Interesting write up in the Journal Sentinel about the players with Wisconsin ties getting ready for the NFL draft, here. Bottom line, as discussed before, the NFL is a business. All those guys we cheer for in the Cardinal and White? Scouts say things like, "just a guy," "never blocks anybody," "not very good." These are multi-year starters, all-Big Ten players, all-Americans. So, yeah, it's a business. On top of that, to be a pro athlete you need to be a freak of nature. I claim no credit for this thought; a fellow Badger was the first to make the argument to me, but it's right on. To make it as a pro athlete -- to play a few years for league minimum (which is a lot, I will grant you) -- a guy needs to be a freak of nature. Maybe he's unnaturally large. Maybe he's unnaturally fast. Unnaturally strong. Maybe only well above average talent and size, but an unnatural work ethic, which always sounds like, "oh, he really worked hard to get here," as if it wasn't freakish that the guy could pull it off. But it is.
Thinking about all those guys who are stars in Madison, few make NFL rosters, fewer start, and the number of stars in "the League?" Minimal.
I've played a lot of sports [badly] over the years. I've played basketball with Division 1 scholarship players who are head and shoulders above anyone else I've seen. Nowhere close to NBA talent. The pitcher with the 88-mph cannon for an arm? 3-4 mph too slow. The best kid on my little league baseball team, the best my old coach said he's ever had in now 30 years, made it up to triple A and plataued. That's pretty darned good. But it's not the show. Of all the people I ever played with and against, there's been one legit pro athlete. He is a hockey player who projected as a journeyman in the NHL. Decided he'd do better if he finished school. He was right (he did better). I played with him many years after he'd abandoned serious hockey. Now approaching 50, he's still leaps and bounds better than anyone I've ever seen skate with or against him.
Anyway, I think the lesson here is stay in school and take it seriously. Even the freaks only make a living at it for a few years.
Showing posts with label academics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label academics. Show all posts
Badger Day in Florida
The Journal Sentinel's blog links a nice article from the Naples News on the Badger Day (29th Annual) talk that Barry and Bret gave yesterday in Naples. The big news is Bielema announced Culmer St. Jean (a Florida product) would start at middle linebacker next season. While this is a change from McFadden, it's not a big surprise. The Badger coaching staff has been excited about St. Jean's progress for a while now and it was near a lock that he'd be in the starting lineup. McFadden will likely still play, probably on the strong side, with Sorenson on the weak side.
Some other interesting comments in the article, but I particularly liked hearing the coach and AD emphasizing academics and citizenship. The guys at Wisconsin need to be student athletes. Just this morning I was discussing with a friend what happens to all the guys who aren't playing on Sundays; it's most of them. That degree is important, and it starts with arriving prepared as a Freshman, as Bielema and Alvarez stressed.
Some other interesting comments in the article, but I particularly liked hearing the coach and AD emphasizing academics and citizenship. The guys at Wisconsin need to be student athletes. Just this morning I was discussing with a friend what happens to all the guys who aren't playing on Sundays; it's most of them. That degree is important, and it starts with arriving prepared as a Freshman, as Bielema and Alvarez stressed.
Seniors: Part 4, the Defense
Last, but not least, the Seniors we know and love on the defense. It's going to be strange not seeing Chapman, Shaughnessy, Levy, Casillas, and Langford -- each four year starters -- out there (it was strange not seeing Casillas in the Champs Sports Bowl). So, gone, but not forgotten, here are the defenders we are sending off:
Beginning as a first-team Freshman All-American as a true-frosh, Shaughnessy has been a four-year force for the Badgers. A three-year starter at defensive end, he’s fast, strong, and finishes. He was the leading tackler among lineman in ’06, the defensive MVP in ’07, and he finished this season an honorable mention All-Big Ten honoree. Particularly in passing situations, Matt came through: in 2008 he was tied for second on the team with four sacks and he led the lineman with four pass-break-ups, including the one that Levy intercepted at Fresno State. He went out harassing Ponder in his last game as a Badger, with his head held high.
Good luck to them all in whatever life deals them next.
Thanks again to all the Seniors who represented Badger football so well.
