Wisconsin Football: Who Will Start, Who Will Sit and Who Will Get Lost

Regardless of the time of year, a lively debate about a team's depth chart is always in season.

With 2012's recruiting cycle coming to an end and spring practice inching closer, the Wisconsin football program will begin to assemble its set of starters, sitters and scouts. New players will emerge as veterans fight for their place on the field. 

Every positions has its stars and surprises, but some positions will suffer from the team's embarrassment of riches while other units simply hope not to be embarrassing.

Running Backs

Wisconsin has more high grade running backs than most teams have stadium seats. Heisman finalist Montee Ball is expected to enter the 2012 season as the undisputed starter, but James White may make a surprisingly strong push for more carries. 

James White provides a deadly second option, but this year he may have hoped to have a clearer path to the No. 1 spot. He dazzled as a freshman, disappeared as a sophomore and may be looking to impress as a junior.

While Montee Ball is a superstar, superstars have been known fall under the weight of a pile of players waiting to take their place in the huddle. Badger standout John Clay may have declared early because his backups were becoming a little too good for comfort.

Ball better be ready for a battle as well to retain his place in the lineup.  

Quarterbacks

WANTED: A Badger quarterback with any semblance of meaningful game experience. 

The quarterback situation in Madison looks bleak with more storm clouds than silver lining. Russell Wilson's one-time quick fix won't be replicated this year, and Wisconsin fans will be painfully reminded of Wilson's absence.

Right now, Joe Brennan should get the most snaps in practice and lead the position group going into next season. Jon Budmayr and Curt Phillips should both be healthy, but their history of medical issues does not instill much faith. 

Expect a strong push for incoming freshman Bart Houston to get experience right away while Brennan leads the Badgers on game day.

Unfortunately, both Budmayr and Phillips may get lost in the shuffle as they recover. 

Cornerbacks

Wisconsin has never been known for an airtight secondary. Its players have always been serviceable, but last year exposed the team's lack of speed and propensity to give up big yards when the game was on the line. 

The players in line next season do not do alot to quell those fears.

Marcus Cromartie was pressed into service after Devin Smith was injured. While Cromartie had flashes of brilliance, opposing quarterbacks picked on his inconsistent play.

Devin Smith should be returning and will most likely claim the No.1 cornerback spot. Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Peniel Jean showed enough skill last season to raise some eyebrows.

Cromartie may be on the way out while Jean slips into the No. 2 position.