Morning everyone, welcome to the Thursday edition of Badger Bits. The goal here today is to not anger any ACC fan bases, lest they wish me another exploded colon via too much cheese consumption. A tough task for me; I love making fun of the ACC, the Big East, and Notre Dame. So I'll instead make fun of the departed coaches of Michigan and Ohio State in my picture, just because I feel like it. Anyways, on to the Bits:
Incoming transfer Russell Wilson will only be Wisconsin's quarterback for one season. His decision to take his talents to Madison was easily the biggest Wisconsin football story of the summer. Overshadowed by Wilson was the other big quarterback story of the summer, Bart Houston's decision to commit to the Badgers. A quick refresher on Houston: he's a four/three-star pro style quarterback from California who committed to UW in early May. Scout.com rates him as the 8th best quarterback in the 2012 high school class. Houston is currently attending the Elite 11 camp at Pepperdine University along with 23 other elite quarterback recruits, all vying for a spot in the Elite 11 at the culmination of the camp.
Let's just say Houston hasn't disappointed so far, clearly impressing the camp's coaches. Scout.com's Scott Kennedy reports: "He (Houston) has a quick release and has been throwing tight consistent spirals on both days. He has the natural arm strength to hit all quadrants of the field. He'll make a good fit in any offense, because he has pro-style size and skills and option experience." And CBSSports.com's Bryan Fischer notes: "If there's anyone who could be labeled Mr. Consistent, it would be Bart Houston. He doesn't wow you out of the gate but he's got the perfect mix of arm strength, frame, throwing motion and accuracy to know he'll be a perfect fit at Wisconsin." I have to admit, I'm looking forward to getting this guy on campus next year. More Bits after the jump!
National Football Post lists James White as a possible Heisman candidate for 2011 from the running back position.
Incoming Badgers Derek Watt and Tyler Leonhard could have a good conversation about being the little brothers of talented NFL players, but it's not a discussion either are interested in having.
Who is the University of Wisconsin-Madison's most famous alumnus? Purdue SBNation blog Hammer and Rails offers their suggestion. Hint: he flew planes.
Professional handicapper Robert Ferringo writes what he expects for the Badgers this upcoming season. He notes that the Badgers are Vegas's favorite to win the Big Ten, but finds the odds of UW beating Nebraska twice unlikely. He also thinks that Wisconsin's defense is too lacking this season for Bucky to be considered a true national title threat.
Rick Reilly has this to say about Wisconsin: "I'm afraid Wisconsin is you, Nebraska, only with much better parties and more wins." Shuck 'em Bucky!