#2 Jonathan Casillas, New Brunswick, New Jersey
In 1997 Barry Alvarez took the Badgers down to Florida for a match-up with Georgia. The Bulldogs embarrassed Barry’s Badgers with their speed. That was a turning point for Wisconsin, and players like Jonathan Casillas were the result: a fast, athletic outside linebacker. Casillas made a splash in Barry last battle for the Axe when in 2005 he blocked the Minnesota punt (still wearing #46), leading to the improbable game-winning touchdown. It was the ESPN’s Pontiac Game-Changing Play of the Week; especially impressive because it was the same Saturday as the “Bush Push” and Michigan’s last-second win over eventual Big Ten and Orange Bowl champ, Penn State. As a true-Sophomore, Casillas started every game at outside linebacker and flashed his speed all over the field. He was a key part of containing Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in the Capital One Bowl, and had a key pass break-up in the second half to help seal the win. Fast and athletic, he excelled again in 2007. In 2008 he fought through an injury early in the season in time to make what, in retrospect, was a game-saving tackle against Fresno State, preventing a long touchdown, which led to a field goal for the Bulldogs. A three-year starter, and a team captain in 2007, Casillas was an impact player for the Badger defense throughout his career in Mad-town.
#91 Jason Chapman, Bedford Heights, Ohio
A four-year starter, Chappy was the rock for the Badger front line. As a redshirt freshman he was a 3rd-team Freshman All-American and Academic All-Big Ten. His Sophomore season he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Defensive tackles don’t tend to get a lot of glory, or even statistics, but Chappy held things down for four years, and made play after play in the offensive backfield. We won’t be surprised to see him play on Sundays.
#17 Allen Langford, Detroit, Michigan
Often overlooked when Aaron Henry or Jack Ikegwuonu were strutting their stuff, Langford was essentially a 4-year starter at the corner spot. Coming off a torn ACL in last year’s Ohio State game, this year it seemed like you never heard from him. That was because he was shutting down his guys, earning 1st-team All-Big Ten honors. His best game may have been against Cal-Poly, nearly shutting down 6’6” Ramses Barden, a sure first-day draft pick, mostly in 1-on-1 coverage. This season, Langford led the Badgers with 12 passes broken up, he was second among the secondary, first among the corners, in tackles, with 43, and had two picks. In a shaky defensive backfield, Langford was the bright spot.
#11 DeAndre Levy, Milwuakee, Wisconsin
Another 3-year starter at linebacker (strongside), Dre was the emotional leader of the defense. Maybe not the loudest, he’s intense, and a wicked hitter. He’s several times been named the Big Ten defensive player of the week, and has earned academic all-Big Ten honors. It seems like Levy and Casillas have patrolled the outsides forever, and they will be missed. This season, Dre was second on the team with 65 tackes, including 7.5 for a loss. He also had a key pick in the Fresno State game and led the team with two fumble recoveries. The Champs Sports Bowl will be his final appearance as a UW team captain.
#54 Mike Newkirk, Ladysmith, Wisconsin
A 264-pound 5th year senior defensive tackle? How’s that happen at Wisconsin? A big motor, that’s how. A pre-season Athlon second-team All-Big Ten honoree, Newk just always seemed to be on the go. Going up against meaty centers and guards all season, Newk led the team in tackles for loss (8), and was second on the team in sacks (4) and fourth in tackles (56), behind only the starting linebackers. For his trouble, he was a second-team All-Big Ten pick at the end of 2008.
Beginning as a first-team Freshman All-American as a true-frosh, Shaughnessy has been a four-year force for the Badgers. A three-year starter at defensive end, he’s fast, strong, and finishes. He was the leading tackler among lineman in ’06, the defensive MVP in ’07, and he finished this season an honorable mention All-Big Ten honoree. Particularly in passing situations, Matt came through: in 2008 he was tied for second on the team with four sacks and he led the lineman with four pass-break-ups, including the one that Levy intercepted at Fresno State. He went out harassing Ponder in his last game as a Badger, with his head held high.
Good luck to them all in whatever life deals them next.
Thanks again to all the Seniors who represented Badger football so well.
