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The name Jordan Fredrick may be unfamiliar to most Wisconsin fans at this point, but his recent rise on the depth chart could quickly change that fact. A local talent, Fredrick attended Madison Memorial High School before his days as a Badger. He was forced to redshirt as a freshman last season after he underwent shoulder surgery in October, which also kept him out of contact drills in spring practice earlier this year. Now that he's finally healthy, Fredrick is making a name for himself with the Badgers' first-team offense.
The 6-3, 215 pound wide receiver played at the No. 2 spot, opposite Jared Abbrederis, in fall camp on Monday and Tuesday. Head coach Bret Bielema is impressed with Fredrick's progress, particularly with his physicality in blocking downfield. "He is a hard worker," Bielema said after practice Monday. "Not only is he catching the ball well but he is straining (blocking)."
It seems nearly everyday we hear about a new wide receiver impressing the coaches, before he falls back into the muddled depth chart, never to be heard from again. Let's hope this isn't the case with Fredrick. It's promising that he's still participating with the first-team offense after Day 8 of camp and making some nice plays while he's at it.
Wednesday's Links:
Dennis Dodd predicts next January will feature a rematch of last season's Rose Bowl.
Linebacker Ethan Armstrong is healthy and ready to join Chris Borland and Mike Taylor in one of the B1G's best linebacker units.
Speaking of UW's linebackers, it's hard to believe neither blogger for ESPN.com's Big Ten Blog chose Borland and Taylor as the best linebacker tandem in the conference.
Tom Lea chronicles Tuesday's afternoon practice from Camp Randall.
Sporting News released its rankings of the top 25 college football coaches. Bielema checks in at No. 12.
Runningback James White wants to contribute to the Badgers in any way possible.
Bad news for former Wisconsin runningback John Clay (currently with the Pittsburgh Steelers), who was recently injured in practice.