2006 Wisconsin football preview

2005 Record: 10-3 (5-3 Big Ten)
Head Coach: Brett Bielema

Players Drafted:
Brian Calhoun RB - Round 3 - Detroit
Brandon Williams WR - Round 3 - San Francisco
Owen Daniels TE - Round 4 - Houston
Jason Pociask TE - Round 5 - NY Jets
Jonathan Orr WR - Round 6 - Tennessee

Top Recruits:
Lance Smith RB - 5'10" 190 Warren, OH
Lance Kendricks WR - 6'4" 205 Milwaukee, WI
Jake Bscherer OT - 6'7" 265 Sturgeon Bay, WI
Daven Jones WR - 6'1" 180 Cleveland, OH

Key Players Returning:
Mark Zalewski LB
Joe Stellmacher SS
Joe Thomas OT
Nick Hayden DT
Jack Ikegwuonu CB
John Stocco QB
PJ Hill RB
Jamil Walker RB
Roderick Rogers FS

Wisconsin Offensive Outlook

The Badgers had five players selected in the 2006 NFL Draft, and all of them were from the offensive side of the ball. John Stocco can add his name to the list of 2006 Star QBs in the Big Ten. After leading the Badgers to 10 wins last season, Stocco is back with a ton of experience. He was surrounded by a load of talent in RB Brian Calhoun, WR Brandon Williams, and WR Jonathan Orr, but those three have moved on to the NFL. So now Stocco has to prove that he can still be effective with a new group of skilled players.

The running back situation doesn’t seem to be a problem. PJ Hill and Jamil Walker will provide a nice one-two punch. Hill has shown the ability to be powerful runner who also possesses decent hands. A further look at the depth chart shows senior Dywon Rowan and freshman Lance Smith. Rowan is a load that can move the pile, and Smith comes in as a speedy back from Warren, OH (yes, like Maurice Clarett).

Wisconsin Defensive Outlook

The defense looks to be in stable position with every defensive starter having some experience entering the 2006 season.

DT Nick Hayden is a nasty force up front with plenty of size and good speed. He’ll be accompanied by a trio that has good speed and is capable of getting into the backfield to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Senior Mark Zalewski returns to start at MLB after accumulating 83 tackles last year. His cohorts on the outside don’t have a lot of experience, but they have seen game time and should adjust quickly into every down players. Sophomores, DeAndre Levy and Jonathan Casillas, and senior Paul Joran will provide athleticism to give the Badgers a decent group of linebackers.

The defensive secondary should be solid with seniors Joe Stellmacher and Roderick Rogers roaming at the safety positions. CB Jack Ikegwuonu picked off three passes as a freshman and should be stable in covering number one receivers. Overall the secondary has players capable of coming up with interceptions, but taking gambles against this year’s group of Big Ten’s QBs could result in costly big plays.

Wisconsin Special Teams

Taylor Mehlhoff had a strong sophomore season and looks to be one of the better kickers in the Big Ten heading into 2006. He’s an accurate kicker from close range, but needs to show he can hit kick beyond 40 yards.

Junior P Ken DeBauche has a booming leg and averaged 44.8 yards per kick last year, but he also showed he can pin teams down by putting the ball inside the 20. One of the nation's best punters, DeBauche is a big 6-2 and 221 pounds with a consistently big leg. He has averaged 43.3 yards per kick over the last two years while putting 39 kicks inside the 20.

Apparently it’s in the bloodlines for Marcus Randle El (brother of Washington Redskin Antwaan Randle El) to be returning kicks. Look for this Randle El to make his own mark in the Big Ten with the Badgers.

2006 Keys to Success: The biggest keys for a successful season rest on the offense. The health status of Joe Thomas will be very important for the Badgers offense as he returns from an ACL injury. He has the ability to be dominant, but he needs to have his knee at 100% this season. With new running backs and receivers, the line will be needed to lead the way, and Thomas is a crucial element for the offense.

The defense is a good unit with no major weak links, but it isn’t filled with big-time playmakers either. Each player will need to play up to their individual ability and fill their role. Easier said than done, but this defense could come together as one of the best in the Big Ten.

2006 Overview: First-year coach Brett Bielema has plenty of talent to actually contend for the Big Ten Title. Also, the Badgers schedule is favorable due to the fact that they won’t see Ohio State or Michigan State this year. With all of that in consideration, there are still four major battles for Bielema’s squad in Michigan, Minnesota, Penn State, and Iowa.

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