No. 13 -- Derek Watt, fullback
Why he's No. 13
Watt actually touched the football on just four of Wisconsin's 912 offensive plays from scrimmage last season. So it should say something about his impact on the team that he ranks No. 13 on this list.
For starters, Watt has taken to the fullback position better than anybody could have imagined when he arrived as a freshman and switched over from middle linebacker. He is smart and tough and generally knocks opponents back to create holes for the Badgers' tailbacks. But now, Watt's role is expected to expand. Instead of playing only fullback, he'll be involved in packages for the tight end.
Watt said he spent the entire spring working in the tight ends meeting room.
"It kind of allows me to show some versatility and get on the field more," Watt said this spring. "I know coaches were trying to get me some more reps. As a fullback, you can get anywhere from as low as 10 to as high as 25, 30 reps in a game. But it kind of fluctuates. I know they want to get me involved a little more. Especially in the passing game, I'm split out once in a while. I'm the wing back, running certain routes. It's definitely different than running just a flat route or a wheel route as a fullback."
Expectations for 2014
Watt will continue to be the team's lead fullback, but expect him to earn some much-deserved touches of the football this season. He caught three passes for 20 yards with a touchdown a year ago and is plenty capable of contributing more. With the departure of tight ends Jacob Pedersen, Brian Wozniak and Brock DeCicco, Watt may have to become more valuable at tight end.
"Whether we use two or three tight ends, I could be in there and not come off the field for a whole series," Watt said. "Whereas last season I'm running one fullback play and coming off for the rest of the series."
The thought of Watt playing multiple positions should be exciting to Wisconsin fans, who are curious about which players can pick up the slack in the passing game. But Watt said he was still committed to being the best fullback he can be.
"I think I'm going to play mostly fullback with an ability to go in there at tight end, but it keeps the defense on their toes," Watt said. "I'm not coming off the field. With me standing at tight end, they don't know what play is coming at them. If I line up as a fullback, I'm going to be running different plays than if I'm at a wing, tight end position.
"It's good to keep the defense on their toes and have them prepare a little bit harder. It kind of gives our offense some versatility."
What would they do without him?
Wisconsin has capable fullbacks and tight ends, but Watt's ability provides the Badgers with a player who can do both. Derek Straus showed himself to be a solid fullback in limited duty last season, when he caught three passes for 10 yards with a touchdown. And tight end Sam Arneson will likely garner most of the passes after catching six balls for 57 yards with two touchdowns a year ago.
But, as Watt said, his ability to stay on the field will keep defenses on their toes. When he lines up, the Badgers have the option to use him at two different positions, which adds versatility to Wisconsin's offense.
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