Wisconsin Badgers beat writer Jesse Temple will be analyzing the 30 most important players to the Badgers' success in the 2015 season. Check back each weekday to see the latest player on the list.
Note: This is not a list of the team's 30 best players or a series about past success, but rather which of them means the most to how Wisconsin will fare this year. Criteria such as depth at that player's position, general expectations and overall importance of that player having a good season are all highly considered. The list does not include incoming freshmen because their potential impact is unknown at this time.
No. 12 -- Derek Watt, fullback
Why he's No. 12
Watt is among the most versatile players on Wisconsin's roster, so expect his versatility to be used in 2015. He is considered an H-Back, which is a hybrid tight end and fullback position. Whether that means he catches many passes remains to be seen, but the mere threat of him lined up means defenses must account for Watt at all times. The fact is Watt possesses intelligence and athleticism and is simply too valuable to be used strictly as a blocker.
Expectations for 2015
Last season, Watt played in eight games with four starts and missed time because of an injured right foot. It marked the first season in his career in which he didn't catch a single pass. He caught 12 passes for 150 yards as a freshman in 2012 and three passes for 20 yards with a touchdown in 2013. If Watt truly is a hybrid tight end/fullback in 2015, there seems no reason why he wouldn't be more involved in the passing game.
"I'm playing like up on the wing position, doing a lot more motioning, coming out of the backfield a little bit more as well," Watt said after the spring game. "Just kind of lining up all over the place, trying to be as versatile as possible. Kind of just build the trust and be utilized in many different areas and just on the field more."
Watt said he wasn't sure how many offensive plays would be designed for him to get the ball next season. But with Wisconsin losing three of its top four pass catchers and still trying to develop tight ends and wide receivers, he could be an important piece.
"There's no set number," he said. "Just trying to expand this spring. I've run some more routes than I have in the past. Trying to get involved a little bit more in the passing scheme. As a tight end, that would just kind of come second nature. So just trying to get involved and whether they come or not, that's not up to me. Just see how it goes."
What would they do without him?
Obviously, Wisconsin would lose a player capable of playing multiple positions and would be relegated to using a fullback-specific player. Other fullbacks on the roster are Derek Straus and D.J. Spurling. Straus appeared in nine games last season and has played in 20 career games, while Spurling has seen limited on-field time.
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