Melvin Gordon
Redshirt junior Melvin Gordon is a name Badger fans are quite familiar with. After rushing for modest gains in the 2012 regular season, Gordon burst onto the scene in that year’s Big Ten championship game against Nebraska. Despite being the third-string back behind Montee Ball and James White, Gordon rushed for 216 yards and a score in the game that served as a sign of what was to come.
Last year, Gordon took center stage for UW as a part of its potent two-pronged rushing attack that combined for 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. Gordon earned a spot as second-team All-Big Ten, as well as an honorable mention on Sports Illustrated’s All-American team. With partner White moving on to the NFL, the redshirt junior Gordon will be the top dog in the Badgers’ rushing attack with sophomore Corey Clement complementing him in the backfield.
After the success of last year, many expected Gordon to bolt for the NFL. However, after choosing to stay, he instantly became the center of Wisconsin’s offseason hype. He was named to both the preseason first-team All-Big Ten and All-American lists, as well as being put on the watch lists for the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards, both given to the top player each season. More notable, he is on Heisman watch lists for both Sports Illustrated and ESPN.
After a successful season of running the ball last year, expect to see more of the same from Gordon this season. Behind an experienced offensive line that returns four starters, Gordon’s rushing numbers could end up being more exceptional than last season.
However, one area Gordon could improve upon is his role in the passing game. Last year, he only had one reception for 10 yards while White had 39 receptions for 300 yards and two touchdowns. With an inexperienced group of wide receivers, the Badgers need Gordon to become a reliable checkdown option out of the backfield.
Jordan Fredrick
Redshirt junior wide receiver Jordan Fredrick has always had a connection to Wisconsin football. His father played tight end for the Badgers from 1979-’81. Fredrick grew up in Madison and was a unanimous choice for All-City Offensive Player of the Year, as well as being an AP All-State receiver.
Now, after years of playing in the shadow of Jared Abbrederis, Fredrick will have to fill his shoes. After being targeted only 18 times last season, he is the Badgers’ returning receptions leader despite just 10 catches in 2013. Fredrick plays similarly to Abbrederis in that he isn’t afraid to match up physically against corners when going to get jump balls. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches, Fredrick is three inches taller than his predecessor, proving he has the body to fit the aggressive style of play.
While a stout rushing attack is UW’s mantra, Wisconsin must keep defenses honest with a respectable passing game. Last year, the Badgers had Abbrederis and tight end Jacob Pedersen, but after losing both, there is a large void to fill. Finding a reliable target early on to help Tanner McEvoy’s transition to starter will be a must for Wisconsin’s offense. Look for Fredrick to be a force in the passing game this season.
Rob Havenstein
Many fan bases give little love to the big men up front, but with Wisconsin’s history of constantly putting out top-tier offensive linemen, Rob Havenstein is a player to watch this season. With Gordon and Clement running behind him, Havenstein’s success is essential to the Badger offense.
The redshirt senior returns this year as Mr. Reliable, having played 40 games in his three seasons, the most games played on the team. His time on the field has been productive, leading to second-team All-Big Ten honors last season. He was a key part in helping last year’s offense set school records for total offense, rushing yards, and yards per rush, leading the way for the explosive White and Gordon and protecting quarterback Joel Stave.
This year, Havenstein comes in as a preseason All-Big Ten first-team player, as well as a preseason fourth-team All-American. In addition, Havenstein is on the Outland Trophy watch list and the Lombardi Award watch list, both given to the best linemen.
Havenstein anchors a unit that returns four starters and has a handful of reserves that got playing time last year due to injuries. Havenstein looks to be the next notable Badger lineman, joining the likes of Travis Frederick and Gabe Carimi.
After losing several receiving threats, a strong offensive line is crucial to the Wisconsin attack. The running game may need to compensate for lost passing yards, a tall task considering the group last year set team rushing records. Secondly, it will help McEvoy immensely to have a clean pocket to work with as he figures out the new receivers. All this points back to pressure and a large workload on Havenstein, and at 6 feet, 8 inches and 333 pounds, he certainly is big enough to carry that burden.
