a problem when it comes to defending the deep middle and Bell's inexperience leaves him as an unusable option.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Strong Safety

2002 Projected Starter:Jim Leonard

Last year's starter Michael Broussard has left the program following his demotion behind Jim Leonard (among others). Leonard is insanely small, but has impressed everyone with his intensity and his ability to make plays. Whether he can hold up over the course of a long season (a problem for Joey Boese last year) and/or defend bigger players at his diminutive size remains to be seen.

2002 Projected Depth:Robert Brooks, Nate Howard, Ryan Simmons, Dontez Sanders

Brooks was moved from free safety to supply depth at the position. He played reasonably well as a nickel/dime back last year and may slide into that role again this season. Like Leonard, he is small.

Howard and Simmons are walk-ons. Simmons in particular was a strong special teams player last year but did not appear on the pre-camp 3-deep so whether he actually plays any from scrimmage remains to be seen.

PIE IN THE SKY:Leonard makes plays and is a leader in the backfield despite his inexperience.

DISASTER STRIKES IF:Size in the defensive backfield becomes an issue and mid-season shuffling must take place to shore up the hole.

CONCERN: HIGH
Cornerback

2002 Projected Starters:BJ Tucker and Scott Starks

Both players seem solified at their positions despite questions about both. Tucker has the prototype size and speed to be an excellent corner, but has always had trouble once the curtain was raised and the games began. He came to the UW as green as could be so his lack of refinement is not surprising. Tucker has had an outstanding camp and now must translate that into a consistent performance on the field.

Starks is undersized but is a battler. He hung tough last year despite some rough moments. Like Tucker, he looks to be a mainstay in the defensive backfield, while at the same time needing to take his play to the next level. Given that he is only a true sophomore, I believe he can be a solid corner this season.

2002 Projected Depth: Tony Moss, Levonne Rowan, Johnny Sylvain, Chuckie Cowans

The depth here is woefully lacking, especially with season opening injuries to Cowans and Moss.

Cowans is like Starks in that he is very very small. While many (myself included) had written him off, he put together a solid fall camp and was pushing Starks for time.

Rowan has excellent measurables but like any true freshman, probably isn't ready to be thrown to the wolves quite yet. Down the road however, he could give the team the big corner they have lacked for some time. For now, expect to see him spotted by DB coach Ron Cooper.

The depth here is so shallow at the moment that Pat Ellestad, a walk-on safety, is listed in the two deep for the first game. However, I believe that if a need arose, you would probably see someone like Leonard, Bell, or Brooks slide over and man the corner position.

PIE IN THE SKY: Consistent play without surrendering constant home runs.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: Tucker becomes discouraged again after early poor play and falls apart while teams pick on Starks' size and Rowan/Cowans inexperience.

CONCERN: HIGH
Inside Linebackers

2002 Projected Starters:Jeff Mack and Alex Lewis

Mack moves back inside after playing hurt and out of position on the outside last season. Jeff won't wow anybody with tremendous measurables, but plays hard and should be steady on the inside provided his back holds up.

The eagle position is still up for grabs between Lewis and Williams, but I believe Lewis will come out ahead in large part to his greater experience at the position. Early reports have him as a relentless attacker, though how he handles things like pursuit angles and coverage schemes remains to be seen.

2002 Projected Depth: Broderick Williams, Howard Boye-Doe, Mark Zalewski, Paul Joran, Greg Root, John Gillen, Kyle McCorison

The backup positions at ILB are wide open and just about any player listed here(and there are a lot of them) could wind up in the two deep with inspired play. Williams could still wind up as a starter due to his good speed, but he is still terribly green as a LB.

Root and Gillen look to be program guys. They are only redshirt freshmen, but have neither generated great buzz nor been buried on the depth chart by any means. So, they are very hard to evaluate at this point.

Zalewski in particular has generated some positive buzz and could be a key contributor on special teams, if not in the two-deep at LB as a true freshman.

McCorison is a walk-on transfer who has a ways to go up the depth chart, but played hard and tough at the spring game and could also sneak his way into some PT.

PIE IN THE SKY:Mack stays healthy and Lewis or Williams gain a stranglehold on the position through consistent play.

DISASTER STRIKES IF:Mack goes down and the overall inexperience at the position leads to key breakdowns at crucial times.

