Wisconsin Football: 3 Badgers Poised to Have Monster 2012 Seasons

College football fans are constantly scanning the horizon for the next great player. Since the sport is largely made up of unknown quantities, breakout stars burst onto the scene every fall. 

It is no secret that the Badgers have to reload at many positions while working with an extremely small recruiting class. That means the newly christened coaching staff will have to trust players already in the program and who may have only seen scout-team action.

Some players will stumble upon the chance of a lifetime. But to become a gridiron standout, players must find the magic formula of ability and opportunity.

An early look at the Badgers lineup offers a promising glimpse of the next generation of household names. 

Ethan Hemer, DT

Hemer will be a redshirt junior when camp breaks, and all signs point to a big 2012.

At 6'6" and 300 lbs., the Medford, WI native has consistently gotten better with every season. He notched 31 total tackles in 2011, with five coming against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game.

The line will need Hemer's energy and his style should complement the bulldozing approach of teammate Beau Allen. 

Shelton Johnson, S

When the Badger faithful bemoaned the departure of Chris Maragos, Johnson stepped right in and took the role over.

With four interceptions, the athletic safety showed a rare ability to capitalize on quarterback mistakes. Time will tell whether the loss of veteran Aaron Henry will force Johnson to reach that next level, or digress, as the Wisconsin secondary may be spread too thin. 

Jeff Duckworth, WR

When most people think of Duckworth, the voice of Gus Johnson booms through their subconscious.

Duckworth caught 15 passes last season, but none as important as his fourth-quarter snag in the Big Ten Championship Game to give the Badgers the go-ahead score moments later. Duckworth hails from Ohio and will be a redshirt junior coming into next season.