Peter Konz

Konz (pronounced "Kahnz") is the dedicated type player coaches look for at center. He showed that and his high character when he made the decision to opt for the draft after his junior year. Konz wrote a letter of explanation for Badger fans, telling them, among other things, that he crammed 18 units into the fall semester so he could graduate this spring and, oh yes, he was getting married. Konz was equally accountable on the field, where his intensive off-field work was evident. His anticipation and alertness compensate for average quickness, so he still gets in position in time to take on defenders. Konz is more of a persistent, wall-off type of blocker than a physical mauler. In order to start in 30 college games, he overcame several setbacks including blood clots in both lungs (2009), a severely sprained ankle (2010) and a dislocated left ankle that kept him out of three games last season, including the Big Ten Championship Game, before he returned to play in the 2012 Rose Bowl against Oregon.

pass blocking

Possesses a solidly-built frame with a filled-out body and solid muscle definition. Naturally wide base off the snap. Does a nice job sinking his hips and playing with consistent pad level, sitting in his stance with steady balance. Shoots his hands into defenders with very good placement, flashing strong hands to sustain blocks for an extended period of time. Taller for the center position and will allow his upper body to get high at times. Understands blocking angles.

pulling/trapping

Athletic and mobile, blocking well in space and pulling towards either sideline. Shows natural instincts with a very good feel for the position, keeping his eyes elevated and always looking for someone to block.

intangibles

Intelligent with strong football character, working hard on and off the field. Has good starting experience with 30 career starts at center over the past three seasons. Offers some versatility with the skill-set to line up at other offensive line spots. Has strong durability concerns, missing time each of the past three seasons with various injuries -- missed three games towards the end of 2011, including the Big Ten Championship Game, with a left ankle injury.

run blocking

A physical run blocker with raw power and strength at the point of attack. Gets very good initial push off the snap. Does a nice job with body positioning, walling off defenders to seal run lanes. Not a quick-twitch mover and looks a tad uncoordinated in tight spaces.

downfield

Rangy blocker with the foot quickness to cover a lot of ground and easily get to the second level. Takes on defenders with toughness and aggression, looking to finish and dominate.

initial quickness

Sets up quickly and gets into his stance in a flash. Stout and aggressive at the point of attack and is tough to move because he plays with such good leverage -- sticky blocker. Konz is a bit stiff in his core and struggles to quickly redirect. Not naturally explosive.

Rated as the 30th-best offensive lineman in the nation and the No. 3 player in Wisconsin by Rivals.com

Scout.com ranked him as the second-best player in the state and the No. 38 offensive lineman in the nation

first-team all-state, all-region and all-conference offensive and defensive lineman as a senior

first-team all-state offense, first-team all-region, first-team all-conference, honorable mention all-conference defense and team's most valuable lineman as a junior

first-team all-conference and team's most improved lineman as a sophomore

team captain as a senior

played both ways and totaled 34 tackles and 10 QB sacks in his career

three-year letterwinner in football

two-time letterwinner in basketball and track and field

academic letter

head coach was Steve Mentzel.

Parents are Tony and Margaret Konz

relative, Robert Ferriani, played football at University of Massachusetts

enjoys watching movies, playing video games and sports

majoring in communication arts.