CONCERN: HIGH
Drop Linebacker

2002 Projected Starter:Kareem Timbers

Timbers is the most athletic drop LB the Badgers have had during Alvarez's era, and possibly the most athletic ever. He brings the speed of a safety to the position which ideally should help in pass coverage.

The questions remain about Timbers' ability to play stout at the point of attack as well as staying disciplined in his positioning. He has outstanding pursuit speed from the weak side, but will he overrun misdirection plays?

2002 Projected Depth:LaMarr Watkins, Elliot Goode, Chris Catalano

Watkins and Goode, both true freshmen, have moved right into the depth at drop LB. They are both athletic and talented, with many of the same scheme-discipline questions that Timbers has.

PIE IN THE SKY:Timbers is a speedy impact player from the weakside, adding an explosive element to the defense missing since the days of Tim Jordan.

DISASTER STRIKES IF:Teams continually use the Badgers youth at the position against them, resulting in a lot of tight ends running free in the backfield uncovered (not unlike last season).

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Defensive Tackle

2002 Projected Starters:Antajj Hawthorne and Jason Jefferson

Youth will be served on the interior of the Badgers defensive line this year. Hawthorne struggled early last year but played much better late in the season. After an off-season in the weight room, he is being counted on to be a key plug against the run during the early downs.

Jefferson is a big kid that has developed nicely for the Badgers. His experience is very limited but he looks to be a hard worker that isn't all that physically gifted, but hopefully can be an effective player.

On passing downs, look for Hawthorne and Jefferson to be removed while Darius Jones and Jake Sprague move inside.

2002 Projected Depth: Nick Cochart, Jesse Mayfield, Lyle Maiava, Mike Kleber, Matt Gadja, Matt Katula

There isn't a lot of star power here, but at least two of these guys look to be in the regular rotation. Cochart is undersized but has all the intangibles to contribute.

Mayfield has generally played end but he is up to around 285 which called for a move inside. He has shown some flashes in the past but has never been durable enough to get an extended look. He might be good for 10-15 productive snaps this year.

Maiava could be the sleeper here as he is fairly highly regarded.

PIE IN THE SKY: Hawthorne proves his hype is worth it and becomes a dominant player.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: Teams are able to manhandle the interior of the defensive line as they did for much of last season. If Hawthorne isn't more consistent and Jefferson proves he isn't ready, you could see some changes (Jones/Sprague inside for good) which would hurt the overall depth on the defensive line.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Defensive End

2002 Projected Starter:Darius Jones and Jake Sprague

It is put up or shut up time for both Jones and Sprague. Both are big and fast defensive end prototypes, though both have been bothered by injuries and at times, a lack of focus. This year, both are being depended on to bolster a defensive line that was crippled by injuries last year. Both Darius and Jake look to be solid at the point of attack on early downs while moving inside to provide an inside pass rush on later downs.

2002 Projected Depth: Erasmus James, Traison Lewis, Jonathan Welsh, Jeff Lang, Tim Ovadal, Mark Gorman

James and Welsh proved to be effective in spurts last year, though neither held up very well against the every down grind they had to contend with last year. This year, provided that Jones and Sprague stay healthy, both should be put in a much better position to display their very useful strengths.

James has bulked up to 248 pounds and is a tenacious pass rusher. Look for him to be a legitimate playmaker on passing downs.

Welsh is still very very light (220 pounds), but is a good enough athlete to also be useful in spots. Like James, Jonathan will be a situational pass rusher.

One interesting name to keep an eye on is Traison Lewis. Lewis has bounced around from position to position for a few years but may have found a permanent home at end. He doesn't have the length that James and Welsh have, but was listed as a co-number 2 on the depth official depth chart entering fall practice, which either is a sign that he is coming along better than expected, or perhaps a carrot to dangle in front of Traison.

PIE IN THE SKY: The ends stay fresh and healthy and cause havoc for backs and QB's alike.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: The injury bug strikes again pushing undersized players like Welsh and Lewis into full time duty.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Place-Kicker

2002 Projected Starter:Scott Campbell

Campbell, a JUCO transfer will be given the opportunity to win the wide open place kicking job. Campbell was a JUCO All-American and is reputed to have a big leg. At the very least, he should handle kickoffs and long field goals with the inside track to the outright job.

2002 Projected Depth: Mike Allen, Adam Espinoza

Allen had a good spring until the spring game where he fell apart. Allen had some mechanical problems last year that have reportedly been improved. His mental outlook remains in doubt after the spring performance.