Seniors: Part 3, Ball Carriers
Although this year hasn't been what we'd all hoped, the seniors have provided a lot to the Wisconsin football program. A brief recap of the seniors' careers at Wisconsin, here are the guys who [sometimes] get the ball. Not a lot of graduates, but quality over quantity:
#44 Chris Pressley, Woodbury, New Jersey
Bielema joked at the Champs Sports Bowl presser that while our scout team can’t match FSU’s athleticism, he doubts the Noles scout team can replicate a 280-pound fullback. Introducing . . . Chris Pressley. Chris is a lineman’s kind of fullback. He only had two carries all year, but that’s not why he’s here; he’s a road-grader. Scratch that, he’s a very smart road-grader. Chris graduated last year as an academic all-Big Ten, and is keeping that up, with a perfect 4.0 in grad school, leading the way for the Badgers through the hole and in the classroom.
#34 Bill Rentmeester, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Our other hulking fifth-year Senior fullback, Bill also excels on special teams. He doesn’t carry the ball often (11 carries for 52 yards this season), but iced the Fresno State game with a key, leg-churning, draw play to pick up a first down in the waning moments deep in Wisconsin territory. His five tackles and key blocks for the kicking units have earned the attention of NFL scouts. Bill and Chris have been a great tandem of fullbacks and will be tough to replace next season.
#9 Travis Beckum, Milwuakee, Wisconsin
Came in as a 5-star recruit on the defensive line. A reserve linebacker and special teams player his true-freshman year, he, along with fellow reserve linebacker Andy Crooks, was switched to tight end his sophomore year. He immediately made a difference and was noticed as a semi-finalist for the Mackey Award (nation’s top tight end), and a Walter Camp second-team All American. In a 12-1 season that started with serious question marks regarding who on earth Senior John Stocco could throw the ball too, he quickly became the go-to guy. His signature drag route across the middle was nearly uncoverable and Stocco found him on it to seal the Capital One Bowl win over Arkansas. His Junior year, he continued to impress. He was a finalist for the Mackey Award and named a Walter Camp first team All-American. He led the nation’s tight ends in receiving yards and broke the record for catches by a Badger tight end. 2008 was largely a bust as he was hurt in the preseason and saw limited action before breaking his lower leg.
Outside of Travis, the Badger offense lacked star power throughout his time, but Travis was truly special. Big, fast, and sure-handed, he was the perfect weapon in a Paul Chryst offense and will likely be the best remembered player of the 2008 senior class.
Good luck to Chris and Bill as they take on the Noles, and good luck to all of them in whatever they do next, whether it's playing on Sundays or something else.
#44 Chris Pressley, Woodbury, New Jersey
Bielema joked at the Champs Sports Bowl presser that while our scout team can’t match FSU’s athleticism, he doubts the Noles scout team can replicate a 280-pound fullback. Introducing . . . Chris Pressley. Chris is a lineman’s kind of fullback. He only had two carries all year, but that’s not why he’s here; he’s a road-grader. Scratch that, he’s a very smart road-grader. Chris graduated last year as an academic all-Big Ten, and is keeping that up, with a perfect 4.0 in grad school, leading the way for the Badgers through the hole and in the classroom.
#34 Bill Rentmeester, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Our other hulking fifth-year Senior fullback, Bill also excels on special teams. He doesn’t carry the ball often (11 carries for 52 yards this season), but iced the Fresno State game with a key, leg-churning, draw play to pick up a first down in the waning moments deep in Wisconsin territory. His five tackles and key blocks for the kicking units have earned the attention of NFL scouts. Bill and Chris have been a great tandem of fullbacks and will be tough to replace next season.
#9 Travis Beckum, Milwuakee, Wisconsin
Came in as a 5-star recruit on the defensive line. A reserve linebacker and special teams player his true-freshman year, he, along with fellow reserve linebacker Andy Crooks, was switched to tight end his sophomore year. He immediately made a difference and was noticed as a semi-finalist for the Mackey Award (nation’s top tight end), and a Walter Camp second-team All American. In a 12-1 season that started with serious question marks regarding who on earth Senior John Stocco could throw the ball too, he quickly became the go-to guy. His signature drag route across the middle was nearly uncoverable and Stocco found him on it to seal the Capital One Bowl win over Arkansas. His Junior year, he continued to impress. He was a finalist for the Mackey Award and named a Walter Camp first team All-American. He led the nation’s tight ends in receiving yards and broke the record for catches by a Badger tight end. 2008 was largely a bust as he was hurt in the preseason and saw limited action before breaking his lower leg.
