Travis Frederick

With Kevin Zeitler and Peter Konz gone to the NFL, Frederick is the lone returning member of the Badgers interior offensive line in 2012. And Frederick, who will move from left guard to center as a junior this season, could end up being the best of the three. Despite being only a two-star recruit out of Big Foot high school in Wisconsin, he impressed the Badgers' coaching staff during a summer camp and earned a scholarship offer. Frederick became the first true freshman offensive lineman to start the season opener in school history, starting four games (two at center, two at left guard) in 2009. After redshirting in 2010, he started 13 games as a sophomore last season, 11 games at left guard before moving inside to center for the final two contests, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors.

positives

Top-notch football IQ and overall intelligence to recognize what the defense is doing and adjust the offensive line accordingly. Has bulked up and added bulk to his frame, carrying his weight well for a 335-plus pounder. Mobile enough to get to the second level and block in space. Thick upper body with the base strength to anchor off the snap and hold his ground.

compares to

John Moffitt, OL, Seattle Seahawks - Like Moffitt, Frederick lined up at both guard and center over his Wisconsin career, flashing the same sound technique and powerful base.

works hard with his technique and doesn't make many mistakes. fights with a finishing attitude and understands different scenarios, keeping his head on a swivel. better foot quickness and agility for a blocker with his size.

Comes from a program known for producing NFL-quality offensive linemen and has starting experience at both guard and center. High character individual and very coachable.

negatives

Lacks elite athleticism and has some stiffness in his hips. Needs to keep his weight in check to stay mobile. Susceptible to explosive interior linemen off the snap and needs to set up quicker to gain position and block off-balance.

Enrolled at the UW in Jan. 2009 and participated in spring practice

rated as the 83rd-best OT in the nation and fifth-best in Wisconsin

No. 73 player in the Midwest (SuperPrep)

Beloit Daily News and Wisconsin State Journal (small school) Player of the Year as a senior

first-team all-state offensive and defensive lineman

first-team all-district and all-conference

conference lineman of the year

team captain

54 tackles, nine TFLs, 1.5 QB sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries

first-team all-state offensive and defensive lineman as a junior

first-team all-county, all-district and all-conference

conference lineman of the year

53 tackles, 10 TFLs, two QB sacks and four fumble recoveries

honorable-mention all-state as a sophomore

first-team all-county and all-conference

conference lineman of the year

46 tackles, seven TFLs and 4.5 QB sacks

career totals of 151 tackles, 26 TFLs, eight QB sacks, two forced fumbles and seven fumbles recovered

three-time letterwinner in football and track and field

two-time letterwinner in wrestling

National Honor Society member .. High Honor Roll

head coach was Rodney Wedig.

Parents are Darrell and Elizabeth Frederick

enjoys weightlifting, playing the guitar and spending time with friends

intended major is engineering mechanics.