PIE IN THE SKY: Campbell steps in and provides a consistent presence from inside 40 yards.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: The job continues to be juggled from week to week with none of the three candidates grabbing the job.

CONCERN: HIGH
Offensive Center

2002 Projected Starter: Al Johnson

Johnson enters his third year manning the middle of the offensive line and is a viable All-American candidate after being named to the pre-season Rimington Award watch list. Alvarez has said that Johnson may be the best center they have had, which is saying a lot when you consider that Cory Raymer and Casey Rabach were both stellar Badger centers.

2002 Projected Depth: Donovan Raiola, Jason Palermo

Raiola is by all accounts ready for a Big Ten starting role, but will man the backup center spot for one more season behind Johnson. There was serious consideration for pulling his redshirt last year when Johnson was dinged, but they were able to get by without burning it as Johnson toughed it out.

Jonathan Clinkscale was listed as a backup center for much of last season, though with his emergence at guard, I would suspect that the backup position will be Raiola's sole domain this season.

Palermo is a scrapper that will probably find his way onto the field someplace before he is done, though probably not this season.

PIE IN THE SKY: Johnson fulfills his promise and follows in Raymer's footsteps as an All-American.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: Johnson's academics fall by the wayside, Raiola gets homesick for his native Hawaii, and Palermo decides that playing for his dad isn't all that much fun and quits. Seriously though, this is one of the strongest positions on the team and I don't see any way that the Badgers won't have quality playing.

CONCERN: LOW
Offensive Guard

2002 Projected Starter:Jonathan Clinkscale and Dan Buenning

A solid pair with the world ahead of them. Buenning is a grinder who fits well in the Joe Rudolph/Bill Ferrario mold. He isn't going to wow you with his physical tools, but is a tough hard nosed played who should continue to improve.

Clinkscale overtook Kalvin Barrett around mid-season last year after splitting time with Barrett during the earlier portion of the season. Clinkscale is pretty athletic for a guard. Look for Brian White and the offensive staff to attempt to utilize his quickness.

Both Buenning and Clinkscale project to be four year starters, so Wisconsin is set here for a few more years.

2002 Projected Depth: Kalvin Barrett, Andy Ulrich, Donovan Raiola, Matt Lawrence

Guard is perhaps the position of greatest depth on the team. Barrett, like Buenning and Clinkscale is only a sophomore. He started for much of last year and held his own. He is a solid option in case of an injury. He must continue to watch his weight.

Raiola stands a good chance of also moving to guard if Jason Palermo can handle backup center duties. Raiola is ready to play and it will be interesting to see how OL coach Jim Hueber decides to juggle his line in the next few years with this great depth on the interior.

PIE IN THE SKY:Clinkscale and Buenning continue to show normal rates of improvement and become dominant guards that can be used in a variety of ways.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: You got me. I suppose if the top 3 or 4 guards all went down, that would kind of suck!

CONCERN: LOW
Offensive Tackle

2002 Projected Starters:Ben Johnson and Jason Jowers

Like center, offensive tackle stacks up as a great position of strength for the Badgers. Johnson was a second team All-Big Ten selection and missed only one snap all of last season as he enters his third year as a starter. Big Ben finally put things together last year and had a solid year. He is an outstanding drive blocker and has improved his consistency in pass protection.

Jowers was a bit of a surprise last year as he put together a "Tauscher-like" season at right tackle. Jowers was steady and gave the team a big lift in his first year as a regular.

2002 Projected Depth: Morgan Davis, Jake Wood, Mike Lorenz, Isaac Ballou, Carlos Harper, Fred Nieforth

A nice batch of youngsters provides solid depth at the tackle spot. Lorenz has been the most highly touted and with two full years already in the system, could probably step in and produce if needed.

Wood is also highly regarded but is a year younger and is still building strength following a knee injury.

Davis seems like he has been around forever, though will only be a redshirt sophomore in terms of eligibility.

Guys like Ballou, Harper, and Nieforth are sleepers to varying degrees, but when you are talking about your 3rd and 4th string, are pretty decent prospects.

PIE IN THE SKY:Johnson is named first team All-Big Ten and controls his side of the line of scrimmage ala Aaron Gibson and Chris McIntosh while Jowers continues his Tauscher impression.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: Johnson regresses to his occasional brain farts against speed rushers.

