Over the last decade, the University of Wisconsin has become an underrated hotbed for NFL talent. In the spirit of continuing the trend, six Wisconsin Badgers will showcase their talents in Mobile, Alabama for the annual Senior Bowl.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, wide receiver Nick Toon, offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler, fullback Bradie Ewing, punter Brad Nortman and long snapper Kyle Wojta will star on the North squad at Ladd-Pebbles Stadium on January 28th. The game is scheduled to appear on NFL Network at 3:00 PM CT.
“This is the most players we’ve ever had at one time from Wisconsin and it speaks volumes to the amount of talent the Badgers had year,” said Senior Bowl President and CEO Steve Hale.
Hale would go on to say, “Every one of these players played a big role in helping Wisconsin to an 11-3 season and a Big Ten Championship.”
Heisman finalist Montee Ball decided to go back for his senior year, but that doesn’t mean the school won’t have a huge weekend during the NFL Draft.
Center Peter Konz has decided to forgo his senior season and enter the draft. Konz is expected to be a sure-first round pick as he ranks as most experts top center in the entire draft.
There’s also defensive backs Antonio Fenelus and Aaron Henry who expect to get a lot of interest from NFL teams, but let’s talk about the guys who are headed to Alabama to play in the 63rd Senior Bowl.
Few don’t know the name of Russell Wilson who just completed the best season in Wisconsin history from the QB position, breaking the all-time NCAA record for pass efficiency.
Toon has the pedigree and the size to be an instant contributer in the NFL.
Zeitler earned first-team All-America honors from the AFCA and was also a first-team All-Big Ten pick this season after starting all 14 games at right guard for the Badgers.
Ewing, a two-year starter for the Badgers at fullback is a tremendous blocker and could be a solid special teams player in the NFL.
The unsung hero, Nortman, was a consensus honorable mention All Big Ten selection after punting 46 times for an average of 42.2 yards per kick.
Wojta was a three-year starter for the Badgers, appearing in 39 games at the team’s long snapper.
The Senior Bowl annually features the nation’s best senior college football players and top NFL draft prospects on teams coached by NFL coaching staffs. Senior Bowl practices and game week festivities are attended by more than 800 general managers, head coaches, assistant coaches, scouts and other front office personnel from all 32 NFL teams.
Do you think the six Badgers will represent Wisconsin in great fashion? Let me know by commenting below!
Nick Grays is a senior writer at the Sports Bank where he covers the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also enjoys to share Fantasy Advice from time-to-time. Follow him on Twitter by clicking here or visit his blog Nick Knows Best.