Outside of Travis, the Badger offense lacked star power throughout his time, but Travis was truly special. Big, fast, and sure-handed, he was the perfect weapon in a Paul Chryst offense and will likely be the best remembered player of the 2008 senior class.
Good luck to Chris and Bill as they take on the Noles, and good luck to all of them in whatever they do next, whether it's playing on Sundays or something else.
Seniors: Part 1, Offensive Line
Although this year hasn't been what we'd all hoped, the seniors have provided a lot to the Wisconsin football program. A brief recap of the seniors' careers at Wisconsin, starting with the guys who leave, literally, very BIG shoes to fill, all of them at least three-year starters:
#75 Andy Kemp, Menasha, Wisconsin
When they talk about the big uglies from Wisconsin, they’re talking about guys like left guard Andy Kemp. A three-year starter up front for the Badgers, he’s also a three-year Academic All-Big Ten honoree. A consistent grinder of the kind the Badgers are now famous for, Andy is an unsung star.
#63 Kraig Urbik, Hudson, Wisconsin
At 332 pounds, right guard Urbik is the biggest of the big up front for the Badgers. A four-year starter, he kicked off his career as a second-team Freshman All-American after his redshirt year. Kraig finished this year a second-team all-Big Ten pick. ESPN's Ivan Maisel named Urbik an All-American in 2008.
#71 Eric Vanden Heuvel, Hudson, Wisconsin
Like Kemp, a three-year starter, but at right tackle. In addition to academic all-Big Ten honors, he was twice, including 2008, an honorable mention all-Big Ten lineman.
And I bet you haven't been thinking about . . .
#81 Dave Peck, Media, Pennsylvania
A three-year starter you can’t remember: Dave has been the team’s long-snapper for the place-kickers. Like the other lineman, he doesn’t get his own stats, but when the kicker is 38 of 39 on PATs and 18 of 22 on field goals (only one miss inside 44 yards), the snapper is doing the right thing.
Thanks guys! Enjoy Orlando, get after the Noles, and good luck post-Camp Randall, whether it's playing football on Sundays, or something that's easier on your body.
#75 Andy Kemp, Menasha, Wisconsin
When they talk about the big uglies from Wisconsin, they’re talking about guys like left guard Andy Kemp. A three-year starter up front for the Badgers, he’s also a three-year Academic All-Big Ten honoree. A consistent grinder of the kind the Badgers are now famous for, Andy is an unsung star.
#63 Kraig Urbik, Hudson, Wisconsin
At 332 pounds, right guard Urbik is the biggest of the big up front for the Badgers. A four-year starter, he kicked off his career as a second-team Freshman All-American after his redshirt year. Kraig finished this year a second-team all-Big Ten pick. ESPN's Ivan Maisel named Urbik an All-American in 2008.
#71 Eric Vanden Heuvel, Hudson, Wisconsin
Like Kemp, a three-year starter, but at right tackle. In addition to academic all-Big Ten honors, he was twice, including 2008, an honorable mention all-Big Ten lineman.
And I bet you haven't been thinking about . . .
#81 Dave Peck, Media, Pennsylvania
A three-year starter you can’t remember: Dave has been the team’s long-snapper for the place-kickers. Like the other lineman, he doesn’t get his own stats, but when the kicker is 38 of 39 on PATs and 18 of 22 on field goals (only one miss inside 44 yards), the snapper is doing the right thing.
Thanks guys! Enjoy Orlando, get after the Noles, and good luck post-Camp Randall, whether it's playing football on Sundays, or something that's easier on your body.
Chris Pressley: Student Athlete Extraordinaire
The Big Ten just announced it's Fall Academice All-Conference Team, and Chris Pressley, with a perfect 4.0 GPA topped the list along with two other football players. 11 other guys on the team made the list (meaning a GPA of 3.0 or higher): Zach Brown (so my man-crush on him will continue), Gabe Carimi, Allan Evridge, Ryan Flasch, William Hargmann, Tyler Holland, Andy Kemp, Prince Moody, Louis Nzegwu, Blake Sorenson, and Mickey Turner.
As a fifth-year senior, Pressley already graduated and is taking graduate classes. Good on 'em. This Badger fan is a bigger fan of true student-athletes. Congratulations, Chris, and to all the other honorees!
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