CONCERN: LOW
Wide Receiver

2002 Projected Starter:Lee Evans and Darrin Charles

Lee Evans is obviously the key variable in this equation. When does he return and how good will he be when he returns are questions that simply cannot be answered at this time. In general, I do not believe he will be a significant factor until October, though privately I know that some within the program are cautiously hopeful that it is earlier. Though there is some receiver talent in the program, the position obviously takes a hit without Evans at near full strength for much of the year.

Darrin Charles seems poised to have his breakout season. He has added about 20 pounds to his wiry frame and looks to be the go-to receiver early in the year in Evans' absence. He will need to continue to improve getting off the line of scrimmage and will need to learn how to fend off the expected double teams early in the year. At this state, Charles can be compared to a young Donald Hayes or even a young Al Toon in terms of receiving style.

2002 Projected Depth: David Braun, Jonathan Orr, Byron Brown, Travann Hayes, Brandon White, DeAndre Kemp, Brandon Williams, Enrique Cook

The depth at WR offers some interesting alternatives. How Brian White chooses to utilize the talents at this position should be interesting to watch.

Braun is your trusty standby who knows where he needs to be and doesn't need the ball in his hands 15 times a game. He won't offer much in terms of explosiveness of course, but he could be a valuable steadying influence on the inexperienced receiving corps and a key third down possession receiver.

Byron Brown also lacks the downfield speed of an Evans or an Orr, but is quick and has some wiggle. If utilized properly, he could be dangerous after the catch.

Similarly, Travann Hayes is a small jitterbug type who isn't a blazer, but can be very dangerous with the ball. I wouldn't be surprised to see some WR screens or reverses to take advantage of Travann's talents.

Jonathan Orr is the player I am excited to see in person. He is the most physically impressive of the Badger receivers and looks to be the home run option among the top 5 receivers.

Brandon White and Brandon Williams have impressed in camp, though at least one and possibly both will be redshirted. Williams is getting over some nagging injuries but could factor in on the return teams once healthy.

PIE IN THE SKY:Evans comes back early in the non-conference schedule and becomes an impact player for the start of the Big Ten season.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: Evans doesn't regain his explosiveness and is a shadow of his former self for most of the year while the young receivers find Big Ten play overwhelming without a healthy top dog to relieve the pressure.

CONCERN: MEDIUM (LOW if Evans returns early in the year.)
Tight End

2002 Projected Starter:Bob Docherty

Docherty steps into the starting role this year, though there will probably be a rotation of 3 or even 4 players at times at this position. Docherty is the biggest tight end on the team, but also is probably the best all-around athlete. A reprise of Mark Anelli's All-Big Ten season is doubtful, but Bob looks to have a promising future once he gets his feet wet.

2002 Projected Depth: Tony Paciotti, Rob Tucker, Mark Bell, Jason Posiask

As already mentioned, numerous players will play at tight end, either in a rotation or when 2 tight-end sets are used.

Paciotti is probably the most physical of the tight ends and the best blocker, so look to see him as the second tight end in short yardage situations.

Tucker, Bell, and Posicask are smaller H-back type tight ends who will be given a chance to be middle seam receivers.

PIE IN THE SKY: Docherty's blocking and consistency improves and he becomes a 275 pound blocker who can also stretch the field at times.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: Youth leads to shaky play and the OL blocking integrity is ruptured on the edge.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Fullback

2002 Projected Starter:Matt Bernstein

I actually believe that Kuhns will get the majority of snaps to start the year, but I believe that the long term plan is to give Bernstein the job pending his play.

Bernstein is a load and more of a running fullback in the mold of a Rob Konrad and could prove to be a useful short yardage option. However, we all know that how well Matt blocks will be the primary reason he plays or doesn't play.

2002 Projected Depth:Russ Kuhns

Depth is very shallow here and an injury to either could put the team in a tight spot. Kuhns is not a natural back, but is very hard nosed and scrappy and will probably get plenty of snaps this year.

PIE IN THE SKY:Bernstein takes the job and provides an inside running element to the Badger attack that they have lacked from the fullback position since Marvin Artley.

DISASTER STRIKES IF:Kuhns goes down and Bernstein's youth shows in his lead blocking skills.

CONCERN: MEDIUM
Tailback

2002 Projected Starter:Anthony Davis

Davis developed beyond anyone's wildest dreams last year and looks poised to have another stellar year. As his vision and ability to read holes continues to improve, and with his added weight (up to 191), Davis' one primary flaw from last year (short yardage) should be remedied.

