Lake Country This Month

By Andrew Wagner Special to the Freeman MADISON — These days, Derek Watt isn't being asked about his older brother much anymore. People are, however, won- dering just where the redshirt junior will lineup this season. The former Pewaukee High School standout fig- ures to play a big role in sec- ond-year head coach Gary Andersen's offense — both as a fullback and as an option at tight end. Watt played both ways while at Pewaukee and shined as a running back, rushing for over 2,500 yards and scoring 44 touchdowns. He also recorded 140 tackles — 27 for a loss — along with 6 1/2 sacks to earn USA Today All-American hon- ors as a linebacker his senior year with the Pirates. He was also The Freeman's Player of the Year as a senior. Watt started at Wisconsin on the defensive side while red- shirting his freshman year. He impressed coaches as a linebacker, but with a short- age at the fullback position he moved to the offensive back- field his second year and earned praise for his blocking abilities. He's also proven himself a dependable receiver, hauling in 15 passes for 170 yards and a touchdown in his two seasons. It's that combination — blocking, rushing, receiving, not to mention his 6-foot-2, 236- pound frame — that has the Badgers' coaching staff prep- ping Watt to see time at tight end this season. With Wisconsin losing both Brian Wozniak and Jacob Pedersen to gradua- tion, Watt is expected to see significant action alongside returners Sam Arneson and Austin Taylor at tight end this season. "I feel very comfortable with him there and him also moving to play some tight end for us," Andersen said. Limiting the versatile Watt to one position also limits his contributions, Badgers tight ends coach Jeff Genyk said. By using him in differ- ent spots, Wisconsin can make better use out of a dan- gerous weapon. "By expanding his role we can get him 40 snaps, maybe 50 a game and hopefully get the ball two to five times a game, as well as having a big role on special teams," Genyk said. "We know how we're going to use him, and that's going to be a challenge for defensive coordinators." Watt began meeting with the teams' tight ends during spring camp and expects to spend the majority of his time studying film and prep- ping with that group. "I met with both groups, but I started off more with the tight ends," Watt said. "But I've played fullback for two years and I know that stuff pretty well. I did some catching up in the tight end room so I'm not behind in any way shape or form. I feel like I can go out there and do whatever I need to do at either position." How, exactly, he'll be used is still to be determined, but Watt plans to be ready when his number is called — no matter the role. "As far as I know, I'll be a fullback when there's a full- back in the game. And when there's not, I'll be at tight end when we're using multiple tight ends," Watt said. "We'll see how the game goes, how things shake up and how often I'm on the field." Badgers want Derek Watt more involved in offense FREEMAN & ENTERPRISE LAKE COUNTRY • Page 7A AUGUST 2014 12645 W. Townsend (2 blocks N. of Burleigh, enter off 124th St. only) Free Estimate 262-783-4004 Mon. - Fri. 7am-5pm • Sat. 8am-12pm www.lifetimedoor.net 2 3 9 1 3 7 0 0 4 18 Full-size Doors On Display, Our Installers Are Licensed & Bonded 16'x7', 25 Gauge...Non Insulated Steel $ 685 Lifetime Door Co. TRUCKLOAD SALE on Garage Doors & Door Openers Installed Tax Included $ 835 • Two-Sided Pre-Finished Galvanized Steel • R-10 Insulated • 5 colors to choose from • Lifetime Warranty • Other Sizes Available • 2000 Garage Doors in Stock Special! - Take down and haul away old door for FREE! 16x7 SAVE $ 240 NOW Model 3265 Full Year Warranty, parts and service on installed operators. ORDER A LIFTMASTER 1/2 HP GARAGE DOOR OPENER & GET 2 REMOTES & KEYPAD. $ 320 BONUS - DOOR SECURITY MONITOR While Supplies Last! Installed Tax Included -RLQ\RXUIULHQGVDWWKHWK$QQXDO :LVFRQVLQ8SVLGH'RZQ %8''<:$/. 3UHVHQWHGE\ 6XQ6HSWHPEHUVW 1,;213$5. 0DSOH$YHQXH+DUWODQG:, 5HJLVWUDWLRQDP (YHQWVWDUWVDW 5HJLVWHU2Q-OLQHDW :,86'25* -XVWFOLFNRQWKHZDONORJR $GXOWV &KLOGUHQ 6HQLRUV 0HHW0LVV$PD]LQJ

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