Wisconsin Football: The Post-Signing Day Best Guess Depth Chart

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It is time to take another look at the all-powerful depth chart for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

Across the country, starters and backups are beginning their months-long two-step until camp breaks and the official lineups are set. Until then, every dropped ball or missed tackle will doom players on fans' imaginary rosters.

New recruits only add suspense to that discussion. Saviors will be anointed while busts will be exposed way too early.

Will a program-changer emerge from the freshman ranks, or will glory elude the newest crop of Badgers? The depth chart puzzle begins to take shape today.

Quarterback

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Transfers like Russell Wilson happen once an era, and the Badgers already used up all their good fortune when they nabbed the prolific signal-caller.

So how do you replace a force like Wilson? In this case, you train, develop and instill confidence. Then you find the nearest church and begin praying.

Best Guess Starter: Joe Brennan

Best Guess Backup: Bart Houston

Look for Brennan to start early until Houston acclimates to the playbook.

Running Backs

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One person in Madison may have met Montee Ball's decision to return with some anger: James White.

While White may always be the bridesmaid and never the bride, he can find some satisfaction that he is at least the maid of honor.

In fact, this position group has so many athletes, it could qualify as its own wedding party.

Best Guess Starter: Montee Ball

Best Guess Backup: James White

The logjam is too profound for any new recruits to expect meaningful minutes.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

If you look up the Badgers' Jeff Duckworth on YouTube, affiliated videos include David Tyree's Superbowl catch. That is good company when it comes to amazing receiver plays.

Wisconsin does lose Nick Toon, but holds on to a few young talents to develop.

Best Guess Starters: WR Jared Abbrederis, WR Jeff Duckworth

Best Guess Backups: WR Manasseh Garner, WR Marquis Mason

The tight end picture is a little blurry at the moment, but some familiar names remain in the discussion.

Best Guess Starter: TE Jacob Pedersen

Best Guess Backup: TE Sam Arneson

Offensive Line

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The Badgers are built on beef.

Wisconsin is known for its offensive lines, and 2012 will not disappoint fans who brag about the size and skills of the team's front line.

Best Guess Starters

LT Ricky Wagner
LG Ryan Groy
C Travis Frederick
RG Robert Burge
RT Rob Havenstein

Best Guess Backups: Any and all offensive linemen on the roster

The Badgers train their players to be able to take on multiple unit assignments to fill in the rest of the depth chart. The "genetic freak," Casey Dehn, may return to the program, which will bolster the position's veteran leadership.

Defensive Line

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A quick look at Wisconsin's 2011 roster will bring an instant sense of happiness to its diehard fans.

The unit boasts a bevy of young, talented (and very big) linemen ready to stop the run and punish quarterbacks.

Best Guess Starters

DE Tyler Dippel
DT Beau Allen
DT Ethan Hemer
DE David Gilbert

Best Guess Backups

DE Brendan Kelly
DT Jordan Kohout
DE Pat Muldoon

Linebackers

Hope springs eternal as long as the Badgers keep their terrible twosome at linebacker healthy.

Best Guess Starters

WLB Mike Taylor
MLB Chris Borland
SLB Conor O'Neill

Best Guess Backups:

WLB Derek Landisch
MLB Marcus Trotter
SLB Vince Biegel

Biegel is the biggest prize in the 2012 recruiting class. His size and power may force coaches to list him in the two-deep.

Cornerbacks and Safeties

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It is said that offense wins games and defense wins championships. Nothing could be truer for a secondary that saw two last minute heaves ruin any chance of a national title run.

The early depth chart offers some reasons to be optimistic, as the Badgers have made solid defensive backs a recruiting priority.

Best Guess Starter: CB Devin Smith, CB Marcus Cromartie

Best Guess Backup: CB Peniel Jean, CB Devin Gaulden

When it comes to safeties, a freshman may see some early action.

Best Guess Starter: SS Shelton Johnson, FS Dezman Southward

Best Guess Backup: SS D.J. Singleton, FS Michael Trotter

Singleton is a big, physical player from New Jersey who loves to tackle at the line.

Specialists

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Special teams at Wisconsin the last few seasons have not been very special, when it comes to coverage at least. But the team's main foot-men were reliable stalwarts.

That safety net gets removed this year.

Best Guess Starter: P/K Kyle French

Best Guess Backup: K Jack Russell

In 2011, the punter was a little-used tool, but 2012 will need a dependable pair of feet.

Best Guess Starter: P/K Kyle French

Best Guess Backup: P Drew Meyer

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