Also of issue with Davis is keeping his carries down to the low 20's in order to keep him fresh all season long.

2002 Projected Depth: Jerone Pettus, Booker Stanley, Dwayne Smith, Phillip Fuller

Pettus looks to be a major contributor as a third-down back. He rushed things a bit last year and had trouble finding holes. Hopefully a year's experience has taught him patience.

Smith and Stanley will be battling it out for playing time in a supporting role. Stanley is probably a bit more explosive, but Smith is a little bigger.

Fuller will redshirt.

PIE IN THE SKY:Davis continues to broaden his game and the backups step up to be solid contributors, each offering a different look to the defense.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: Davis has trouble staying fresh and healthy and the lack of a suitable backup forces him to carry an excessive workload.

CONCERN: LOW
Quarterback

2002 Projected Starter: Brooks Bollinger

After last season's experiment with some rotating at the position, Bollinger is now firmly entrenched at the position. Bollinger is a playmaker who is underrated as a thrower, though still is never going to remind anyone of Dan Marino. Bollinger is a proven winner and his health will go a long way towards determining if the team will be successful.

2002 Projected Depth: Jim Sorgi, Owen Daniels, Matt Schabert, Devin Hollins, John Stocco

Depth here is very very solid. Sorgi has proven that skill-wise he can be a top notch passing QB. Schabert played pretty well in his one appearance last year while Daniels has impressed in the spring and his highly regarded. While Bollinger's health is very important, there are options available for Brian White.

PIE IN THE SKY: Bollinger is healthy all year and continues to improve his passing proficiency, namely the deep ball.

DISASTER STRIKES IF: Bollinger battles injuries again, Sorgi continues to make poor decisions, and Daniels proves he isn't ready.

CONCERN: LOW

Blue Ribbon College Football Forecast--Wisconsin

The following is an EXCLUSIVE excerpt from Brassey's Inc.'s "Blue Ribbon College Football Forecast" profile for Wisconsin. I've included an excerpt of their position analyses, as well as of their "Blue Ribbon Analysis" for the upcoming season. For much more detail on your team and the 116 other Division I-A teams, purchase the "Forecast" today--see below for ordering information!

Wide Receivers It would be nearly impossible to overstate the significance of the injury to Evans (5-11, 192). Last season he set the Big Ten record for receiving yards in a year with 1,545. He was a first-team All-America choice by Football News, ABC Sports Online and collegefootballnews.com, and a second-team choice by The Associated Press and The Sporting News.

His 75 catches and nine touchdowns were single-season school records and made him a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top wide receiver. Evans' biggest game came when he shredded Michigan State for nine catches, 228 yards and three touchdowns, the second-best single-game yardage mark for a receiver in Wisconsin history.

Evans easily could have left for the NFL and been a No. 1 draft pick, but he wanted to spend another season as a Badger.

"Our biggest recruit of the year was having Lee come back for his senior season," Alvarez said before Evans was injured. "He had as spectacular a year [in 2001] as any receiver I have been around."

Evans' rehab from the injury will be difficult, but many in the Wisconsin camp believe that if any player could come back in such a short time frame, it's Evans. Speaking of the rehab, wide receivers coach Henry Mason told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "He'll want a plan. He'll have it mapped out and then he'll go attack it. I do know this. He is not going to miss a day of rehab. He'll do everything he possibly can do to get back as fast as he can. He is a warrior. He wants to play."

Offensive coordinator Brian White told the Journal-Sentinel, "The one thing I admire so much about Lee is his competitive makeup. If there is a young person who is going to be able to stare right through any adversity and conquer it, it is Lee Evans."

In his absence, sophomore Darrin Charles (6-6, 204) is expected to emerge as the next star receiver for the Badgers. Charles' size makes him an inviting target, and he showed signs in the spring game that he's ready to explode with eight grabs for 148 yards and a touchdown. "He did a great job," Bollinger told The Badger Herald. "He went across the middle, took some hits. It's good when you start to get confidence in a guy like that. I've always had confidence in him, but when he gets to that next level when you know he's going to go up and compete for the football and make a play on the ball."

Last season Charles caught 14 balls for 186 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman. Other receivers with game experience are senior David Braun (5-11, 196), who had three catches for 19 yards last year, and junior Byron Brown (6-0, 181).

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